Sauna bathing may reduce cardiovascular disease risk
Sauna bathing for pleasure and relaxation has been a tradition in the Scandinavian cultures for thousands of years. However, there may be significant mind and body health benefits to sauna bathing. Sauna bathing may be beneficial in building a strong nerve force.
A Mayo Clinic study found “Emerging evidence suggests that beyond its use for pleasure, sauna bathing may be linked to several health benefits, which include reduction in the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases; nonvascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases; mortality; as well as amelioration of conditions such as arthritis, headache, and flu.” More about Mayo Clinic Study Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. See Ten Natural Strategies to Prevent, Ease and Relieve Headaches.
Sauna bathing is a form of heat therapy characterized by exposure to high but comfortable temperatures for a brief period. The typical Finnish sauna is characterized by dry air and relatively high temperature. Temperature and humidity can be temporarily increased by throwing water on the hot rocks of the sauna heater, which is the heating source with temperature settings from 80°C to 100°C in sauna. Typical sauna sessions consist of short stays in the sauna room, which is interspersed with cooling-off periods (swim, shower, or a cooling-off period at room temperature). The duration of stay in the sauna room usually ranges from 5 to 20 minutes and is recommended at least once per week.
It is important to be hydrated before, during and after your sauna bath for health and safety reasons. Good hydration regimen is especially important for the physically active and for athletes. More about Hydration and Electrolytes – Impact on Athletic Performance. Here is a list of 25 naturally hydrating foods 25 Most Hydrating Natural Foods.
Also, for health and safety reasons, it is not recommended to stay in a sauna bath for a long period of time, and not beyond 20 minutes.
The Mayo Clinic researchers concluded: (i) “Sauna bathing, an activity used for the purposes of pleasure, wellness, and relaxation, is linked to a remarkable array of health benefits.”, and (ii) ” Sauna bathing may be a remedy to the call for additional lifestyle interventions needed to enhance health and wellness, particularly in populations that have difficulty exercising, and also as an adjunct to exercise.”
Hot springs and steam baths health benefits
Hot springs and steam baths may offer similar health benefits as sauna baths. Hot springs built by nature add the value of being outdoors in a natural setting, often a naturally beautiful setting. Hot springs located in the sun add the benefit of getting your natural Vitamin D from sunlight. See Vitamin D Health Benefits, Skin Synthesis, Natural Food Sources, Deficiency and Photoprotection.
Here’s an image of a natural hot spring in the Olympic Hot Springs in Washington State.
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