Should You Incorporate the Sauna into Your Daily Health Routine?

Saunas have been around for thousands of years but even when visiting the gym so many of us still bypass them. In Britain especially, there’s a bit of reluctance to visit a room and sweat, but that’s likely because many of us don’t understand the true benefits of saunas in particular, the benefits of home infrared saunas.

For those that are aware, a sauna can be a complete game changer for a health routine. So much so that many homes across the UK are seeing an influx of home infrared saunas installed into them, just as is the case in Finland, where they’re almost seen as a normal part of a home, like a garage or bathroom.

A traditional sauna and an infrared sauna differ mainly in how they generate heat and how this heat is distributed.

In a traditional sauna, such as a Finnish sauna, the heat is produced by heating rocks or a stove, typically using wood or electricity. The air in the sauna is heated, which in turn heats your body when you sit in the sauna. The temperature in a traditional sauna can reach high levels, usually between 70-100°C (160-210°F).

On the other hand, an infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light experienced as radiant heat which is absorbed by the surface of the skin. This type of sauna heats your body directly without significantly warming the air around you. The temperature in an infrared sauna is lower compared to a traditional sauna, usually between 50-60°C (120-140°F).

Both types of saunas offer relaxation and potential health benefits, but some people may prefer one over the other based on personal preferences and how they respond to the different heating methods.

But whether you’re a regular gym goer or would prefer your own space for a sauna and a little more privacy, incorporating a sauna session into your daily or weekly health routine can make a huge difference to your life. And here’s why…

Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Firstly, in a world where many of us are struggling with our mental health or to switch off from work, saunas are proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation. That’s because the heat and humidity from them help relax tense muscles as well as induce a deep sense of calmness.

Ideal after a long day at work, saunas offer an almost meditative experience that can help you be present in the moment and forget about what’s gone on in the hours before.

Improved Circulation and Cardiovascular Health

As the blood vessels dilate as a result of the heat, saunas promote more efficient circulation throughout the body. This delivers oxygen and nutrients more efficiently through the body, improving cardiovascular health as well as aiding in the body’s repair and rejuvenation.

As part of improved cardiovascular health, saunas can help lower blood pressure, as well as reducing arterial stiffness and improving overall functioning.

Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief

For those who have active lifestyles, a sauna can be especially beneficial as they can increase the speed and efficiency of recovery as well as reducing soreness in the muscles. The heat relaxes tight muscles and improves flexibility, making it a useful addition to a post-workout routine.

Detoxification

What’s more, the sweat we excreet during saunas also aids in the recovery process as it removes toxins from our system and therefore increases our body’s ability to function at optimum levels.

The detoxification process helps rid the body of pollutants, heavy metals and other harmful substances that can accumulate over time, leaving you feeling much more refreshed.

Immune System Support

Finally, by enjoying a sauna regularly, you can also boost your immune system. As taking a sauna mimics having a fever, it stimulates the production of white blood cells and triggers our natural defence mechanisms, which can help fight against illness.

These are just a few reasons as to why incorporating a sauna into your health regime can be hugely beneficial, improving overall health as well as complementing any other health activities such as running, gym sessions or any other sporting activity, aiding in recovery and improving your overall fitness. And naturally, the benefits of home infrared saunas is that it is so much easier to incorporate their use on a daily basis.