According to scientists from Finland, using a sauna significantly reduces the risk of death from heart diseases. Long-term observations of men regularly using this form of relaxation showed that men visiting the sauna 7 times a week have half the risk of death compared to those visiting only once a week. Is the reason detoxification of the body, improved circulation, or the fact that the sauna improves our endurance similarly to physical exercise? This has not been examined, but the above data still sounds encouraging enough to want to use the sauna.
What benefits a sauna can bring largely depends on its type. A dry sauna, also known as Finnish sauna, is a place where you can experience temperatures up to 110°C. The air humidity level in such a sauna is very low, about 15%, which, as it turns out, provides many benefits. Our heart and circulatory system combined with the body's immunity are strengthened. In such a sauna, the high temperature results from a special stove heating stones. Wooden seats with backrests are arranged in tiers in the sauna. Regarding its advantages, for some the most important may be the support for weight loss treatments. The effect of this sauna additionally detoxifies, reduces muscle tensions, and relieves stress. Using the sauna combined with physical activity contributes to the formation of new brain cells, so it's worth combining these two forms of activity.
How to use a dry sauna? It is done in several cycles, preferably three lasting 15 minutes each. Each time, we rinse the body under the shower and dry off. After the last session, we rest lying down for about 15-20 minutes.
Also read: How often to use a sauna, i.e. how many times a week to visit it?
Here, the temperature is about 50°C, and the air humidity is about 40%, although it can reach up to 100%. Such a room is lined with ceramic mosaic, and the heat source is a steam generator. In this sauna, you will also find showers for cooling legs and pouring water over the places where we sit. This type of sauna is most often appreciated by women due to its rejuvenating and moisturizing effects. Besides what a steam sauna offers, we can also expect improved circulation, strengthened heart and immunity. For physically active people, it means improved endurance, an energy boost, and better metabolism. The steam sauna also provides deep respiratory inhalation. Proper temperature and humidity settings support the treatment of seborrhea and skin problems.
How to use the steam sauna? A session in such a sauna lasts about 10-20 minutes. Two longer or three shorter sessions per visit are recommended. We use it naked, sitting, standing, or lying down. Before starting and after finishing, we rinse the sauna with water from a shower.
Also read: How often can you use the sauna? How many times a week?
It turns out that the sauna will not be a blessing for everyone. All infections, colds accompanied by elevated temperature can worsen in the sauna. Heart failure, post-heart attack condition, or acute, chronic rheumatoid arthritis of the spine are diseases for which the sauna can be harmful. Worsening symptoms of bronchial asthma or chronic debilitating diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis also do not find relief in the sauna. People suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or coronary artery disease should also not use it. Pregnancy and very young age (children) also constitute contraindications for staying in such a room.
The sauna is not for everyone, but that is nothing new because nearly all treatments have indications and contraindications. Not to mention that not everyone likes hot climates and does not choose such destinations for vacations, so why would they choose it in the SPA zone?
It is worth gathering information about the treatment before going to such a session. It is also worth learning what benefits for our health are offered at the place we are visiting, but remember that besides health, we should also feel relaxation and pleasure. This state during any rest should be the main advantage of the sauna.
