Is It Healthy To Sauna Every Day?

Saunas have been around for centuries and are in all corners of the earth. The first saunas may have started in Africa and were medicinal. It was not like the type of sauna in Chamblee, GA, or the traditional sauna of Finland that date back approximately 7000 years. Whether it’s called a sauna, hammam, sweat lodge, or hot spring, the concept of heat therapy to keep humans healthy permeated many civilizations. In some countries, saunas are traditional and used every day. There are two modern types of saunas, infrared and traditional.

What are the health benefits of a sauna?

Saunas provide many health benefits. They can help improve lung function, particularly for people with chronic bronchitis or asthma. Regular sessions in the sauna 4 to 7 times a week have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve heart function in people with heart failure. Saunas have also improved skin conditions like psoriasis. Some studies show a direct link between lowering the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s and using a sauna 4 to 7 times a week.

Every athlete understands how much quicker recovery is after a sauna session.

Studies show that using a sauna regularly can lower the markers of inflammation. It can help relieve pain. If you’re an athlete or simply workout to stay healthy, you probably knew that without a study. People with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis also get pain relief. Using a sauna regularly can also improve your immune system and improve your cholesterol profile. If you’re pregnant, check with your healthcare professional.

It’s all about the individual and their health.

Not everyone should use a sauna. While it may help people with psoriasis, it can exacerbate symptoms of atopic dermatitis. You shouldn’t use a sauna if you have uncontrolled hypertension. Even if you aren’t planning on using a sauna, please see your healthcare professional if that’s the case. People with severe heart problems, open wounds, acute infections, or fever shouldn’t use a sauna either.

• To ensure safety, don’t drink alcohol before or after a sauna. Instead, drink 2-4 glasses of water afterward. If you feel sick, leave the sauna and seek help if you feel sick afterward. Check with your doctor if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.
• A traditional sauna has a temperature up to 200 degrees, time should be limited, starting at 5 minutes for new users, gradually moving to 20 minutes. The temperature in the infrared is 120 to 140 degrees, so you can stay up to 45 minutes. Both provide the same benefits.
• Infrared saunas are less intense and some people use them daily. For the most part, people often use saunas after a workout about 4 times a week to help relax, get relief from sore muscles, and boost healing circulation.
• Other benefits from an infrared sauna include better sleep, weight loss, improved skin, and relief from chronic fatigue. Some smaller studies indicate that an infrared sauna can help reduce blood pressure. Always check with your healthcare professional first.

For more information, contact us today at Thrive Sauna Studio