To the Japanese, Russians, Turkish, Finnish, and some other cultures, relaxing in a high heat is a normal activity for relaxation. Some people may not find it appealing to sit in a heated room to sweat profusely. However, many others crave the comforting heat only a sauna or steam bath can provide. Saunas are generally heated to a temperature greater than 176 degrees Fahrenheit, or 80 degrees Celsius.
Types of Saunas
Saunas are different from steam baths because the temperatures are usually higher and the humidity level varies. Steam baths, on the other hand, cause perspiration from high humidity levels and lower temperatures---around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 43 degrees Celsius. The Creighton University Medical Center notes that it is common for saunas to be made of wood because it is the most comfortable material to touch in high temperatures. Traditionally, saunas have rocks inside that are heated with wooden or electrical devices. Pouring water on the rocks increase the steam and humidity. Infrared saunas use metallic, incandescent, or ceramic lamps as the heat source.
Benefits
Many people find that visiting a sauna is revitalizing and rejuvenating. In addition to feelings of relaxation and mental clarity, some believe that there are more benefits. Listed on the Pure Inside Out website, there are claims that in a sauna, profuse sweating is detoxifying, blood circulation improves, the immune system is strengthened and calories are burned to aid in weight loss. People believe that sweating removes toxins---harmful metals and chemicals---as well as cleansing the skin.
Physiological Effects
According to Harvard Medical School, the skin temperature can immediately reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius, upon entering a sauna. It is unclear whether being in a sauna increases or decreases blood pressure, but circulation increases. They note that the heart rate can increase up to 30 percent, but the extra blood flow goes to the skin rather than the internal organs. The metabolic changes are similar to that induced by physical exercise---hormonal changes, loss of fluids, loss of electrolytes and an increase in core body temperature.
Scientific Research
Saunas may cause slight and temporary weight loss---less than 2.2 lbs, or 1 kg---due to the loss of fluids from sweating. Once the fluids are replaced, the weight returns. There is some evidence that people can experience a reduction in cold symptoms with regular sauna activity, but no conclusive studies have been done. In the scientific sphere, it is still unclear what the benefits of sauna truly are besides relaxation.
Warning
The North American Sauna Society warns patients with heart conditions to seek advice from a professional before using a sauna, especially if the condition is not controlled. Pregnant women, patients taking insulin, and people with infections are also advised against using saunas. The risks of visiting a sauna include sudden death, abnormal heart rhythm and heart attacks. Generally, the risks are low for healthy people as long as they take precautions not to drink alcohol or take medications that affect body temperature, don't stay in the sauna for more than 20 minutes and stay hydrated throughout the session.
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