If the idea of sitting in a room where the temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while dripping in sweat, seems unappealing, it may prompt you to ask a frequent indulger of this form of heat therapy just why he takes a sauna. A sauna enthusiast likely will share several benefits of sauna therapy toward persuading you to try it for yourself. But even though sauna therapy can be a pleasurable experience, it should be used in moderation and heart patients should consult their doctors before taking one, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Kills Germs
As you sit inside a sauna, your skin and internal body rise to temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposing the body to high heat creates an artificial fever, which activates the body's natural healing process and inhibits growth of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, holistic practitioner Linda Page writes in "Healthy Healing." And in "Sauna Therapy," holistic physician Lawrence Wilson notes that many people can't rid themselves of chronic infections because they have a low body temperatures.
Improves Immunity
This cleansing fever stimulates the immune system and causes the body to increase its production of white blood cells, antibodies and interferon, a protein that fights cancer, according to "Healthy Living." Dry sauna therapy also boosts the activity of the organs and glands involved in maintaining a healthy immune system. Heating the body shunts blood toward the skin, which decongests the internal organs, the sinuses and other tissues.
Detoxes the Body
After several minutes inside the sauna, you begin to perspire heavily. This therapeutic sweat helps your body flush out toxins that enter through, food, water and air. Some medical experts refer to your skin as your body's third kidney because it eliminates 30 percent of your body's wastes, Wilson writes in "Sauna Therapy." In addition to internal detoxification, sauna therapy can also rejuvenate the skin, improving its tone and texture.
Enhances Blood Flow
As your body sweats to keep from overheating, your pulse rate increases and your heart pumps twice as much blood, according to the Harvard Health Publications authors. The heat and the increased heart rate cause blood vessels to expand and increase blood circulation throughout the body. Even though sauna therapy can't replace a workout, it produces cardiovascular benefits similar to aerobic exercise, Wilson writes in "Sauna Therapy."
Relaxes Body and Mind
After a 20-minute session in the sauna, you likely will feel very relaxed. Sauna therapy relieves stress and produces a calming effect on the nervous system. The heat relaxes the muscles and helps reduce the swelling and pain caused by arthritis or other muscle and joint discomfort.
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