Health benefits of the sauna

Health benefits of the sauna

The sauna can give a huge boost to your health, but how does this work exactly? One person like it while the other does not.Is it the heat or the fact that saunas are almost always entered naked the hindrance? Maybe this article can get you over the threshold if you're still in doubt.

In the sauna, the body temperature rises to 39 degrees, which opens the skin pores and allows the sweat glands to do their job. The evaporation of moisture provides cooling because evaporation costs energy. Loss of fluid in the body reduces blood in the veins and thus lowers blood pressure, so always make sure you drink plenty of fluids. The heat in the sauna is immediately pleasant for some, but others need even more time to get used to it.

 

Types of sauna

Finnish / Swedish sauna

Most saunas are built using wood. Wooden saunas give a natural look. With this type, the air is very dry and warm and difficult to breathe. Daily use of this sauna is not recommended and as a beginner it is better to stay in it for a maximum of 10 minutes. Sometimes, when the temperature in a wooden sauna is very high, it is difficult to sit on the wooden bench or chair, so it is advisable to place a towel on the wood before sitting down. This type is my favorite.

steam sauna

In this type of sauna, an evaporator is used that ensures a high humidity. The contact heat is strong and the large amount of moisture in the air can have a cleansing effect on the respiratory tract, especially when pungent scents such as mint or eucalyptus are used. Usually the side of this sauna is automatically flushed from time to time by small taps built into the top of the side. In this sauna you do not take a towel inside because this disrupts the operation. Hygiene is an important factor to keep an eye on in this sauna.

Infrared Lamp Sauna

Infrared lamps are used in these saunas. These emit infrared rays and penetrate deep into the body. After using this sauna, one should never cool down with cold water because otherwise the heat is locked up in the body.

 

The health benefits of the sauna include:

Improvement of the general blood circulation

During a sauna session of 10 – 20 minutes, the heart rate increases by about 50-75%. This causes a metabolism similar to exercise. The load on the heart muscle is the same as when you walk briskly.

Excreting waste products

Because the blood starts to flow vigorously and all veins open, you stimulate the detoxification organs such as the liver and kidneys to do their job. The pores of the skin open due to the heat and therefore the body can get rid of waste products through the skin. In our current society we do too much sedentary work, which means that many people sweat little and the lymph fluid cannot flow properly in the body. The sauna stimulates the flow of all body fluids, allowing maximum detoxification.

Ensures healthy skin

Blood pressure hardly rises because the heat opens the small vessels. This increases the blood flow to the skin and ensures that more nutrients can reach the skin, so that your skin is nourished from the inside. The skin is our largest organ and is also an organ for the body to get rid of waste. This becomes visible when someone eats unhealthy foods, because a few days later, eczema or pimples can appear on the skin.

Deep relaxation and reduction of stress

The heat not only opens the pores, but also the mind so that you can easily let go of thoughts and problems. It is my experience that the heat of the sauna provides relaxation, but that cooling down provides an even more intense relaxation. Many people dread the cold plunge pool, but this is very important to get rid of the excess heat. Usually the sauna is a quiet space without distractions and stimuli. The sauna session ensures the production of soothing endorphins in the brain, so that you can take a wonderful rest home with you afterwards.

Better resistance to temperature changes

Many people get cold very quickly. Your body gets used to hot and cold temperatures through the sauna. The nerves in the skin become "hard", so that you can better withstand warmer and colder temperatures.

Condition of the veins is improved.

Due to the changes in temperature, the veins expand and contract again in response to the heat. The dilation of the blood vessels allows the blood to get everywhere and bring nutrients to maintain the veins. The increased heart rate also provides an APK of the veins.

Extra fat burning

The increase in the heart rate ensures the burning of fat. The heart rate is in the so-called cardio zone, which means that your body burns fat and no proteins or sugars. In addition, under the influence of heat, fat becomes more liquid, so that your body can convert the fat even better into energy for the heart muscle.

Ensures social connection

Often there is a personal atmosphere in the sauna where people are open to a conversation. It seems as if a piece of shield disappears with the clothing, making people more accessible. You can also enjoy a day of wellness with a good friend, so that you can exchange what is important to you.

Provides a deeper sleep

Research shows that sauna use ensures a deeper sleep by releasing endorphins. This is also my experience. I have noticed that the more often you go to the sauna, the less intense this effect is. This is probably because the body with frequent sauna use is used to the intensity for the heart and carries few toxins.

Relieves joint and muscle pain

Due to the improved and accelerated blood flow, the lactic acid in the muscles is removed earlier and the blood can optimally nourish the joints. Also, the release of natural endorphins in the brain provides pain relief.

Provides better resistance

Research has shown that the sauna causes an increase in white blood cells, which increases your resistance to colds and flu.

 

The sauna has 8 steps:

1. Shower

For fellow sauna-goers it is fresh to start the round clean. In addition, it is also more hygienic for the furniture and equipment.

2. Drying

The effect of the sauna is more powerful with dry skin. The skin then starts to sweat itself. It is also nice for the other bathers not to be confronted with a water ballet.

3. Warm foot bath

The body can get used to the heat. The body as a whole is slightly warmed through the feet.

4. Sauna

This round usually lasts 15 minutes, but for a beginner 5 – 10 minutes is already good. Seasoned sauna goers can sometimes stay longer than 20 minutes in the sauna. It is not wise to stay in the sauna for longer than 20 minutes, so it is better to opt for several courses. With multiple courses, you can also increase the number of minutes at a time.

A beginner is recommended to take a seat in the sauna room on the low or medium-high bench, while the more experienced among us usually relax on the high bench. Per bench height it easily saves 10 degrees. When a feeling of shortness of breath or wanting to leave occurs, always listen to this and leave the sauna room at all times.

5. Cold air bath

After the sauna, it is good to stabilize the body for a while so that it can relax and withstand the cooling phase. The alveoli are now completely open to absorb oxygen, so it is good to go outside and provide the body with extra oxygen.

6. Cold shower or dip

It is very important to cool down well and undergo this step. It contributes to good relaxation of the body. First shower the sweat from your body and only then go into the plunge pool. Do not forget the head, otherwise a headache due to the excessive heat may arise.

7. Warm foot bath

The body has now cooled down considerably and the foot bath can calmly bring it up to temperature. The heat is distributed throughout the body through the feet.

8. Rest

Drink enough during this phase. You will notice that when you have braved the heat enough and have cooled down really well, this phase can also be very intense. It is best to choose a recliner while resting.

 

The sauna is safe for most people, but when in doubt consult a doctor and avoid the sauna if:

• a lot of alcohol

• Medications such as blood thinners

• open wounds

• Inflammation

• A fever

• Avoid the sauna with headaches and flu

• Varicose veins

• Infectious Diseases

• 1st three months of pregnancy

• Menstruation (for hygiene reasons)

• Low bloodpressure

• Low blood sugar

• Dizziness

• Cancer (consult with your oncologist)

And keep a close eye on the following when visiting the sauna:

Stay in the cabin for a maximum of 20 minutes

Make sure to rest for 5 minutes before cooling down

Drink enough after the sauna

The sauna is very healthy, but the heat can still have a negative effect on the elderly and young children. The use of the sauna by this target group is therefore not recommended.

I myself have enjoyed going to various sauna centers for more than 12 years and often go to the sauna after working out in the gym. I can remember that the first time I went to the sauna was strange because I was not used to being naked among others. Now I don't know any better and I don't care about that at all.

During the sauna you can lose a lot of electrolytes through sweating. Fill this up with Celtic Sea Salt. This is salt with 84 minerals that nourish your body down to the cellular level.

Large sauna centers are for many people what the Efteling is for children.