Proven Benefits of Traditional Sauna
Traditional Finnish saunas start from 140°F (60°C), with most healthy people preferring temperatures from 160-195°F (70-90°C). An important aspect of sauna temperature is what the Finnish call, löyly.
Löyly is the Finnish term for the steam that comes off of the heated sauna rocks when water is thrown over them. Without Löyly the sauna air will be dry at around 5-15% humidity. With water, the humidity can reach 100% for a limited time.
There are multiple forms of sauna on the market; infrared, steam and traditional. It is important to note that almost all of the scientific health benefits have been studied and proven with the traditional Finnish sauna.'
In a study on men who used sauna 4-7 times a week were 40% less likely to die of any disease. In other words, if you sauna on a semi-daily basis… it can cut the chances of you dying from disease almost in half! I’ve cited a few more statistics below related to overall health, clinical conditions and athletic benefits to traditional Finnish sauna.
Overall Health Benefits
Heart Health - People who sauna, were shown to have up to 63% lower risk of deaths related to heart disease.
Muscle Recovery - Sauna increases circulation, keeping muscles open to all of the nutrients they need. Sauna increases levels of growth hormone, important part of muscle repair and weight management.
Clearer Skin - Sweating cleanses pores and improves capillary circulation improving blood flow to your skin which supports the growth of new skin while removing built up dead cells.
Eliminate Toxins - Toxins are constantly entering our system and sauna helps eliminate things like heavy metals, chemicals and bacteria through sweat glands. Research has proven that sauna improves kidney function.
Improved Immunity - Sweating in the sauna increases white blood cells and reduces contraction of flu or common cold by 30%.
Deeper Sleep - Sauna is connected to relaxation and supports relief from chronic tension.
Hormone & System Regulation - Spending time in the sauna improves insulin sensitivity and decreases the rate that muscles are broken down for energy production. Alternating exposure to hot and cold environments regulates the autonomic nervous system, which promotes oxygen deliver to cells and contributes to healthy function of internal organs.
Enhances Concentration & Brain Function - Studies in men and women suggest that sauna increases norepinephrine levels by more than 86%! This a neurotransmitter and hormone that the brain needs to focus and concentration.
Increased Stress Resiliency - Exposure to cold and heat interchangeably, provides a controlled stressor that promotes resistance to stress in the body and builds neuro-plasticity.
Social Connectivity - Did you know that loneliness is more lethal than cigarettes! Sweating in a sauna amongst community can be a powerful way to remain healthy all year.
Athletic Benefits
Improves athletic performance - When you regularly sweat in a sauna, you increase your heat tolerance threshold which leads to significant improvement in endurance. Studies showed that runners who sauna twice a week feel less fatigued and are able to maintain energy.
Workout recovery - Sauna after a workout helps reduce inflammation and stiffness which can minimize soreness and support muscle repair.
Clinical Health Benefits
Reduction in the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and nuerocognitive diseases.
Reduces Systemic Inflammation - that can cause cardiovascular disease, diabetes and various forms of cancer. A study found that sauna reduced the level of C-reactive protein.
Sources:
Sauna Benefits: 8 Science Backed Ways a Sauna Makes You Healthier by: DivineSaunas dated March 27 2020
Top 10 health benefits of sauna by 612 Sauna Society
Proven Benefits of Sauna - All you need to know about sweating it out by Vacayou dated September 2 2023
