9 reasons why Finns love the sauna
Tuomas Salla lives in Finland, he is an avid sauna enthusiast, proponent of cold water therapy (aka ice swimming) and all around fan of organic cosmetics. He shares with us the reasons why Finns love the sauna, and why it’s good for health.
"The Finnish culture is synonymous with the use of Sauna. It is the spiritual staple of our daily lives and has been for centuries. We have more Saunas than we have households. It’s 3.2 million saunas vs. 2.4 million households. But did you know that sauna has also health benefits?
1. Saunas improve cardiovascular performance.
The vast majority of disease (i.e. heart disease) is at least partially stress-related. Heat bathing in a sauna provides stress relief: it’s a warm, quiet space without any distractions. The heat relaxes the body's muscles, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins.
2. Saunas relax muscles and soothe aches/pains in both muscles and joints.
Endorphins can have a mild, enjoyable "tranquilizing effect" and the ability to minimize the pain of arthritis and muscle soreness. Body temperature rises, causing blood vessels to dilate, therefore increasing blood circulation. This speeds up the body’s natural healing process.
3. Saunas Flush Toxins
Deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemical - which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments.
4. Reduces incidences of Alzheimer’s by 65%
A 20-year study conducted in Finland revealed regular sauna use lowered the risk for both Alzheimer's & Dementia.
5. Saunas relieve stress.
Sauna use, and an improved cardiorespiratory fitness, can help the body and mind adapt to stress and reduce the risk of depression and other mental disorders.
6. Saunas Can Induce a Deeper Sleep
In addition to the release of endorphins, body temperatures, which become elevated in the late evening, fall at bedtime. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key in facilitating sleep.
7. Saunas Can Help Fight Illness
As the body is exposed to the heat and steam, it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the symptoms of sinus congestion (tip: add eucalyptus to the water!).
8. Sauna Cleanses The Skin
Sweating rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve the capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer-looking quality.
9. Saunas Burn Calories
The sweating process itself requires a notable amount of energy. That energy is derived from the conversion of fat and carbohydrates in a bodily process that burns up calories.”
Article by Tuomas Salla : @theorganiccosmeticsguy
Photo Credit: matt seymour on unsplash, karen stahlros on unsplash