The benefits of the sauna on health

The sauna is a tradition that comes straight from the North and especially from Finland. Fashion has spread in France in recent years. What are the real health benefits of the sauna on health?
Sauna or steam room, you get lost sometimes. The sauna comes directly from the North and especially from Finland. Very effective in preparing your body for the winter, it causes many benefits for the whole body.

The sauna, what is it?

The practice of sauna dates back almost 2,000 years in Finland. Some say that the Vickers themselves engaged in this ritual. Today, it has spread widely in the countries of Northern Europe, France, Russia, and even Japan. More concretely, the sauna is a “bath” of steam. The cabin, in wood, welcomes the followers on benches arranged in tiers, more or less high. The heat provided by volcanic stones placed in a stove rises between 70 ° C and 100 ° C (for the most used).

The sauna, what for?

Why lock yourself in a room so hot to several? In practice, this may seem strange. However, sweating the body intensively – losing up to 1.5 liters of perspiration – provides many benefits for the entire body. The ideal is to take a cold shower after 10-15 minutes of sauna and this, two to three times, to tone the tissues and tighten the pores of the skin. In some Scandinavian countries, we roll in the snow.

What are the health benefits of the sauna?

The list of health benefits is long. Know for example that this practice stimulates blood circulation. The heat of the sauna causes dilation of the blood vessels and contributes to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system . Studies show that frequent use of the sauna (up to 7 times a week) reduces the risk of heart attacks and diseases of the coronary arteries.
The sauna is a good antistress: with heat, the body releases endorphins that relax the person. The ritual is also recommended for people with respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis). Dilated pores also clean the skin thoroughly. Take a walk to the sauna if possible before and during the winter, as it boosts the immune system and helps fight against viruses such as the flu. On the other hand, you will be relieved if you suffer from rheumatism and joint pain.

Does the sauna make you lose weight?

This is a widely held idea … wrongly. No, the sauna does not lose weight. The body loses water, not fat. However, it is recommended to go to the sauna at the same time as a diet.

Are there contraindications?

People suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure are not necessarily banned from the sauna, but it is recommended to maintain a temperature below 90 ° C and to ban cold baths. In any case, ask your doctor for advice. Some skin conditions, such as psoriasis, do not necessarily mix with perspiration. If you are pregnant, do not raise the temperature above 70 ° C. Do you have a fever, an inflammatory disease or alcohol in your blood? Go your way!