Health Benefits of Sauna Therapy

After a long day or a hard workout, a sauna or steambath is a healthy way to relax and enjoy some leisure time. Fifteen minutes spent in a sauna is equivalent to a brisk walk, and increases the metabolic heart rate by as much as 75%. When vessels dilate blood flows faster, and there is better blood flow to the extremities.

Nutrients that get pulled to the skin surface helps give the skin moisture and softness.The skin is the body's largest organ of the body and is one way the body rids itself of waste. Sweating is a form of flushing out the excess toxins and waste through the skin's pores, helping to rid the body of toxins.

Core body temperature rises when the body gets hot or overheated, stimulating the immune system to produce more white blood cells, interferon, and antibodies. Saunas have been found to help rid the body of cellulite when used in combination with massage therapy. The combination of the two causes loosening of fatty tissues and increases metabolic rate.

Sauna therapy can also be good for a person's mental health. The physical and mental relaxation can help alleviate some medical problems dealing with sleep and insomnia. Some of the symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and laryngitis can be lessened with the use of a sauna or steambath.

Saunas and steambaths may be contraindicated for certain medical conditions including: pregnancy, hypertension, and heart disease. Do not initiate sauna therapy, or any other similar therapies, before first consulting with a physician.

A professional spa is not the only place to reap the benefits of a sauna or steambath, it can be performed right in the comforts of home. Infrared saunas are considered to be extremely safe and are available for individual sale. Makers of the infrared heating saunas claim that the use of infrared heat is the only way to safely remove artificial toxins from the body.

Home sauna systems have been found useful for other medical conditions including: decreased risk of bacterial infections, more therapeutic relief from arthritis, and they can stimulate tissues up to one and a half inches in depth.