Thermal Saunas- Pros and Cons

Saunas are becoming popular by the day as it helps in getting rid of toxins from the body. A sauna is a small building or room that is designed to reach high temperatures and be used as steam baths. Patrons sit in this hot and steamy room and enjoy both dry and wet heat sessions of therapy. Saunas came into existence from Finland, and almost every house in that country has an inbuilt sauna. The Finnish variety of saunas are still used today as the blueprint for modern designs of present-day saunas.

Saunas are installed in health and fitness clubs as well as in resorts and luxury spas so that patrons can lie or sit on wooden benches to unwind. When you take a steam bath, the heat generated in the sauna lets your muscles loosen up. Saunas are also utilized as a method of nonphysical exercise which promotes the circulation of blood in the body. Saunas also help in cleansing your skin, and at the end of the session, a feeling of well-being envelops you.

There are three major types of saunas that you can use; the traditional or ‘old school’ sauna is an area that is partitioned or a small room which has a heater fixed within its confines. The heater works by gas, wood or electricity and the room may be heated by heating rocks as well. An infrared sauna makes use of metal or ceramics to generate heat via the emission of infrared energy. The third version involves infrared lamp saunas which use bright heat lamps to generate the heat that is required for operating a sauna. This third version has added the benefit of giving off color therapy produced from various types of light which can effectively treat some organs in the human body.

There have been a few misgivings concerning the benefits of using saunas. Let us examine the pros and cons of using thermal saunas:

Pros

• Thermal saunas are easier to install.

• They are more portable than their counterparts.

• They operate at lower temperatures which most people find more comfortable than other types of saunas.

• It does not consume too much electricity.

• Heightens endurance – Saunas create a hyperthermic environment which enhances blood flow to the heart and boosts plasma volume. These activities lead to a reduction in cardiovascular strain and the lowering of heart rate.

• Thermal saunas enhance faster recovery by promoting blood flow to the skeletal muscles and fueling them with oxygen, esterified fatty acids, and glucose. The metabolic process results in byproducts such as lactic acid, etc. which are removed from these zones.

• Saunas rejuvenate the skin while slowly eliminating unwanted toxins and chemicals from the body.

• Saunas assist the liver and kidneys in getting rid of unwanted substances in the body since they are primarily responsible for controlling body temperature. The elimination of toxins or harmful substances from the body is enhanced by heat, and because you are taking a steam bath, the body begins to sweat profusely.

• A convenient alternative to physical activity – This is for people who may not be able to participate in strenuous physical activities. The sauna is a good alternative as it helps in increasing blood circulation to various parts of the body for improved performance of biological functions.

Cons

• The dry air of the thermal sauna could be uncomfortable for some individuals to breathe.

• Some people are of the opinion that thermal saunas don’t evoke the same feelings of refreshment and relaxation that is associated with conventional spas.

The benefits of using thermal saunas far outweigh the negatives. However, you should consult a healthcare professional to find out if your present health condition will allow you to indulge in this healthy pastime.