by Sofia Moreau

The unassuming sauna, cherished for its relaxing ambiance and ability to diminish bodily discomforts, is also a powerhouse of hidden health rewards. These dry heat chambers, profoundly ingrained in Finnish and Swedish cultures, are backed by scientific evidence to combat risks of hypertension, enhance lung function, facilitate cognitive vitality, and more.

Contribution of Sauna to Heart and Cognitive Health

Tying sauna advantages to heart’s health is no new revelation. As per a comprehensive review by Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine incorporating 40 studies and 3,855 participants, frequent sauna sessions can diminish enlarged heart among those with congestive heart failure, regulate arrhythmia, or the irregular heartbeat, and decrease the risk of sudden cardiac death by an impressive 63%. Moreover, sauna’s cognitive health benefits are substantial, with a noted reduction of up to 66% in dementia risks.

Boosting Fitness Levels with Sauna Sessions

Sauna exploits don’t stop at health alone; they stretch over to the fitness industry too. Saunas have been recognized for enhancing oxygen saturation during physical activities, extending post-heat workout durations, and even amplifying the function of our cellular powerhouses, mitochondria, by 28%. Furthermore, sauna’s proven efficacy for reducing pain and facilitating post-exercise recovery makes it a vital supplement to your fuss-free and effective training program.

The Sauna Mechanism

Strategically installed within compact, wooden cabins, saunas maintain a dry, sizzling temperature ranging between 65°C and 90°C. This severe heat exposure elevates skin and core body temperatures, initiating multiple bodily responses including escalated heart rates, increased blood circulation, and profuse perspiration to aid temperature regulation. Simultaneously, you may experience muscle relaxation and enhanced alertness paired with reduced sensitivity to pain.

The Cellular Impact

On cellular grounds, sauna sessions lead to curtailed oxidative stress and inflammation. Interestingly, the heat stress that your body endures in a sauna optimizes your body’s functionality and boosts resistance towards severe challenges, in a manner parallel to workouts. Include essential oils during your sauna session for bonus benefits. Refreshing eucalyptus clears airways while pine invigorates and revitalizes.

Optimizing Sauna Therapy

Embarking on your sauna journey? Ensure to stay hydrated with ample water intake. Avoid alcohol consumption before or during a session due to its dehydrating nature. Keep your sauna sessions brief, around 10 minutes, split into two or three turns. Lastly, be mindful to acclimatize your body by transitioning from the upper benches to a seated position lower down before stepping out for a revitalizing shower or a plunge in the pool.

A Personal Testimonial

Sarah, a fitness enthusiast, shares her delightful experience of experiencing ‘saunagus’ at a popular sports resort. This ritual involved a ‘gus master’ mixing ice with essential oils over hot stones and fanning the resulting aromatic heat around the sauna. She describes the sensation as deeply therapeutic and incredibly rejuvenating, proving once more the immense benefits a sauna session can provide.

So, when are you booking your next sauna session?

sauna, heart health, cognitive health, fitness, workout recovery, oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle relaxation, dehydration, sauna therapy, saunagus