A sauna uses either dry heat or heat combined with water--also known as a steam sauna--as a means to encourage sweat in your body. When you enter the sauna, the high temperatures cause your body's blood vessels to enlarge, increasing circulation, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. This increased circulation is associated with a number of health benefits, but saunas should not be used by those who have high blood pressure, heart conditions or who have been drinking.
Reduce Muscle Stiffness
The heat from the dry or steam sauna helps to warm and loosen your muscles, according to Dr. Andrew Weil. Think of the sauna as similar to a warm-up prior to exercise: By warming and loosening the muscles, you experience greater flexibility and range of motion. This is especially helpful after a person exercises because it can help to reduce residual muscle soreness.
Relieves Stress
The warmth of the sauna allows you to breathe deeply and helps to relieve stress, according to Dr. Harvey Simon of Harvard Health Publications. While sitting in a sauna, you are able to focus your emotions and let worries drift away, according to GoAskAlice.columbia.edu. You may notice that you feel rejuvenated and renewed following a sauna session. Aromatherapy oils can be added to the steam to further enhance the relaxation aspects of a sauna. Because your circulation increases, your blood pressure also goes down, which can make you feel more relaxed.
Relieves Minor Illnesses
Not only does a sauna help to dilate the blood vessels, it also helps to open up the airways, which can be useful for those battling colds or other breathing-related illness, according to GoAskAlice.columbia.edu.
Improves Complexion
Because circulation is increased when a person is in a sauna, this can help to improve the complexion, according to GoAskAlice.columbia.edu. Blood flow to the skin helps to bring minerals and nutrients to the skin, which helps to grow new skin cells and encourages collagen and elastin production. The body also is able to release toxins and sodium via the sweat produced while in a sauna, according to Weil.
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