Why Do People Like Sauna Nowadays

As an ancient way of leisure, sauna has long been loved by people all over the world. In the fast-paced modern life, people are often troubled by various stresses and fatigue, and both the body and the mind are in urgent need of deep relaxation and healing. In recent years, with the deepening of scientific research, the health benefits of sauna have been increasingly confirmed, and it has become the only choice for many people to relieve stress and promote health.

Improve Cardiovascular Health

When people step into the sauna room, warm and moist air instantly surrounds the body. As the temperature rises, blood vessels expand, blood circulation accelerates, and more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to cells throughout the body, while helping to excrete waste and toxins. This process not only provides energy for cells, but also relieves numbness and soreness in the limbs that are common in sedentary people, enhances metabolism, and improves body temperature regulation and immunity.

Scientific research has further confirmed the significant benefits of sauna for cardiovascular health. A 20-year study followed more than 2,300 middle-aged men and found that people who steamed 1-7 times a week had a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and all-cause death. Another study showed that people who steamed 4-7 times a week had a 62% lower risk of stroke than those who steamed only once a week. In addition, at least four studies have pointed out that steaming saunas is associated with lower blood pressure and a lower risk of hypertension. Although its long-term effects have yet to be determined, the protective effect of saunas on cardiovascular health has been widely recognized.

Relieve Pain & Inflammation

Saunas are effective in relieving pain and fatigue. For people with chronic pain, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, the heat from a sauna can relax muscles and improve blood circulation, thereby reducing pain. Saunas can also reduce systemic inflammation by promoting the body's natural anti-inflammatory response. An 11-year study found that people who used a sauna 4-7 times a week had significantly lower levels of systemic inflammation, and this anti-inflammatory effect is important for preventing cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and certain cancers.

In addition, saunas are also an effective way to relieve muscle tension and fatigue. After high-intensity work or exercise, muscles are often tense, leading to fatigue and soreness. The high temperature environment of a sauna can relax muscle fibers and excrete metabolic products such as lactic acid, thereby relieving fatigue. Whether it is an office worker or an athlete, a sauna can help them relax their body from the inside out, restore physical strength, and reduce the risk of sports injuries.

Detoxifying & Improving Skin Health

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and the first line of defense against the external environment. When taking a sauna, as body temperature rises, sweat glands begin to secrete sweat, and large amounts of sweat are expelled from the pores, carrying away dirt, dust, and oils from the skin surface. This provides a deep cleanse, effectively removing the stratum corneum and making the skin smoother and more delicate. At the same time, the sauna promotes blood circulation in the skin, which provides more nutrients to skin cells and keeps the skin rosy and radiant. For those exposed to polluted environments or with skin problems, sauna can help improve skin conditions and reduce the occurrence of acne and other skin issues.

Relaxing the Mind & Alleviating Psychological Stress

In addition to the many benefits to the body, sauna also has a positive impact on mental health. In the sauna room, people can temporarily leave behind the hustle and bustle of the outside world and fully relax. The high-temperature environment stimulates the brain to release endorphins, a type of neurotransmitter that creates a sense of pleasure. As endorphins flow through the body, people feel uplifted, and anxiety and stress are alleviated. Many people feel a sense of relief after taking a sauna, as if all worries have been carried away by the warm steam. Sauna can also serve as a social activity, allowing people to communicate with friends or family, which may enhance relationships and reduce psychological stress.

Improving Respiratory System Function

The steamy environment of the sauna room also has benefits for the respiratory system. When people breathe the warm, humid air, the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract become moist, helping to clear secretions and foreign objects, which reduces symptoms like coughing and sore throat. For those with chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, under a doctor's advice, people can take a sauna as an auxiliary treatment to help improve respiratory function and alleviate symptoms of breathing difficulties. However, it is essential to note that people with severe respiratory diseases should consult a doctor before taking a sauna to avoid adverse effects.

While sauna offers many benefits, it is important to be aware of certain precautions when enjoying this activity. First, the duration of the sauna should be limited to 10 to 15 minutes per session to prevent dehydration or fainting. Second, it is essential to drink water before and after the sauna to maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance. In addition, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions should take saunas cautiously under a doctor's guidance.

Taking a sauna is not only a way to relax, but also an activity that is beneficial to health. From improving cardiovascular health to relieving pain, from improving mental health to promoting respiratory function, the benefits of sauna are supported by more and more scientific evidence. If you like taking a sauna, then continue to enjoy it! However, it should be noted that sauna is not suitable for everyone, especially those with heart disease, high blood pressure or other health problems, and should be used with caution under the advice of a doctor.