What are the Benefits of Sauna? What Does Sauna Do?

What are the Benefits of Sauna? What Does Sauna Do?

A sauna is a form of therapy that takes place in a wooden room that is dried at high temperatures and has many benefits. Firstly, sauna use can reduce stress levels; the high temperature can help combat stress by relaxing muscles and creating an overall feeling of relaxation.
It can also reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. Sauna can increase blood circulation, helping to transport more oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. By accelerating the sweating process, it also helps to remove toxins from the body.

It can stimulate the immune system and support heart health. Sauna, which is also effective in skin care, can improve skin tone by cleaning the pores. However, it should be noted that sauna use can harm some people. It is especially important for individuals with heart problems or serious health problems to consult a doctor first. Drinking enough water and not exceeding the recommended times are also important rules for safe use.

What is a Sauna?

Sauna is a therapy and relaxation application in a steam environment created by pouring water over stones dried at high temperatures in a special room, usually made of wood. Saunas usually have a temperature range of around 70 to 100 degrees Celsius and offer an environment with relatively low humidity levels due to the effect of steam.

Sauna provides many benefits by increasing body temperature. These benefits include relaxation of muscles, reduction of stress, increased blood circulation, elimination of toxins through perspiration and cleansing of the skin. Sauna can also stimulate the immune system and support heart health.

What are the Benefits of Sauna?

Sauna is a therapy method created by the steam of water poured over stones, usually in a wooden room dried at high temperatures. Sauna can provide many benefits. Here are the main benefits of sauna use:

Stress Reduction: The high temperature provides relaxation in the body and can reduce stress levels. Time spent in a sauna can help to cope with stress by providing mental and emotional relaxation.

Muscle Relaxation and Pain Reduction: By relaxing muscles, a sauna can reduce tension and relieve chronic pain. The heat can increase blood circulation, helping to get more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.

Improving Circulation: High temperature can increase blood circulation by dilating blood vessels. This can help transport more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

Toxin Removal: Sweating can help remove toxins from the body. Sauna accelerates the sweating process by opening the pores of the skin.

Strengthening the Immune System: Sauna use can stimulate the immune system by increasing body temperature. This can increase resistance to infections.

Skin Care: Sweating can help cleanse the skin. It can also contribute to keeping the skin young and healthy.

Improving Heart Health: Sauna can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. However, individuals, especially those with heart disease, should consult a doctor before using a sauna.

It should be noted that sauna use may vary from person to person. In particular, individuals with health concerns should talk to a health professional before starting sauna use.

What are the Benefits of Sauna for the Skin?

Regular use of the sauna can have various benefits for the skin. Here are some of the positive effects of sauna use on the skin:

Opening Pores: Sauna expands the pores of the skin by increasing body temperature. This can help the skin breathe better and remove toxins more effectively.

Cleansing and Detoxification: Sauna use can contribute to the removal of toxins from the body through sweating. Sweat can remove dead skin cells and other contaminants from the skin surface.

Improving Skin Blood Circulation: High temperature can increase blood circulation by dilating blood vessels. This can help transport more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can contribute to making it look healthier and more vibrant.

Acne and Pimple Control: Sauna can contribute to acne and pimple control by helping to cleanse the skin. Opening the pores and sweating can reduce oil accumulation in the skin.

Improving Skin Tone: Sauna can help even out skin tone. Regular use can contribute to making the skin look brighter and more vibrant.

Improving Elasticity: Sauna use can improve skin elasticity. The high temperature can help the skin look more supple and youthful.

Fighting Stress: Sauna can reduce overall stress levels. Stress has negative effects on the skin, so regular sauna use can positively affect skin health.

However, the effects of sauna use on the skin can vary from individual to individual and may not have the same results for everyone. It is also important to use products suitable for your skin type and drink enough water before using a sauna. It is also important to consult a doctor before starting sauna use, taking into account your health condition.

Who is not suitable for sauna?

Sauna can be a relaxation and health practice for many people; however, it may not be suitable in some cases or for people with certain health conditions. Here are some conditions that should avoid sauna use:

Heart Problems: People with conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease should consult their doctor before using a sauna. High temperatures and stress can put extra strain on the heart.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): People with high blood pressure should consult their doctor before using a sauna. Sauna can increase blood pressure, which can make hypertension worse.

Chronic Respiratory Problems: Those with respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be affected by high temperatures and low humidity levels. Therefore, they should not consider sauna use before consulting a doctor.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, an excessive increase in body temperature can be dangerous and therefore sauna use is not recommended. Even before and after pregnancy, sauna use should be avoided before consulting a doctor.

Hunger State: It is important that individuals in a state of starvation or dehydration avoid sauna use. The sauna can worsen these conditions by increasing body temperature.

Skin Problems: People with skin infections, open wounds or serious skin problems should avoid using a sauna. The high temperature can worsen these conditions.

Medication Use: Some medications can affect body temperature or lower blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for people who take medication regularly to consult their doctor before using a sauna.

As everyone's health condition is different, it is always best to consult a health professional before using a sauna. This is important to determine whether it is suitable for your personal health condition.

What to Consider Before Entering a Sauna?

Here are some precautions and factors to consider before entering the sauna:

Health Status and Medications: It is important to assess your health condition before entering the sauna. Especially if you have heart conditions, hypertension or chronic health problems, you should consult your doctor. It is also important to review the medications you take regularly and know if sauna use interacts with these medications.

Thirst and Hydration: Sauna can cause fluid loss from the body. Therefore, it is important to drink enough water before entering the sauna. After the sauna, you should also drink plenty of water to replenish the fluid your body has lost.

Hunger Status: Entering the sauna hungry or very hungry can cause low blood sugar and dizziness. It may be more appropriate to use the sauna after a light snack or a light meal.

Skin Cleansing: Showering before using the sauna will help remove dirt and oil from your skin. Clean skin provides more benefits from the sauna.

Sauna Rules and Limitations: It is important to pay attention to sauna rules and certain limitations. Avoid staying longer than a certain time or at temperatures that are not suitable for health. Following sauna rules and limitations is important for a safe and effective experience.

Goggles and Jewelry: Glasses and jewelry can be uncomfortable at high temperatures or when sweating. Therefore, it is a good idea to remove glasses and jewelry before entering the sauna, if possible.

Appropriate Clothing: It is important to choose appropriate clothing before entering the sauna. Generally, it is more appropriate to choose a towel or special sauna clothing during sauna use. Choosing comfortable and lightweight clothing can make your sauna experience more enjoyable.

By following these suggestions, you can make your sauna use safer and more enjoyable. However, since everyone's health condition is different, it is important to consult a doctor first, especially if you have health problems.

What are Sauna Types?

Sauna types can vary using different heating methods and construction materials. Here are some commonly known sauna types:

Traditional Finnish Sauna (Dry Sauna): This type of sauna is a room, usually made of wood, with stone beds. Steam is not created by pouring water into the room, which is why it is also called a "dry sauna". The temperature usually varies between 70 and 100 degrees Celsius.

Infrared Sauna: Infrared saunas have a special heating system that works by directly heating objects on the body. This type of sauna usually works at lower temperatures (40 to 60 degrees Celsius). Infrarot rays heat the tissues under the skin, providing advantages such as sweating and skin cleansing.

Steam Room (Steam Sauna): A steam room is a type of sauna that operates in an environment with high humidity levels. This type of sauna is often known for its beneficial inhalation effects. Steam rooms usually have an average temperature of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Infrared Steam Room: This type of sauna contains both infrared rays and high humidity. The infrared rays heat the skin and tissues, causing sweating and muscle relaxation. The temperature is usually between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius on average.

Mobile Sauna: This type of portable sauna usually comes in the form of a small portable cabin. It uses electric or portable heating systems and offers a space in which one person can sit comfortably.

Electric Heating Sauna: Electric heating saunas are traditional saunas that are usually powered by water poured over stone beds. Heat is generated through electric heating elements.

Wood Fired Sauna: This type of sauna generates its heat by burning wood. It offers a traditional atmosphere and is known for the natural smell of wood.

Each type of sauna can offer a different experience and can be chosen depending on personal preferences, health status and comfort level. Before starting to use a sauna, it is important to consider personal needs and health status.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Created At06 March 2024
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