Why The Sauna Is Useful

Why the sauna is useful

The improvement in physical and mental well-being from sauna use may be associated with increased production of endorphins.

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As you know, people usually go to the sauna for pleasure, well-being and just to relax. However, the results of a new study indicate that the sauna also has health benefits.

A new study, published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, says sauna can help reduce the risk of a number of conditions, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive disorders, lung disease, mental health disorders, and reduce mortality. In addition, the sauna relieves headaches, symptoms of skin diseases, arthritis and flu. Research data also suggests that regular sauna use is associated with better overall health.

A research team led by scientists from the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Bristol has carried out a comprehensive review of the health benefits of Finnish saunas. A characteristic feature of the Finnish sauna is a short stay in a room with a high air temperature (80-100 degrees C).

The results of this study also point to the beneficial effects of the sauna in improving blood circulation, the functioning of the respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems. Regular sauna use stabilizes the autonomic nervous system, relieves inflammation, reduces oxidative stress, blood pressure, the amount of "bad" cholesterol, arterial stiffness and vascular resistance.

In addition, the sauna helps to increase the level of circulating hormones. According to the researchers, physiological responses to the effects of a conventional sauna correspond to moderate to vigorous physical activity, such as walking.

The same research group has published reports of several more experimental studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of short-term sauna exposure on blood pressure, specific cardiovascular biomarkers, inflammation, vascular compliance, and cardiovascular function.

Relaxation and improved physical and mental well-being from sauna use may be associated with increased production of circulating hormones such as endorphins, the researchers report. The review also reports that sauna use produces beneficial changes equivalent to those resulting from physical activity. In their previous work, the research team has argued that sauna and physical activity can provide great health benefits when combined.

The study also emphasized that the sauna is relatively safe and can be used even by patients with compensated cardiovascular diseases. The researchers also claim that the hot Finnish sauna is well tolerated by people with hemodynamic disturbances without the development of complex ventricular arrhythmias in patients with heart disease.