Benefits of a Sauna

Disclaimer:
Saunas, either traditional or infrared are not medical devices. Any reported affects are anecdotal.
Chinook Hot Tubs & Saunas does not give Medical advice. Each person should contact their own doctor for information specific to them.

Health Benefits of Saunas

Saunas have been widely reported to offer numerous health benefits. Some key observations from personal experiences and studies include:

Cardiovascular Boost – A 15 to 30-minute sauna session can increase heart rate by 50%–75%, similar to the effect of brisk walking.
Improved Circulation – The expansion of blood vessels enhances blood flow to extremities, making them more flexible and supporting overall circulation.
Skin Nourishment – Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to surface tissues, promoting healthier skin.
Detoxification – Steam baths and saunas induce sweating, which opens pores and flushes out impurities, enhancing the skin’s natural detoxifying process.
Temperature Response – Sauna sessions raise skin temperature to approximately 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature to around 38°C (100.4°F), stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Reported Benefits from Sauna Users

Many sauna users have shared the following positive effects:

Relief for tired and strained muscles after physical exertion.
A deep cleansing effect through perspiration, promoting clear skin and a healthy complexion.

Regular sauna use can be a great addition to a wellness routine, providing relaxation and long-term health benefits.

Precautions

To avoid any negative health effects, the following precautions are also advised:

Avoid alcohol: Alcohol increases the risk of dehydration, hypotension, arrhythmia, and sudden death.
A year-long studies of people in Finland who experienced sudden death showed that in 1.8 percent of cases, the person had had a sauna within the last 3 hours, and in 1.7 percent of cases, they had done so in the last 24 hours. Many of these had consumed alcohol.
Limit time spent in a sauna: Do not spend more than 20 minutes at a time in a sauna. First-time users should spend a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes. As they get used to the heat, they can slowly increase the time to about 20 minutes.
Drink plenty of water: Whatever type of sauna a person uses, it is important to replace the fluids lost from sweating. People should drink about two to four glasses of water after using a sauna.
Avoid sauna use if ill: People who are ill should also wait until they recover before using a sauna. Women who are pregnant or those with certain medical conditions, such as low blood pressure, should ask their doctor before sauna use.
Supervise children: Children aged 6 and above are safe to use a sauna, but should be supervised when doing so. They should spend no longer than 15 minutes in there at one time.