Health Benefits of Steam Sauna Bath

Skin which is the largest organ of the human body has a very crucial role to play in maintaining the health and general well being of the individual. It is through the skin that the temperature of the body is maintained and regulated. The sweating that we experience from time to time is nothing but the process of the skin to regulate the elevated temperature of the body. This sweat has a cooling effect and thereby controls the temperature. While this function of the skin has always been accepted by the medical community, it is only off late that people are accepting the role that skin plays in the detoxification process of the body. Since it transforms toxins from oil based form to water soluble forms, these toxins are eliminated from the body through the sweat. Perhaps this is why since time immemorial sweat baths have been an important part of many cultures and many countries. During the Roman times these sweat baths were called "Thermae" and the Russians have their version of sweat baths which are called "Banya". In Japan they are called "Onsen" and in Turkey they are called "Hamam" and the most well known and well accepted name for these sweat baths is of course Sauna which is of Finnish origin.

Nowadays all sweat inducing baths have been referred to as Sauna baths. These baths primarily work on the principle of generating ample amounts of sweat through the pores of the body so as to eliminate the toxins in the body and induce relaxation of the body and the mind.

Benefits of Sauna

• Sauna helps improve the elimination process of the skin. Modern hectic lifestyle has exposed the skin to a large amount of unnecessary chemicals and other products and this has affected the skin. Our skin is exposed to large amounts of pollution and the harmful sun exposure in turn causes much damage to the skin and its functioning. Sauna baths allow the skin to sweat and this helps it to get rid of all the accumulated toxins and thereby allows it to breathe.

• Since Sauna works on the principle of heat the heat results in dilation of blood vessels causing increased flow of blood. Blood circulation thereby improves. There is a slight drop of blood pressure and this causes the heart to pump blood faster and so sauna bath is also like a cardiovascular workout. In fact as many as 300 calories may be burned during a session of sauna bath. If guidance of a professional is followed in taking sauna baths and this is also combined with a good diet then it can help people lose weight and achieve optimum health.

• Another benefit of sauna bath is the relaxation of muscles that occurs following the bath. The stressful lifestyle of the modern world results in tensed muscles and unexplained aches and pains. The atmosphere of sauna allows people to sit and relax and this combined with the sweat inducing effect of sauna helps in relieving fatigue on physical and mental level as well.

• Sauna baths are also good in easing and relieving arthritic pain on a temporary basis.

• Since blood vessels are dilated, more oxygen is provided to the skin cells. Dead skin cells are removed and this helps in providing a beautiful glow to the skin as healthy, fresh layers of cells are exposed.

• Studies have shown that sauna baths also help in reducing colds by almost 30%.

• Benefits of sauna also include reduction in the discomfort experienced through cramps in certain women.

To get complete benefits of the sauna bath it is best to relax and restrict movement while in a sauna. After the bath don’t get up suddenly since the heat causes the blood pressure to drop and any sudden movement can result in the person feeling light headed.Children should not be exposed to long sessions of sauna and kept at a distance where the heat is not too much. In general a sauna session should not extend beyond 20 minutes and fluids should be consumed after the session. Before starting a sauna session large amounts of food should not be consumed since digestion requires more blood. Pregnant women should be cautious and take professional advice before using a sauna.