10 Amazing Sauna Benefits

There’s more than one reason we thought it was a good idea to have a dry saunas at Oso. Research is uncovering some amazing sauna benefits that come from just relaxing in a sauna on a routine basis. You may even feel mentally revived and physically refreshed the first time you try bathing in one.

To show you what can come from adding a visit to the sauna into your busy schedule, we put together a quick list of the most spectacular proven benefits. There aren’t many things that can deliver quick and consistent results, but this is one of them.

1. Elevated Cardiovascular Function

A small study published in the International Heart Journal in 2015 found that Waon therapy improved cardiac functioning and exercise capacity for people experiencing chronic heart failure. The therapy involved sitting in a dry sauna for 15 minutes and then resting under a blanket outside of the sauna for 30 minutes to maintain the warmth.

Performing this 45-minute treatment once a day for 3 weeks significantly improved the cardiac functioning of study participants. You can also use this technique as preventative measures and to enhance your workout routine. Resting in a sauna after performing intense cardiovascular exercise can help open the blood vessels, increasing nourishment from enhanced blood flow to the muscles you just worked.

2. Improved Circulation

How does time spent in a sauna help with cardiovascular functioning? The heat opens the blood vessels and increases blood circulation throughout the body. That blood provides nourishment for every organ in your body, including your heart and skin.

Improved circulation is great for people with heart failure who struggle with circulation, but it’s also a great way to maintain your heart to reduce your risk of heart disease and failure. That blood flow is also critical to healing wounds and maintaining your energy levels.

3. Lower Blood Pressure

In addition to improving blood circulation, research has shown that regular sauna bathing is associated with lower blood pressure. That’s just one more reason saunas are associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. It’s also connected to our next benefit: stress management.

4. Stress Management

Sauna bathing gives you the opportunity to step away from the busy world and truly relax. You’re in a quiet, soothing environment that changes your body from the inside out. If your daily life is fast-paced and chaotic, you may find yourself taking deeper breaths, closing your eyes, and releasing tension from head to toe. You may also find yourself in deep conversations that are relaxing.

Saunas are also believed to lower cortisone levels. That’s the hormone associated with stress. The more you allow yourself to relax while in the sauna, the more it may help you manage your stress levels between sessions.

5. Reduced Joint Stiffness and Soreness

Research has connected frequent sauna bathing with reduced systemic inflammation. That’s the inflammation that takes over your body and contributes to stiff, sore joints and muscles. It also contributes to many painful diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Improving blood circulation has the added benefit of reducing inflammation, which in turn reduces the stiff, sore muscles that may interfere with your quality of life.

You can also use this benefit to your advantage when working out at the gym. Relaxing in the sauna after your workout can get your blood flowing and help keep your muscles and joints from getting stiff. You can also try it out between workouts if you feel sore.

6. Pain Relief

When blood circulation is improved and inflammation reduced, pain is often relieved as well. Research has shown that inflammation, stiffness, soreness, and pain all resolve for the short-term following a session. That means the pain will come back if you can’t address the root cause, but the sauna can give you short-term relief. Think of it as a natural boost to any pain medication that you may take on a routine basis.

7. Stronger Immune System

Just 15 minutes in the sauna can give your immune system a boost. If you bathe in the sauna regularly, it supports your overall health and wellness by helping you combat colds, the flu, and other illnesses that are passed around throughout the year. A boosted immune system may also heal wounds or cuts faster while fighting serious diseases that could otherwise deteriorate your quality of life.

One study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics found that athletes benefited from a boosted immune system more than participants who weren’t as well trained. As you work on maintaining healthy body weight and training your body, you can multiply the positive impact of your sauna sessions.

8. Enhanced Athletic Performance

All of the benefits already discussed make it easy to see how spending even short periods of time in the sauna can improve your athletic performance. It may reduce your recovery time after intense workouts and can help keep your joints and muscles in prime working condition. Athletes may also benefit from the mental benefits if they utilize their sauna time to meditate, visualize success, or simply relax and clear their minds.

This benefit isn’t limited to pro athletes. If you’re starting a new exercise program or have a hobby sport, this is great for you as well.

9. Positive Mindset

Many people experience a positive boost in mood after visiting the sauna. You may find it easier to keep your mindset positive when you make sauna bathing a routine rather than a one-time experience. The benefits may come from the relaxation and reduced stress hormones in addition to that nutrient-dense blood coursing through your veins at an accelerated pace.

10. Healthy, Radiant Skin

Finally, you will exit the sauna with a fresh glow on your rosy cheeks. The more you sweat in the sauna, the more it can detoxify your skin and help clear up acne and other problems. As your blood circulates and sweat is released, you’re also pushing out toxins that can have a negative impact on your health and wellness. Enjoy the glow!

Experience your own Sauna Benefits

The best place to experience dry sauna benefits is at Oso! You can get in a great workout, restore in the sauna, and even stay productive afterwards in our co-working space. We help you make time for yourself, boosting every area of your life as a result. And if you want to read more about how sauna can benefit your athletic training, check out our story here.