How Sauna Bathing Boosts Longevity And Vitality
How Sauna Bathing Boosts Longevity And Vitality
Sauna bathing has been practiced for thousands of years, with its roots stemming from Northern Europe. The ancient ritual is known for providing relaxation and boosting the immune system. Emerging research suggests that beyond its therapeutic use, sauna bathing offers several health benefits.
The heat exposure experienced from sauna bathing has been likened to moderate physical exercise, with studies revealing similarities in blood pressure and heart rate responses. Additionally, sustained reductions in blood pressure post-sauna suggest positive effects on cardiovascular health.
Extensive studies carried out in Finland, have shown that frequent sauna bathing is linked to a decreased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality. A study spanning 39 years and involving almost 14,000 adults examined the positive effects of heat exposure on the brain, highlighting a reduced risk of developing dementia. By tracking the frequency and duration of sauna use among the subjects, researchers found that individuals who used the sauna more often had a lower risk of dementia.
In addition to reducing the risk of age-related diseases - sauna bathing offers many immediate health benefits - such as improved circulation, relaxation of muscles, detoxification through sweating, and stress release. It can also promote better skin health and aid in post-exercise recovery.
TEMPERATURE
80°C/176 °F - 100°C/212 °F
HUMIDITY
10-20%
SOUND
The gentle hum of communal conversation
MOOD
Relaxed
CREDITS
Painting; Milton Avery, Tender Nude, 1958
REFERENCES
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30077204/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2130724
https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/46/2/245/2654230
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7560162/
BATHING COMPANIONS