Explainer / Do saunas really have any health benefits – and what are the risks? From Finland’s traditional dry heat to Turkey’s hammams, Japan’s onsens and modern infrared treatments
- The long-term health benefits of a regular sauna include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia, as well as easing muscle tension, joint pain, reducing wrinkles and sweating out toxins
- The traditional wood-fired sauna belongs to Finland, while Swedes prefer the steam room, and new infrared treatments promise the same benefits at lower temperatures – but not everyone is convinced about their safety
Amid the boggling range of activities humans have indulged in while pursuing better health, the sauna stands out for its enduring place in history, and across various cultures. There’s evidence of sauna-like bathing dating back thousands of years, but we can thank the Finns for the sauna as we know it today.
Over the years, the idea of exposing the body to often-uncomfortable degrees of heat for health and relaxation has evolved – from primitive earth pits to modern steam and dry heat rooms – and adapted to cultures worldwide, from Turkey’s hammams to Japan’s onsens.
Saunas offer more than just warmth, of course – adherents will tell you that all that heat delivers profound benefits to both body and mind. Yet, the question remains: beyond the immediate comfort and relaxation, are there long-term benefits of regular sauna use? And does this simple ritual have the power to significantly affect our health and longevity?
At the core of the sauna experience is the interplay between heat, the human body and the mind. “For centuries, saunas have been used to aid in recovery,” says QC NY Spa’s Simona Sbarbaro.
As soon as we enter a sauna, the heat begins its work, penetrating the skin and elevating the body’s core temperature. This thermal stress triggers a flood of physiological responses designed to cool down the body, which have been noticed and celebrated since the days of ancient Rome. “Salus per aquam – or health through water – is the tradition of ancient thermal baths in Rome, which were communal places that entrusted water with the care of physical well-being and the regeneration of the soul,” Sbarbaro explains.
Dr Elisabeth Ixmeier, co-founder and COO of Healing Hotels of the World, says that, in the short term, regular sauna use can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, adding, “It can also be a great tool to help relieve muscle soreness and joint pain, improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.” In addition to these short-term advantages, several long-term health benefits are linked to regular sauna use, she adds, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and respiratory disease.
These health benefits are primarily attributed to increased blood flow to the skin, a natural response aimed at cooling the body through sweating. This process not only enhances circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and aiding in removing waste, but also boosts overall cardiovascular health.
Moreover, the improved blood flow eases muscle tension, relieving soreness and stiffness – making it particularly beneficial for athletes and individuals with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia – by easing discomfort and enhancing mobility. Additionally, sauna-induced sweating plays a key role in detoxification, expelling toxins such as heavy metals and supporting the body’s natural purification processes.
This detoxification process is complemented by the sauna’s ability to induce a state of mild hyperthermia, boosting the immune system’s function and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.