What Does the Sauna Do? Discover All the Benefits of Regular Heat Baths
The sauna is an excellent way to relax and regenerate both the body and mind. The heat that envelops our body during the session not only relaxes but also brings a range of health benefits. Regular sauna sessions help strengthen immunity, support the functioning of many body systems, and aid in toxin elimination. Find out what the sauna does and how heat baths can affect your body and well-being!
How Does the Sauna Affect the Body? The Impact of Sauna on the Human Body
The word sauna comes from the Finnish language and refers to a heat treatment during which the body is exposed to high temperatures. Conditions during a session can vary depending on whether it is a dry sauna (Finnish sauna), steam sauna (steam bath), or infrared sauna:
- in a Finnish sauna, there is a very high temperature from 80 to 120 degrees Celsius and low humidity from 5 to about 15%;
- in an infrared sauna, the temperature ranges from 40 to 60 degrees Celsius and air humidity reaches up to 25%;
- in a wet sauna, the temperature ranges from 50 to 70 degrees Celsius and air humidity ranges between 20-40%. Importantly, a wet sauna is not a steam sauna – it is also made of wood, and inside there is a stove heating stones; higher humidity in the wet sauna is achieved by pouring water on the stones or using a steam generator;
- in a steam sauna, the temperature ranges from 40 to 60 degrees Celsius with air humidity reaching from 40 up to even 100%.
High temperatures and hot air in the sauna combined with low humidity (except in the steam sauna, where humidity is high) safely and controllably raise the body temperature and stimulate the body's thermoregulatory processes. Regardless of whether you choose a dry sauna, infrared sauna, or steam bath, the effect of the session is profuse sweating, which supports cleansing and toxin removal from the body and triggers the following reactions:
- dilation of blood vessels in the skin, spleen, kidneys, and brain;
- secretion of sweat, which removes water, sodium chloride, and other minerals from the body;
- contractions and relaxations of blood vessels, which improve their elasticity and provide better blood supply to organs;
- acceleration and deepening of breathing, thereby increasing lung ventilation;
- reduction of muscle tension and increased elasticity of muscle fibers, which provides better joint mobility and reduces pain;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- reduction of nervous excitability.
The Most Important Benefits of the Sauna – Why Is It Worth Using the Sauna?
Dry, infrared, or steam sauna are true oases of relaxation which, thanks to their unique properties, provide relief and relaxation for both body and mind. Regular sauna sessions strengthen the body's natural immunity, support its regeneration, and improve well-being. So what does the sauna provide? The key benefits of the sauna include:
- strengthening the immune system,
- stimulating metabolism,
- supporting digestive processes,
- cleansing the body of toxins,
- stimulating the circulatory system and improving blood circulation,
- improving the functioning of internal organs,
- reducing psychological tension,
- decreasing stress and fatigue,
- improving skin condition.
From another of our articles, you will also learn what is the appropriate attire for the sauna to get the most benefits from the session.
What Does the Sauna Help With? Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing
Regular sauna use is not only a moment of relaxation but also a way to comprehensively support the body. Sauna bathing positively affects the circulatory system, strengthens the immune system, supports respiratory function, and has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Additionally, sauna heat positively affects the skin, improving its condition and giving it a healthy appearance.
Sauna and the Heart and Circulatory System
Heat baths are an excellent way to support heart health and the entire circulatory system. Sauna sessions help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel elasticity, and enhance circulation, stimulating the circulatory system to work more efficiently. Combining sauna bathing with physical activity, especially general fitness training, yields even better results – it strengthens the heart, improves circulatory efficiency, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks.
Sauna and the Respiratory System
Using essential oils during sauna sessions is a great way to combine relaxation with health-promoting inhalation. Aromatherapy in the sauna clears the respiratory tract, alleviates allergy symptoms and recurrent infections, including runny nose and rhinitis, thus improving breathing comfort. Unless there are other contraindications, sauna bathing can also benefit people with asthma by improving lung blood flow, dilating bronchi, and supporting their cleansing.
Sauna and the Immune System
Strengthening the body's natural immunity is one of the most commonly mentioned benefits of sauna use. During sessions in high temperatures, the production of white blood cells and heat shock proteins increases, which play an important role in protecting cells and supporting immune responses. Therefore, the body copes better with attacks from viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Alternating heating the body in the sauna and cooling it with cold water is also a way to harden the body. Exposing the body to variable thermal stimuli enables adaptation to different weather conditions. As a result, it stimulates the immune system, increasing its ability to fight infections – especially during the autumn-winter period, i.e., the time of increased illness.
Sauna and Skin Health and Condition
Regular sauna visits are also a way to improve the condition of the skin – the largest organ in the human body. Sessions in dry, infrared, or wet saunas support skin cleansing from toxins, unblock pores, and remove accumulated impurities. Additionally, they help get rid of dead skin cells, making the skin smooth, elastic, and more radiant. Sauna bathing can also reduce the visibility of scars and complement anti-cellulite cosmetic treatments – for example, combined with jacuzzi baths.
Also read: The Benefits of a Jacuzzi – What Are the Advantages of Regular Baths?
Sauna and the Nervous System and Well-being
Finally, sauna sessions are a true feast for the spirit. During the treatment, the body produces endorphins, known as happiness hormones, making it an excellent way to relax and improve mood. The sauna reduces stress, decreases tension, including muscle cramps, relieves chronic stress symptoms, and also supports people struggling with fatigue and anxiety. It is a natural method of comprehensive regeneration, allowing you to regain inner balance, loved by anyone who wishes for a moment of respite.
Enjoy the benefits of the sauna at Klekotki SPA & Resort – a facility on the border of Warmia and Masuria. Discover our atmospheric Japanese SPA inspired by the local aesthetics and the mindful combination of traditional therapeutic practices with a modern approach to wellness.