Saunas or sweat baths have been used around the world for thousands of years. The ancient Romans, Japanese, Russians and native Americans all have their own version of the sweat bath, but the most popular is the Finnish sauna. All of these cultures have used saunas to eliminate toxins and maintain good health by sweating, according to the website Pure Inside Out. Although there are many claims about the sauna's health benefits, there is "little evidence that they have health benefits above and beyond relaxation and a feeling of well-being," according to Dr. Harvey Simon, editor of Harvard Men's Health Watch.
Benefits of Sweating
Human skin is the largest organ in our bodies. A sauna may help keep us healthy by extracting toxins through the pores, according to Pure Inside Out. As the skin helps regulate our body temperature, we begin to sweat. The skin helps transform toxins from an oil-based to a water-soluble form, which is easier for our bodies to eliminate. Toxins flow out of our bodies in our sweat. Many of us do not sweat as much as our ancestors did. We often wear tight clothing made of synthetic materials that prevent our skin from breathing. Saunas may help restore the body's natural detoxification process by forcing us to sweat. The average person will produce a pint of sweat while in a sauna, according to Harvard Medical School.
Cleansing Chemicals
We come into contact with hundreds of chemicals in our daily lives, including lotions, soaps, shower gels, shampoos and deodorants. Even laundry detergent and household cleaners can cause toxins to leach into our bodies through our skin. Using a sauna may restore our skin's ability to eliminate these toxic chemicals from our bodies. It is the fastest detox method available, according to Pure Inside Out.
Physical Health
Saunas may improve breathing and blood circulation. The pulse rate increases by 30 percent and almost doubles the amount of blood the heart pumps each minute, according to Harvard Medical School. Exposure to heat may also help the body produce white blood cells which can strengthen the immune system. A sauna burns about 300 calories in an average session, according to Pure Inside Out, which is the equivalent of mild exercise. Combined with healthy eating habits and other forms of regular exercise, saunas may help you lose weight, stay fit and increase your metabolism. Saunas may also temporarily relieve body pain associated with arthritis.
Relaxation
While the medical community is not sold on the physical benefits of the sauna, they have been proven to promote relaxation and mental health. Heat from the sauna helps soothe and relax tense muscles, according to Pure Inside Out. Sauna users have reported increased feelings of psychological contentment and peace, according to Columbia University's Health Services.
Warnings
If the sauna makes you feel dizzy, nauseous or ill in any way, exit immediately. Begin a sauna regimen gradually, increasing the duration of your session each time. Never drink alcohol before using a sauna. It acts as a depressant and will counteract the sauna's benefits, according to Columbia University. Patients who suffer from heart, respiratory or chronic diseases should not use a sauna. To be safe, everyone should consult a physician before beginning a sauna regimen.
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