Sauna is not just a luxurious break from everyday life. It is also an ancient tradition that is now backed by science when it comes to health and well-being. The question “Is sauna healthy?” is often asked, and the answer is a clear yes. Sauna is an effective method to strengthen both body and mind.
At Sauna House, we meet guests every day who use sauna as a ritual for recovery, stress reduction, and general health. In this post, we delve into why sauna is healthy and what you can gain from making the heat a regular part of your lifestyle.
Sauna strengthens the heart and circulation
One of the most well-documented effects of sauna is its positive impact on the cardiovascular system. When you sit in the sauna, your heart rate increases, typically to the level you experience during light exercise. Blood vessels dilate and blood circulation improves.
Several studies, including one from Finland, have shown that regular sauna use can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and improve the elasticity of blood vessels. The more often you go to the sauna, the more pronounced the preventive effect.
Sauna promotes cleansing and sweat production
When your body gets hot, your sweat glands are activated and you start to sweat intensely. This is one of the body's natural ways of regulating temperature, but it also has a cleansing function.
Through sweat, waste products and heavy metals are excreted, and the skin is deeply cleansed. Many describe the feeling after a sauna session as “clean”, both physically and mentally. It is not without reason that in many cultures the sauna is considered a cleansing ritual.
Sauna helps reduce stress
The heat in the sauna has a calming effect on the nervous system. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also called the “rest and digest” system, which causes the body to relax.
Many people find that just 10-15 minutes in the sauna creates a feeling of calm, presence and relaxation. When the sauna is combined with a sauna steam, where scents and steam guide you through a sensual experience, this effect is further enhanced.
Sauna is good for muscles and joints
The deep heat of the sauna increases blood flow to muscles and tissues, helping to release tension and promote recovery. After a workout or a long day at work, a trip to the sauna can reduce soreness and shorten recovery time.
This makes saunas particularly popular among athletes and active people, but the heat can also be soothing for those with arthritis pain or tension headaches.
Sauna improves sleep and mental well-being
The heat from the sauna has a natural calming effect that can improve your sleep quality. When the body cools down after a sauna session, it signals to the brain that it is time to rest. This helps promote deeper and more stable sleep.
In addition, saunas have been shown to lift your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Partly because saunas reduce the stress hormone cortisol, but also because they stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" hormones.
Sauna strengthens the immune system
Heat stress from the sauna can act as a mild stress response for the body, which activates and strengthens the immune system. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can lead to fewer colds and infections because the body's resistance is improved.
The combination of heat and cold, for example by using a cold water tub after the sauna , which we offer at Sauna House, has a positive effect as it trains the body's circulation and stimulates blood flow more effectively.
How often should you go to the sauna to get health benefits?
While one sauna session is great, it's the regularity that makes the difference. Most studies show a clear health effect at 2-4 times a week. At Sauna House, we recommend that you notice what your body feels good about and start slowly if you're new.
When in a sauna, it is important to give your body time to both warm up and cool down. A good rule of thumb is to stay in the sauna for 8-15 minutes at a time, depending on temperature, intensity and your experience.
We recommend that you:
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Starts with one short session lasting 8-10 minutes.
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Take a break outside the sauna, drink water and possibly take a dip in cold water.
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Come back for another session if you feel like it and are ready.
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In total, the entire ritual takes 30-60 minutes including breaks, not necessarily all in the heat.
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Some people experience the greatest effect with 2-3 rounds of combined heat and cold. This gives the body a deeper relaxation and supports the health-promoting processes in the circulation, muscles and nervous system.
The most important thing is that you don't push yourself. A good sauna experience is about giving your body space and peace, not about staying in the heat for the longest time. At Sauna House, we therefore create a framework where you can take it at your own pace, alternate between hot and cold dips, and land in your body with time, presence and enjoyment.
Is there anyone who should be careful?
Saunas are generally safe for most people, but if you have heart problems, low blood pressure, or are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor first. The same goes for if you feel uncomfortable during a session. Listen to your body and take a break if the need arises.
Sauna House is a space for health and sensuality
At Sauna House we specialize in traditional sauna, sauna steam and cold water. We offer daily steam sessions, cold dips and beautiful rooms where you can find peace and strength through heat. Our saunas are not just a treatment, they are a lifestyle.
Sauna is a natural, effective and enjoyable way to strengthen the body, and the benefits are many. From the heart and circulation to stress reduction, recovery and mental clarity.
Make sauna a part of your everyday life, and experience how the heat, in interaction with presence and breathing, can create balance in both body and mind.
