Sauna bathing is a centuries-old tradition that originated in Finland, where it is still a popular activity for pleasure and relaxation. In recent years, however, the potential health benefits of sauna bathing have been the subject of increasing scientific research.
Emerging evidence suggests that regular sauna use may be linked to a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, as well as non-vascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases and mortality.
In a nutshell, the studies report the following benefits:
Cardiovascular Benefits
- Reduced risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Improved endothelial function
- Reduced arterial stiffness
- Modulation of the autonomic nervous system
- Beneficial changes in circulating lipid profiles
- Lower systemic blood pressure
Neurocognitive Benefits
- Reduced risk of neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
- Production of heat shock proteins, which have a protective effect on brain cells
Pulmonary Benefits
- Reduced risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Improved respiratory function
Mortality Benefits
- Overall reduction in mortality
- 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality
Other Benefits
- Improvement of symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and the flu
- Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of heat
- Improved circulation
Overall, the available evidence suggests that sauna use may offer a number of potential health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which sauna use affects health, the emerging data is promising and suggests that sauna use may be an important tool for maintaining and improving overall health and well-being.
Scientific Findings About the Health Benefits Of Sauna Bathing
One of the key ways in which sauna use may benefit health is through its effects on cardiovascular function. Studies have shown that regular sauna bathing may improve endothelial function, reduce arterial stiffness, and modulate the autonomic nervous system. This can lead to beneficial changes in circulating lipid profiles, as well as lower systemic blood pressure.
In addition to its effects on cardiovascular health, sauna use has also been linked to a reduced risk of neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This may be due to the heat shock proteins that are produced during sauna use, which have been shown to have a protective effect on brain cells.
Sauna use may also have beneficial effects on non-vascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases. One study found that regular sauna use was associated with a reduced risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This may be due to the improved respiratory function that occurs as a result of sauna use.
Sauna use has also been linked to an overall reduction in mortality. In one study, regular sauna use was associated with a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality. This may be due to the beneficial effects of sauna use on cardiovascular health, as well as its potential to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases.
In addition to its potential health benefits, sauna use has also been shown to improve symptoms of certain conditions such as arthritis, headaches, and the flu. This may be due to the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of the heat, as well as the improved circulation that occurs during sauna use.
Overall, the available evidence suggests that sauna use may offer a number of potential health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which sauna use affects health, the emerging data is promising and suggests that sauna use may be an important tool for maintaining and improving overall health and well-being.