A sauna should be used as a way of relaxing from the very busy lives that we lead. There are though some medical benefits that we will explain below:

Blood Pressure and Saunas

It is commonly believed that saunas increase blood pressure, but studies show that this is not the case. The high temperatures expand the blood capilliaries and thus increase blood circulation reducing blood pressure. There is a high incidence of blood pressure in Finland, but this does not stop a high usage of saunas. It is thought that saunas are more dangerous to sufferers of low blood pressure as the sauna reduces the blood pressure making users feel faint.

Alcohol and Blood Pressure

Studies undertaken showing the effect of alcohol consumption when taking a sauna have shown that even with high levels of drinking, i.e. 1 litre of wine or 3.5 litres of beer, the results have showed that alcohol consumption lowers blood pressure when in the sauna. There has been a greater drop in blood pressure amongst the heavy drinkers. In Scandinavia it is not uncommon to take drinks into the sauna as part of the social ritual of taking a sauna.

The Sauna and Weight loss

Weight loss occurs due to the body losing fluids. This is a temporary loss and as soon as you drink you put the weight back on. Taking a sauna has a mildly metabolic affect on the heart, but it is only equivalent to a leisurely walk. To lose weight you have to undertake exercise, not just take saunas.

Cleansing the Body from Toxins

Saunas induce sweating to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body with 30% of body waste eliminated through the skin. Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body. Stored body impurities within fatty tissue are released under the high temperatures allowing the body to eliminate them via perspiration or the intestinal tract.

Cholesterol

There are no scientific studies that show that cholesterol can be reduced by a course of sauna therapy. There have been a number of reports that state that individuals have reduced their cholesterol by having regular saunas.

The Sauna and Sweating

Body fluid is lost through sweating, some people complain about feeling faint and put this down to loss of body fluid, it is more likely due to a drop in blood pressure as mentioned above. Body fluids can be replaced very easily by taking a drink after the sauna.

The Effect of the Sauna on Infections

German studies showed that the incidence of ear infections, colds and upper respiratory tract infections were significantly reduced when taking regular saunas. The same results would be expected in adults.

The Effect of a Sauna on Fertility

There is no scientific evidence supporting the theory that male and female fertility is affected by regular usage of saunas.

The Sauna and Sports

The sauna is a great way to recuperate after gruelling exercise.

Other Considerations

Other factors to take into consideration when thinking about having a sauna are: They provide relief from the pain and stiffness for arthritis sufferers. The sauna is an excellent treatment for respiratory problems, such as; chest congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis. It is thought that heat may stimulate the hair follicles thus stimulating hair growth.

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Eseto Disan is the webmaster and operator of Sauna Info.