WHY SAUNA?

11 REASONS TO INVEST YOUR TIME! 

1. Saunas improve overall health, wellness and performance.

Not surprisingly, sauna bathers most frequently cite stress reduction as the number one benefit of sauna use. Medical studies have shown that excessive stress in our daily lives can negatively affect our health. In fact, the vast majority of diseases (e.g. heart disease) is at least partially stress-related. Sauna (and its sister, cold plunging) provide stress relief in a number of ways. It’s a warm, quiet space without any distractions coming from the outside. As we like to say, "Step into a sauna, and close the door on the rest of the world." The heat from the sauna relaxes the body's muscles, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s all-natural "feel good" chemical, and their release provides a truly wonderful "after sauna glow.”

2. Sauna aids in recovery after intense physical activity. Saunas relax muscles and soothe aches/pains in both muscles and joints.

In the heat provided by a sauna, the body releases endorphins. Endorphins can have a mild, enjoyable "tranquilizing effect" and the ability to minimize the pain of joint and muscle soreness. Body temperature also rises from the heat of the sauna. This causes blood vessels to dilate, therefore increasing blood circulation. This increased blood flow in turn speeds up the body’s natural healing process via soothing aches and pains. After participating in movement practices, using a sauna promotes muscle repair and relaxation.

3. Saunas flush toxins via the sweating process.

Deep sweating has multiple proven health benefits. Benefits derived from a deep sweat can be achieved via regular sauna use. Due to the heat of a sauna, the core body temperature begins to rise. The blood vessels then dilate, causing increased blood flow. As heat from the blood begins to move toward the skin's surface, the body’s nervous system then sends signals to the millions of sweat glands that cover the human body. As the sweat glands become stimulated, they produce sweat. Sweat production is primarily designed to cool the body, and is composed of 99% water. However, deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemicals - which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments. 

4. Saunas improve brain health.

A 20-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues revealed regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 176 degrees F for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer's & Dementia. 

5. Saunas relieve stress.

The heat in the sauna helps us to relax and regulates the level of cortisol in our blood. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when we’re stressed, and high levels of cortisol can lead to a number of health issues such as problems with the immune system and with sleeping. Sauna use reduces the levels of cortisol in our blood and stimulates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is our “happy hormone” that makes us feel good.

6. Saunas can induce a deeper sleep.

Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use. In addition to the release of endorphins, body temperatures that become elevated in the late evening, fall at bedtime. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key in facilitating sleep. 

7. Saunas can help fight illness.

German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam (in the case of traditional saunas like ours), it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies - especially when used with steam (tip: add eucalyptus or other respiratory oils to the water for added benefit and overall enjoyment). The steam vapor action helps to clear up unwanted congestion and is a wonderful aspect of the Finnish or Nordic sauna experience.

8. Sauna cleanses the skin.

Heat bathing is one of the oldest beauty and/or health strategies in terms of cleansing one's skin (your largest organ). When the body begins to produce sweat via deep sweating, the skin is then cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced - keeping your skin in good working condition. Sweating rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve the capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer-looking quality.

9. Saunas burn calories - passively. 

This is the ‘quietest’ cardio workout you’ll ever have. Outlandish claims are often made by some sauna sellers to promote saunas as an end-all weight loss tool. While some individuals may experience high amounts of calorie burn at first - particularly those individuals in poor shape to begin with - over the long term, saunas are simply treated as one of many tools in our arsenal when it comes to burning additional calories. The sweating process itself requires a notable amount of energy. That energy is derived from the conversion of fat and carbohydrates in a bodily process that burns up calories. According to U.S. Army medical research (Ward Dean, M.D.), "A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories in the process.” The body consumes said calories due to the acceleration of heart activity (the cardiovascular section). As heart activity increases and as these processes demand more oxygen, the body begins to convert more calories into usable energy.

10. Saunas bring out recreational and social benefits.

While the social benefit is rarely talked about, it's actually quite important. The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be a relaxing environment for socializing with family, friends and soon-to-be friends. The sauna is immensely conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.

11. Saunas just feel good.

A sauna not only feels good, it’s good for your body. Whether it’s the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or if it’s simply the time spent in the calming and still retreat of the sauna, every seasoned sauna bather agrees - it feels wonderful! As we progress through our stressful everyday lives, the sauna provides a sweet retreat - where we can relax and restore body and soul. Sauna use truly makes you "Feel Better”, "Look Better” and "Sleep Better”!