Health Benefits of a Sauna/Steam Bath

The benefits of regulated sweating are well-documented. A good steam bath or sauna treatment rejuvenates the body, relaxes the muscles, melts away stress and tension, and revives the mind. Thus, you a

Editorial Team | Updated: January 28, 2015 7:17 pm

The benefits of regulated sweating are well-documented. A good steam bath or sauna treatment rejuvenates the body, relaxes the muscles, melts away stress and tension, and revives the mind. Thus, you are ready to face the trials and tribulations of the next day.

A sauna or steam bath is good for many reasons:

1. Relieves stress

The most common benefit derived from taking a steam bath is the decrease in stress. According to medical studies, stress is the cause of most of the diseases ailing the human body. Heart disease is considered to be partially due to the stress brought on by the troubles of daily life. A sauna provides stress relief in the following ways:

Provides an isolated space for relaxation
Relaxes the muscles of the body
Improves the circulation of blood in the body
Promotes the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins (Read: 20 expert tips to beat stress)

2. Relaxes the muscles

In a sauna, the muscles of the body are exposed to high heat. This, in turn, encourages the release of hormones called endorphins inside the body. Endorphins help the body relax and provide a ‘feel good’ factor.

They reduce pain caused by arthritis and sore muscles.

In addition, the temperature of the body increases and causes the blood vessels to expand. Thus, the blood circulation is improved.

The body’s ability to heal itself is strengthened by the increased blood flow.

After heavy physical activity, it is a good idea to take a steam bath and remove toxins such as lactic acid from the muscles.

3. Helps eliminate toxins

Since we do not sweat every day, taking a sauna bath has many benefits. The heat of the steam increases the core temperature of our body. This causes the blood vessels to expand and thus improve the circulation of blood through them.

As the blood moves toward the surface of skin, it activates the sweat glands. Thus, sweat is produced.

Sweat is designed to remove toxins from the body such as copper, lead, zinc, mercury, and nickel. It also helps to cool the body.

4. Helps cleanse the skin

One of the beauty benefits of a sauna bath is that it purifies the skin, removing all toxins, dirt, and grease along with sweat. That’s the reason for the afterglow of a sauna bath.

The presence of nutrients and minerals in sweat maintains the collagen structure of the skin.
The rush of blood to the surface of the skin causes microscopic wrinkles to be filled up.

Regular steam baths help maintain the elasticity of the skin and delay the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Here are some more beauty benefits of steaming.

5. Promotes deep sleep

According to scientific research, the relaxation that comes from taking a sauna bath promotes deep sleep. The factor that promotes a good night’s sleep is the release of endorphins that under normal circumstances, dips during the night. (Read: 7 food items to help you sleep well)

6. Improves cardiovascular function

In a sauna, one’s core body temperature rises and causes the blood vessels to expand. Thus, blood can flow through them faster and the overall circulation of blood in the body is improved. The heart rate is said to increase from 60-70 beats per minute up to 110-120 beats per minute. If you are bathing more intensively, it may even rise to 140-150 beats per minute. When cooling down, the heart rate may drop to levels below normal. (Read: 6 heart-healthy diet tips for people with heart disease)

Regular steam baths help train the cardiac muscles to beat more effectively, thus improving cardiovascular function.

7. Helps burn calories

Steam bathing helps shed a lot of calories. While sweating, a lot of energy is expended. Fat and carbohydrates are utilized in order to create energy. People who are not in good shape will find a lot of benefit after taking regular steam baths. Here’s how you can lose weight, reduce belly fat in 20 ways, in 20 days

8. Prevents illnesses

According to studies conducted by German scientists, regular steam baths prevent the occurrence of illnesses such as influenza and cold. This happens because the body is stimulated to produce white blood cells faster once it is exposed to the intense heat of the sauna. White blood cells protect the body against diseases by killing germs.

Allergic symptoms and congestion due to sinus is also relieved in a sauna.

Thus, saunas are not just a fad. They deliver actual benefits for the skin and one’s overall well-being. Make steam bathing a part of your regular lifestyle and see the difference!

Published: January 3, 2015 9:07 am | Updated:January 28, 2015 7:17 pm

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