What Does a Sauna Do?
A sauna is a steamy hot room where time is spent, followed by going into cold water. Its use is considered hygienic as well as beneficial for good health.
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History
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Hippocrates encouraged sweating as way to healing. And the ancient medical tradition of Ayurveda also promoted sweating as being beneficial to health. Other cultures also incorporated the sweat "house" for healing, community and spirituality.
Function
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Being in a sauna with moist or dry heat results in an increase in the body temperature. The initial heat is dry heat, and then water is poured over heated rocks, resulting in a steam bath.
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Benefits
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The skin is the largest organ of the body, and the heat of the sauna results in sweating, which helps to purify the body. Saunas can be used to remove heavy metals from the body. The heat from a sauna helps improve circulation.
Warning
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Heat may be too much for certain individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, anyone with heart disease, or anyone who has been using alcohol or drugs.
Don't stay in longer than advised. You can faint from overheating. Also, use by children should be supervised. Re-hydration by drinking water is necessary since the sauna results in water loss. Be cautious if you have any medical condition, and consult with your physician if you are going to use a sauna.
Considerations
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Certain kinds of saunas (such as the wood-burning Finnish sauna) generate negative ions.
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