Types of Saunas and Their Benefits

Types of Saunas and Their Benefits

Wondering how many types of saunas are there and what are their benefits? Well, then you’re in luck because that’s exactly what you’re going to find out in this article.

A sauna is a small room or building designed for experiencing dry or wet heat sessions, traditionally originating from Finnish culture. They’re not just about sweating out stress (though that’s pretty amazing too).

These heat havens have been quietly supporting human health for generations, and now science is backing up what traditional cultures have known all along. Your cardiovascular system gets a serious boost with regular sauna sessions and not only this.

Let’s dig into more benefits of using saunas further.

What Types of Saunas Are There?

types of saunas

Traditional Finnish Saunas

These are the most common types of saunas, which originate from Finland. They use dry heat and they can raise the temperature to 170°F (77°C) or even higher to promote that intense sweating and detoxification that we’re aiming for.

Infrared Saunas

The infrared saunas are more easily bearable as they use infrared light to penetrate the skin and heat the body directly at lower temperatures(120–140°F or 49–60°C) compared to the one above. They have the same benefits but are more efficient as they penetrate the tissues more deeply.

Steam Saunas

Another option with even lower temperatures is the steam sauna. They get around 110-120°F (43-49°C) and use moist heat to create a humid atmosphere. The high humidity promotes deep relaxation, clears your skin, and supports respiratory health. This helps with skin rejuvenation.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Sauna Regularly?

Cardiovascular health improvement
When we use a sauna regularly, it mimics the effects of moderate exercise and it increases the heart rate and improves blood circulation. This means you will have is a significantly lower risk of death from heart-related issues. For more information on this, you can read the study here.

Stress reduction
A sauna session can reduce stress by releasing endorphins and lowering your cortisol. This way, your body can recover from the daily stressors and can also decelerate aging.

Enhanced circulation and potential blood pressure regulation
The heat causes your heart rate to increase and blood vessels to dilate which allows the blood to flow more freely through the body and to better deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

Muscle recovery and pain relief
It is beneficial to jump in a sauna after a workout session as it increases the blood flow to your muscles and helps your body to repair faster the damaged tissues relaxing the tight areas and promoting flexibility.

Improved immune function
It helps the immune system by growing our blood cells and improving circulation. This helps us fight better infections which is crucial for your long-term health.

Potential metabolic boost
By sweating, you can burn a little extra calories. Also, the improved circulation mentioned above and detoxification can give a little boost to your body for processing nutrients and eliminating waste.

Detoxification through sweating
It is well known that sweating is the body’s natural way to eliminate toxins. As saunas promote deep sweating, they can help eliminate heavy metals, environmental poisons, and other harmful substances that accumulate in our bodies over time.

Better sleep quality
As the body’s temperature rises while we are in the sauna, when we get out, the body cools down. This is the natural signal for the body to be able to fall asleep.

Potential reduction in inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a huge contributor to all age-related diseases. Saunas have been shown to lower markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) while boosting anti-inflammatory processes.

Where Can I Go to the Sauna?

  • Wellness club:
    Usually, the bigger gym clubs have a Sauna which you can include in your strength training routine. It is better to have a session after your fitness workout for better muscle relaxation. Try to take care in which order you are performing your wellness routine.
  • Home:
    Not many of us have the possibility to get a sauna at home but there are cheaper versions that you might not know and you have the same benefits if used regularly.
    There are 2 good versions of Saunas that we are always using at home and we deeply feel those benefits. Here you go:
    1. Infrared Sauna Blanket
    2. Portable Steam Sauna

Tips for Incorporating Sauna Into Your Routine

  • Start Slowly: If you’re new to saunas, begin with 5–10 minutes or as much as you easily tolerate, and gradually increase your session length.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session to stay hydrated as by sweating, our body dehydrates.
  • Consistency: Try to incorporate 3–4 sessions per week to maximize longevity benefits.
  • Listen to Your Body: If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, take a break, your body’s signals are very important.

Incorporating sauna sessions into your routine can be a relaxing, natural way to enhance overall sleep quality, alleviate stress, and support recovery and well-being. Be attentive to what your body tells you, don’t overdo it, and don’t forget to hydrate.

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