Benefits of Dry Heat Sauna

Benefits of Dry Heat Sauna
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Temperatures in a dry heat sauna can get as high as 185 degrees Fahrenheit and cause body temperatures to increase to as high as 104 degrees, report doctors at the Harvard Medical School. The effects of a dry sauna on the body can be profound, creating as much as a pint of sweat and increasing pulse rate up to 30 percent. To reap the benefits, dry sauna users should follow certain precautions such as not drinking alcohol before entering the sauna and drinking three to four glasses of water after leaving the unit.

Detoxification

Sweat helps the body exude toxins and other unwanted materials from the body. Since the dry heat sauna produces so much sweat, a detoxification takes place that can help to eliminate debris collected in the fat tissues. An infrared sauna, commonly used for dry heat sauna rooms, penetrates the skin to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches, opening pores to allow accumulated toxins to pour out. In addition to ridding the body of toxins, the detoxification process can help increase circulation and reduce pain in some people, report the holistic treatment professionals at Optimum Health.

Weight Loss

Water weight loss can add up for those looking for an additional push to their weight loss regimen. Additionally, as your body's core heats up and circulation increases, more calories are needed to pump blood through your system. Your body turns to its fat stores to supply the extra energy resources, adding to the sauna's weight loss benefits. Dry heat saunas can burn as many as 600 calories in a 30-minute session.

Relaxation

One of the most commonly reported benefits of dry heat sauna is its relaxation properties. Sauna users must sit still for the period inside the sauna and concentrate on breathing, which can be a little difficult for some people. The natural procedure provides an opportunity to slow down and relax. As the heat penetrates your body, it relaxes your muscles. The penetrating heat also works to relax joints and can soothe pain for many who suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Skin Rejuvenation

The skin is the largest organ on the body and requires flushing regularly through sweat to keep it clean and rejuvenated. The pores open up quickly in a dry heat sauna, and the debris and dirt trapped in those pores become loosened quickly as well. Blood flow increases and adds to the detoxification that improves the skin. People with acne, eczema and other skin imperfections can see a marked improvement in the tone and appearance of their skin following a dry heat sauna.

References

Article reviewed by Deb Taber Last updated on: Apr 13, 2010

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