The health benefits of the Finnish sauna are all related to its ability to help the body quickly flush out a large amount of toxins thanks to the intense heat generated. Exposure to high temperatures (60°C to 100°C), dry air, and a cabin made of natural wood make the Finnish sauna a real panacea for the mind and body. The sauna also helps reduce migraines which are often due to poor regulation of tension in the blood vessels.
Sweating activates the body’s detoxification process which aids the removal of toxins and heavy metals, thereby reducing the workload on the kidneys. The heat generated by the sauna also dilates pores,
helping the elimination of toxins and dead cells for a more elastic and younger skin.
Among other beneficial effects, using the sauna also helps lose weight, not through perspiration -as any lost fluids are quickly reintegrated- but rather thanks to an increased heart rate.
The direct effect on the heart, through the dilation of blood vessels, as well as the rapid increase of the heartbeat, also improves the entire cardiovascular system.
However, the most immediate and impressive health benefit of the sauna is the increased release of endorphins by the brain which reduce insomnia and restlessness and improve concentration and reflexes.
An increasing number of gyms, swimming pools, and sports centres are equipped with a professional spa with sauna and Turkish bath. It’s not a passing fashion, but rather a real wellness programme recommended by sports doctors as a post-workout routine. Once again, sauna is the most beneficial treatment after a workout.
An increasing number of gyms, swimming pools, and sports centres are equipped with a professional spa with sauna and Turkish bath. It’s not a passing fashion, but rather a real wellness programme recommended by sports doctors as a post-workout routine. Once again, sauna is the most beneficial treatment after a workout.
Apart from exceptional cases, the sauna does offer many benefits. To be sure of enjoying them to the full, however, it is a good idea to follow a few precautions, if only to get your body used to the high temperatures, which can be uncomfortable, especially during the first few sessions.
Preparing for entry is essential. Remember to enter the cabin completely clean and well-hydrated. Cleansing the body with soap and drinking water and herbal teas will not only help you to cope better with the sessions, but will also increase the effects of the heat. As for access, the advice is to enter naked or at least covered with natural fabrics: everything to help the body perspire.
Once in the sauna, you can stay for less than 10 minutes, preferably lying down. You can also decide to alternate the dry climate with a little humidity by pouring water on the hot stones placed inside the cabin.
This will increase sweating and its beneficial effects on the body. Before leaving the sauna, sit with your back straight to stimulate the circulation.
After the first part of the treatment, you should let your body cool down by taking a cold shower, taking care NOT to wet your head first. Then you can wait a few minutes before having another 2 sauna sessions, followed by a shower. To sum up: In order to reintegrate the fluids you lost through heavy sweating, you should drink plenty, especially herbal teas or fruit juices. This will give your body the right amount of water and mineral salts expelled during the session.
But remember that the best way to fully enjoy the benefits of the sauna is to take a moment for yourself, to lose yourself in the relaxing pleasure of this ancient treatment brought to us to teach us the importance of taking care of our mental and physical health.
In spite of the proven benefits of the sauna, there are some contraindications. Rather than side effects, it would be better to say that the heat bath is not recommended in certain situations.
The treatment should not be carried out by people suffering from heart problems. Although it has been proven that the sauna benefits the cardiovascular system, it is also true that the high temperatures may not be compatible with people suffering from heart disease.
Even in the case of flu and pregnancy, it would be better to refrain from a sauna session, as well as during the menstrual cycle. Vasodilatation can have a negative effect, which can lead to excessive stress.
