Benefits of Finnish & Infrared Saunas
Sauna bathing has been recognised for centuries as a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health. In recent years, studies have provided further insight into the range of benefits saunas offer, from supporting cardiovascular health to promoting relaxation. At Heat we have both traditional Finnish and infrared saunas available, individuals can select the type that best fits their wellness goals. Below, we explore the unique benefits of both types of saunas, highlighting how each contributes to enhanced well-being.
1. Cardiovascular Health Improvement
Research, particularly from Finland, has shown that regular sauna use can positively impact cardiovascular health. Traditional saunas, operating at high temperatures, raise heart rate and core body temperature, simulating the effects of moderate exercise. This increase in heart rate improves blood flow and may aid in lowering blood pressure. Similarly, infrared saunas, though they operate at lower temperatures, also help to boost circulation and support heart health, providing a more gradual increase in heart rate that is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Frequent sauna use of either type can contribute to improved cardiovascular resilience over time.
2. Support for Cognitive Health and Reduction in Neurodegenerative Risk
Studies suggest that sauna use may help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Sauna heat promotes blood flow, which is essential for brain health, and regular sauna sessions may support memory and reduce the risk of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The heat from both traditional and infrared saunas may also stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that encourages the growth of new neurons. Regular sauna use, therefore, has the potential to contribute to improved mental clarity and cognitive resilience.
3. Detoxification Through Sweating
Both traditional and infrared saunas stimulate sweating, one of the body’s primary mechanisms for eliminating toxins. Traditional saunas achieve this through intense heat, encouraging a deep, voluminous sweat that can help release heavy metals and other impurities from the body. Infrared saunas, meanwhile, use infrared light to penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially mobilising toxins stored within fat cells. This deeper reach allows infrared saunas to encourage detoxification at a cellular level. Both sauna types can support detoxification, promoting overall health and vitality.
4. Mental Health and Mood Enhancement
Sauna use can be beneficial for mental health by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Both traditional and infrared saunas stimulate the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and create a sense of well-being. Traditional saunas provide a high-heat environment that encourages deep relaxation and helps reduce muscle tension, while infrared saunas offer a gentler, steady warmth that many find soothing and conducive to a longer, more meditative experience. Both types of saunas are valuable tools for managing stress and enhancing mental clarity.
5. Enhanced Sleep Quality
Sauna use is known to improve sleep quality by helping regulate the body’s internal temperature. The high heat from a traditional sauna elevates core temperature, and as the body cools down after the session, this drop in temperature signals to the brain that it is time to prepare for sleep. This natural cooling effect supports the body’s circadian rhythm, promoting restful sleep. Infrared saunas, too, offer relaxation and warmth that can calm the nervous system, making it easier to drift into a deep, restorative sleep.
6. Increased Endurance and Physical Performance
Regular sauna sessions may help boost endurance by allowing the body to adapt to heat, improving its tolerance to temperature increases during exercise. Both traditional and infrared saunas are beneficial for muscle recovery after physical activity, supporting flexibility and reducing stiffness. Infrared saunas, in particular, provide deep tissue warmth that can aid in reducing muscle atrophy, making them a useful option for those recovering from sports injuries. Sauna use can support athletic recovery, endurance, and overall physical resilience.
7. Relief from Pain and Rheumatic Conditions
Saunas are known to help alleviate symptoms related to chronic pain and rheumatic conditions. The heat from both traditional and infrared saunas promotes muscle relaxation, reducing tension and providing relief for individuals with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. The penetrating warmth of infrared saunas can also offer targeted relief by reaching deeper tissues, which may benefit individuals experiencing specific muscle or joint pain. Sauna use can be an effective and natural way to manage chronic pain and improve mobility.
8. Reduction in Inflammation and Immune Support
Regular sauna use can help reduce inflammation, a process closely linked to various chronic illnesses. The temporary increase in body temperature during a sauna session stimulates the immune system, potentially strengthening the body’s natural defences. Both traditional and infrared saunas can help reduce levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation in the body. By supporting an anti-inflammatory response, saunas contribute to overall health and immune function, enhancing resilience against illness.
9. Skin Health and Rejuvenation
For improved skin health, sauna use offers a range of benefits. The intense heat and sweating produced by traditional saunas open pores, helping cleanse the skin of impurities and dead cells. Enhanced circulation during sauna sessions also brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. Infrared saunas, known for their deep-penetrating heat, support collagen production and skin elasticity, contributing to a more youthful appearance. Regular use of either type of sauna can enhance skin health, reduce acne, and improve skin texture over time.
10. Respiratory Health Support
Saunas may also support respiratory health by opening airways and aiding in clearing mucus. Traditional saunas create a hot, dry environment that can help ease congestion and improve lung function, which may benefit individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Infrared saunas, with their lower temperature and direct heat penetration, can also provide comfort for those who find the intense heat of traditional saunas challenging. Sauna use can contribute to improved respiratory function and ease of breathing.
11. Potential for Weight Management
Although saunas are not a primary tool for weight loss, the increase in heart rate during a session can result in a temporary metabolic boost. Both traditional and infrared saunas encourage the body to burn more calories as it works to cool down, which can support weight management goals when combined with a balanced diet and exercise. Saunas can complement a healthy lifestyle by supporting calorie burn and metabolic health.
12. Lower Risk of Premature Mortality
Research suggests that frequent sauna use may reduce the risk of premature mortality, with the cumulative health benefits contributing to improved longevity. Regular use of both traditional and infrared saunas supports overall health, from cardiovascular and immune benefits to mental and cognitive resilience, which may lead to a lower risk of early mortality.
Conclusion:
Both traditional and infrared saunas offer a range of unique health benefits, each contributing to improved physical and mental well-being. Whether you're looking for deep muscle relaxation, enhanced skin health, or cardiovascular support, our facility provides access to both types of saunas, allowing you to experience the benefits that resonate with your personal wellness goals. We invite you to explore the distinct experiences each sauna type offers and discover the many ways they can support a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
