How A Visit To The Sauna Could Benefit You
Posted on December 11, 2007 By Joe Fier
As I was working out at the gym last night, I decided to to check out something that I’ve always looked past and thought was crazy. Since I ate a rather large dinner right before working out, I wanted to see how the sauna room might help me digest and allow me to relax. It took some time for the hot rocks to get the temperature up to 150 degrees, but once it did, that room was baking…
A Release Of Tension
Before doing any research, I came to my own conclusion that about 20 minutes in the sauna would do wonders on my very tensed, and tight back. As the acupuncturist told me the other day as she massaged my back, I needed to keep my body and back very warm to promote blood circulation. One thing she did not mention for me to visit was a sauna, BINGO! Luckily my assumption was correct. When I did research later on, saunas greatly increase the heart rate, about double. This definitely increases blood flow throughout the body, including to those areas of the body that are in pain and feel tensed. From the warmth of the sauna, the increased blood flow helps relieve contracted muscles and aching joints. This is exactly what the doctor ordered! After I spent 20 minutes in the sauna, and now that I sit here 10 hours later writing this article, my back feels much more relaxed and my aching neck is almost nonexistent.
A Great Way To Relax
Saunas have proven to be beneficial to our physical health, but it also works wonders on our psychological side. As I am right in the middle of finals week at my university, I figured the sauna would also be a wonderful way to relieve some stress and just find a quiet place to relax for a bit. I know there are some out there that are not appealed to a hot, possibly steamy room, but I love ‘em! Through the drips and drops of sweat off of my body, I felt a complete release of tension and an overall peace. The heart pulse rises, but the mental functions slow. I laid down and closed my eyes for about 15 of the 20 minutes and felt completely relaxed. As research shows, saunas also prepare the body for a great night’s sleep. Those that have problems sleeping or have a condition such as insomnia, saunas would definitely aid in finally getting that much needed complete rest.
A Possible Exercise Replacement
Replacing any type of exercise was not my intention of the sauna, but it was definitely a plus. As the sauna reaches very high temperatures, such as 160 degrees, the heart rate nearly doubles. I took my pulse after being in for over 10 minutes and I definitely noticed that my pulse felt very similar to as when I’m running. It was difficult for my head to wrap around how my pulse could be so high by just laying down in a sauna, but I guess it works. While sitting down in a sauna, you are actually burning calories and losing weight, believe it or not. Just as your heart rate increases with exercise, along with your metabolism, saunas allow the body to do the same. 15-20 minutes in the sauna is about equivalent to 1-2 hours of brisk walking or 1 hour of exercise. Now you can burn all of the unwanted fat by never lifting a finger!
Detoxify In The Sauna
As we all know that when you’re in a sauna, you sweat buckets (or maybe that was just me last night). Along with the other benefits, saunas trigger the body to release unwanted toxins through the act of sweating. Since sweating is the way that our body rids nearly a third of its toxins, saunas provide a very important relief. When our body temperature rises, we detox as the sweat releases through our pores. This is also a great, purifying way for people with skin conditions to cleanse their pores. Saunas have shown that those with acne and other skin conditions benefit from the rise in temperature and the increase of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Photo credit: ansik
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» Filed Under Sleep, Relaxation, Health, Stress Management
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3 Responses to “How A Visit To The Sauna Could Benefit You”
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I do sauna once per week,
I would like to know the basic rule duing the sauna,
Must we shower first , and after the sauna shower again.
Which best for me Steam or hot sauna
Hope to hear from you soon
solution proactiv of proactiv
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