A sauna is a small insulated room that uses heat and steam to create a relaxing effect on the body. Saunas can reach a core temperature of approximately 180 degrees Fahrenheit, at which they begin to detox the body. According to the Cankar website, saunas were introduced by the Finns over 1,000 years ago. Today, people seek the use of the sauna for its health benefits.
Significance
Saunas are good for ridding the body of harmful toxins through perspiration, according to the North American Sauna Society. As the body temperature rises in a sauna, the pores of the body begin to open up and release impurities that have built up in the body. Mercury, zinc, copper, mercury, lead and nickel can all be released through a 5- to 10-minute sauna experience.
Benefits
There are a couple main benefits to using a sauna. Some people report seeing a weight loss of a few pounds after a few sauna sessions. This is largely in part of the water weight lost through sweat at high temperatures. In addition, the Finnleo website states that a sauna is good for cleansing the skin. Deep sweating removes excess dead skin cells and flushes bacteria out of the sweat ducts. In some cases, it can help with acne by cleansing pores from the inside out.
Decorative
The sauna has an array of benefits, but it is also known for its decorative purposes. The wood from which a sauna is derived showcases beauty and style. Cedar is a popular wood type for a sauna. It is resistant to decaying and mildew and handles temperature changes well, especially outdoors. The Hometips website states that other popular wood choices include white spruce, hemlock, aspen and redwood. The wood structure is aromatic and decorative if placed in a garden as a focal point.
Types
Saunas come in two different types--infrared and conventional--according to Creighton University Medical Center. Infrared saunas use incandescent infrared heat lamps for heat. The heat penetrates from the top and sides to raise the temperature in the room. A far infrared sauna is slightly different from a traditional infrared. It uses metallic and ceramic heating elements without the direct lights. A conventional sauna mainly uses steam to raise the temperature in the sauna. Electric or in some cases wood-fired, a bucket and heated rocks are often used to generate added steam.
Muskoskeletal Benefits
If you have problems within your muskoskeletal system such as arthritis pain or fibromyalgia, a sauna could relax your muscles and help ease the discomfort. The North American Sauna Society states that sufferers of muscles spasms, bursitis, muscle tension and post-exercise pain could reduce inflammation and pain by visiting a sauna for 15 minutes a day.
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