Saunas are everywhere—at health clubs, spas, in hotel rooms, in apartment communities, rehabilitation centers, sports complexes, swimming pools, and in private homes. The reason saunas are so popular is simple. Lying in a sauna is a great way to relax and unwind, but did you know that saunas are not only good for mental health, but they may also be good for physical health too? Some may disagree, while others offer a convincing argument for using saunas for detoxification, weight loss, cellulite reduction, pain relief, the treatment of respiratory problems, and to help clear skin problems. So how does relaxing in a sauna accomplish all of this? According to Fuller Fitness:

During a 10-20 minute sauna session, your heart rate increases by 50-75%. This provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. The increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.

Blood vessels become more flexible and there is increased circulation to the extremities. During a sauna, blood flow to the skin increases to as high as 50-70% of cardiac output (compared to the standard 5-10%). This brings nutrients to subcutaneous and surface tissue resulting in glowing healthy skin.

Steambaths and saunas induce sweating to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body. Thirty percent of body wastes are passed through the skin. Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body.

When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state. Fever is part of the body’s natural healing process. Fever stimulates the immune system resulting in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti viral protein with cancer fighting capability).

Spas and other such therapeutic facilities utilize saunas and steambaths in conjunction with massage to loosen fatty tissue and assist in the battle against cellulite.

The cleansing effect of profuse perspiration helps provide healthy skin and a clear complexion.

Before using a sauna, there are a number of precautions to follow. Harvard Men’s Health Watch offers the following advice:

·Avoid alcohol and medications that may impair sweating and produce overheating before and after your sauna.
·Stay in no more than 15–20 minutes.
·Cool down gradually afterward.
·Drink two to four glasses of cool water after each sauna.
·Don’t take a sauna when you are ill, and if you feel unwell during your sauna, head for the door.

Many people can tolerate the intense heat in a sauna, while others cannot. If you have high blood pressure or a cardiovascular condition, check with your doctor to make sure it’s ok to use a sauna.