Top Benefits of Sauna for Mood, Skin & Heart Health

The benefits of sauna bathing have been valued for thousands of years. While many enjoy saunas for relaxation and socialising, others turn to them for their potential health advantages.

Some studies suggest that saunas may help cleanse the body, relieve aches, aid cardiovascular function, and reduce stress. Saunas come in two main types: traditional saunas, which use water and heated stones to warm the surrounding air, and infrared saunas, which use light waves to heat the body from the inside out.

The ideal duration for either type of sauna is 15 to 20 minutes, as prolonged exposure to heat can lead to severe dehydration. However, some studies suggest that having up to three sessions per week can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How It Works

Saunas work much like the sweat houses used by the Mayans over 3,000 years ago. A sauna is essentially a small room that’s heated to between 70°C and 100°C. Traditional Finnish saunas use dry heat with around 10% to 20% humidity, though some allow for more moisture. In traditional saunas, water is often poured over hot stones to produce steam, creating a warm, humid environment. This raises the skin’s temperature, sometimes up to 40°C, causing sweating and an increased heart rate as the body works to cool itself down.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, don’t heat the surrounding air. Instead, they use infrared light to warm the body directly. As a result, their temperatures tend to be lower than traditional saunas, but they still produce enough heat to trigger sweating and provide similar benefits.

The Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing

Regardless of whether the body or the room is directly heated, the effects of both types of saunas on the body are similar.

1. It induces relief and relaxation

For thousands of years, saunas have been used therapeutically for their soothing effects, and with good reason. When your body’s temperature rises, your body produces so much sweat, your heart rate increases, and your blood vessels dilate. This increases blood circulation to your skin, much like how moderate aerobic exercise would, which may make you feel relaxed and relieved. Some studies suggest that this relief may even extend to body aches like lower back pain.

2. It may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality

Regular sauna use has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, with some studies suggesting that frequent sessions may contribute to better heart health over time. A long-term study in Finland tracked over 2,300 men (ages 42 to 60) for 20 years and found that regular sauna use might lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Out of all participants, 878 died from heart-related conditions, but how often they used a sauna seemed to make a difference.

Compared to those who only had one sauna session a week, those who used a sauna two to three times weekly were 22% less likely to experience sudden cardiac death. Those who went four to seven times a week experienced even greater benefits—63% lower risk of sudden cardiac death and 50% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease overall. Even after accounting for other heart health risk factors, the trend remained: the more sauna sessions a participant had, the lower their risk of CVD mortality. While more research is needed to confirm these findings across different populations, sauna bathing could play a role in supporting long-term cardiovascular wellness.

3. It may alleviate certain skin problems

Research suggests that some people with psoriasis may notice their symptoms reduce due to sauna use. This may be because the heat from saunas can increase blood flow and reduce inflammation, as well as remove dead skin cells through sweating. On the other hand, people with atopic dermatitis who use saunas might experience worsened symptoms due to excessive dryness. Significant research still needs to be done in this area, but the skin health benefits saunas offer are worth considering.

What to Expect

At Reju, each traditional and infrared sauna session is 45 minutes total, which includes time for both your sauna and post-session shower. To make the most of your appointment, please arrive 10 minutes early and ensure you are well-hydrated beforehand.

Swimwear is required while using our saunas. For your convenience, we provide towels and water, so there’s no need to bring anything extra.

While sauna bathing offers many health benefits, we don’t recommend it for those who are pregnant or have blood pressure issues, heart disease, cancer, or other serious illnesses. If you are taking medication or have any medical conditions, we strongly advise consulting your doctor before your session to ensure your safety and well-being.

Treatment Plans and Expected Outcomes

Sauna bathing is a noninvasive approach to improving heart health and reducing cardiovascular disease mortality risk. It also offers immense benefits for relief and relaxation. At Reju Clinic, we prioritise your comfort and offer a rejuvenating experience every step of the way.

A full therapy course includes 10 sessions for maximum benefits at $500, with a discount available if you bring a friend. You could also choose from more flexible options. You can go for a single session for $40, a five-session pack for $185, and more. Book your session today and take your first bold step towards peak performance and better overall health.