Saunas are an essential part of Finnish culture. The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that archeological evidence points to the sauna being used for thousands of years in the region. Traditional saunas provide intense heat generated by a wood-fired stove or hot coals. Newer models use an electric heating source, which sometimes goes as high as 130 degrees F. The traditional sauna experience provides a number of health benefits.
Overall Relaxation
Harvard Health Publications notes that a trip to the sauna will get your blood flowing and help you relax. The sauna's primary benefit is this relaxation, which should help you de-stress and provide a feeling of well being that comes after a session. Too much stress can have a number of detrimental effects on your well-being. For example, The Cleveland Clinic promotes stress reduction as one of the key ways to achieve optimum health, as it plays a role in the proper function of the immune system.
Improved Immune Response
A study published in the 1990 edition of Annals of Medicine conducted by researchers in Austria found that those who use a sauna for 20 minutes twice a week have an increased immune response and were less likely to develop colds. This may have something to do with the increased circulation and sweat flushing toxins from the body.
Promote Healthy Skin
Sweating in the sauna isn't just for fun. As the sweat pours for your skin, it rinses dirt and debris out of the pores. A traditional Finnish sauna is usually followed by a dip in a cool pool or shower, which cleans the skin further and reduces the chance for acne breakouts that come from clogged pores.
Relieve Muscle Pain and Tension
Author and fitness guru Ellen Barrett promotes the sauna as a great way to relieve pain and tension in the muscles, especially post workout. As the muscles heat up in the sauna, the blood flow increases and lactic acid is moved out of the muscle tissue. The removal of this acid, which builds up during a vigorous workout, relieves the pain and soreness that you can experience.
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