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The sauna provides an environment for overall mental and physical
health. The combination of body perspiration, rest and rapid cooling
stimulates circulation, reduces muscular and nervous tension, and
heightens cognitive awareness. Plus, you'll enjoy a restful, sound
sleep, which for most people in today's fast-paced lifestyle, is worth
its weight in gold. The unique benefits of sauna use have become
increasingly popular in modern society. The physiology of perspiration
includes how sweating helps rid the body of wastes, regulates body
temperature, and invigorates our largest organ, the skin. The metabolic
effects of sauna and sweat baths, the positive influence of negative
ions released by steam, and the more subtle spiritual and social
benefits of the sauna experience all contribute to a heightened sense of
well-being. Medical studies show that frequent sauna bathing helps
reduce stress and keeps your circulatory system running smooth.
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are some other benefits to sauna and steam bathing: |
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Provides a cardiovascular workout
and helps condition the heart: The heart rate increases when the body is
exposed to high temperature, which consequently, improves circulation.
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, your heart rate increases by
50-75%. This provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise and
the increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a
nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood
vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.
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Soothes and relaxes tired muscles:
Sauna bathing can also be beneficial for pre/post workout relaxation,
help relieve allergies and sinus congestion, help relieve arthritic pain
and reduce sunburn pain. Also revives tired and strained muscles after
physical exertion.
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Aids in weight loss: When combined
with a healthy diet and regular exercise, sauna bathing can burn as many
as 300 calories during each session, which is equal to running 2-3
miles. Spas and other such therapeutic facilities utilize saunas and
steam baths in conjunction with massage to loosen fatty tissue and
assist in the battle against cellulite.
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Cleanses skin: By opening pores in
your skin and flushing unhealthy toxins through sweating, sauna will
cleanse and beautify, offering an overall more youthful appearance. It
promotes a wonderful feeling of well being and a total body experience
which no bath can duplicate.
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When taking a sauna, skin
temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to
about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial
fever state. Fever is part of the body's natural healing process. Fever
stimulates the immune system resulting in increased production of
disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti
viral protein with cancer fighting capability).
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Steam is an excellent treatment for
respiratory problems, such as chest congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis
and sinusitis |
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