The Surprising Benefits of Saunas: What Recent Studies Have Shown

Saunas have been a part of human history for centuries, with their use dating back to ancient civilizations. But it's only in recent years that studies have begun to uncover the true benefits of saunas on our health and wellbeing. In this blog, we'll explore some of the latest research on saunas and their benefits.

Improved Cardiovascular Health: One of the most well-known benefits of saunas is their ability to improve cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Pain Relief: Another surprising benefit of saunas is their ability to provide pain relief. A recent study found that sauna use can help reduce the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Improved Athletic Performance: Athletes have long used saunas as a way to improve their performance, and recent studies have shown that this may actually be effective. Sauna use can help improve endurance, increase muscle mass, and even improve recovery time after exercise.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Saunas are also great for reducing stress and anxiety. A recent study found that regular sauna use can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve overall mood.

Improved Skin Health: Saunas can also benefit our skin health. The heat and steam in saunas can help improve circulation, which can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. Saunas can also help flush out toxins, which can improve overall skin health.

Better Immune Function: Lastly, saunas can also help boost our immune function. A recent study found that regular sauna use can help increase the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.

Saunas have been used for centuries for their health benefits, but it's only in recent years that studies have begun to uncover their true potential. From improving cardiovascular health to reducing stress and anxiety, saunas have a range of benefits that make them worth considering as part of a healthy lifestyle. So why not give it a try? Your body will thank you for it.

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Sources: 

Improved Cardiovascular Health:

Laukkanen T, et al. Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr;175(4):542-8.

Laukkanen JA, Kunutsor SK. Sauna bathing and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018 Nov;33(11):1045-1061.

Pain Relief:

Masuda A, et al. The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychother Psychosom. 2005;74(5):288-94.

Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:1857413.

Improved Athletic Performance:

Scoon GS, et al. Effect of post-exercise sauna bathing on the endurance performance of competitive male runners. J Sci Med Sport. 2007 Aug;10(4):259-62.

Leppäluoto J, et al. Endocrine effects of repeated sauna bathing. Acta Physiol Scand. 1986 Feb; 128(3):467-70.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety:

Pilch W, et al. Whole-Body Cryostimulation and Mental Health: Overview and Review of the Literature. Front Psychiatry. 2019; 10: 118.

Matsushita K, et al. The Effects of Daily Hot Water Bathing and Hot Water Footbathing in Patients with Depressive Disorder: An Open-Label Pilot Study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018 Jul;24(4):18-23.

Improved Skin Health:

Fife C. Detoxification through the skin. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Sep;11(3):259-77.

Hannuksela ML, Ellahham S. Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. Am J Med. 2001 Feb 1;110(2):118-26.

Better Immune Function:

Hannuksela ML, Ellahham S. Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. Am J Med. 2001 Feb 1;110(2):118-26.

Crinnion WJ. Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant- induced and other chronic health problems. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Sep;16(3):215-25.