It’s no secret that other than a leisure activity, using saunas can provide you with a host of benefits. These benefits can be enjoyed either in the privacy of one’s home or at the health club. There are prefabricated ones which are sold at hardware stores or even online. They may be installed in the bathroom, basement or even outdoors such as by the pool. If you find such things expensive, you may simply use the one in the health club you’re attending.
Basically, they can be categorized into two main kinds: dry and wet. A dry one has higher temperature and, as the name suggests, the air inside it is dry. This is because steam at such high temperature can scald the skin. On the other hand, a wet one is what’s also referred to as a steam room. Additionally, it has lower temperature than a dry counterpart. Which of the two you choose is simply a matter of personal preference.
So what are the many health benefits which you can enjoy?
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it has many functions. And one of them is eliminating accumulated toxins within the body. Being exposed to high temperature, the sweat glands are activated and the pores open up. Sweating, other than for regulation of temperature, is also an eliminative process. Through the skin, it helps in getting rid of impurities we obtain from the environment, processed foods and unhealthy lifestyle.
Blood vessels tend to dilate and their walls become more flexible. Because of this, blood flow to the skin is enhanced. With more blood flowing into it, more nutrients and oxygen is supplied to the skin cells. This action results to a glowing and healthier skin appearance. Likewise, blood flow to the extremities is improved.
Some people claim that they experience weight loss. Yes, there’s some truth to it. In fact, it’s possible that one can see and feel the results right after stepping out of the room. However, what’s lost is purely water weight. And the bad news is the lost weight can be easily gained back when you drink fluids. It’s helpful if you want quick but temporary results.
Within minutes, your heart rate can increase by as much as 50 percent. Therefore, in a way, you get to enjoy the positive effects of exercising. Because of the increased heart rate, the body requires more energy to be used. Such results to burning off excess calories, which is valuable if you wish to maintain your figure.
According to some medical researches, significant reduction of the occurrence of certain diseases such as colds and flu is achieved. That’s because the high temperature mimics fever. Fever is actually helpful for the body as it hastens healing. The immune system is stimulated to produce more antibodies to fight of invading microorganisms. With such, the body is able to repel certain diseases, or heal faster when afflicted with one.
The list of the benefits of using saunas can go on and on. Relief from certain respiratory problems may be achieved. Tired and strained muscles can be relaxed and recover much faster. It’s a great way to manage stress and help provide you with better sleep quality. But most importantly, it makes you feel good.
