3 reasons to fall in love with sauna—a soothing ritual with many health benefits
Yksi, kaksi, kolme, sauna! The beneficial effects of steam are partly proven and partly remain a mystery.
1. Sauna has many health benefits
Sauna is good for the body: a sauna session temporarily lowers blood pressure and improves the elasticity of blood vessel walls. Frequent sauna use also seems to be associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, as well as a statistically lower likelihood of stroke, dementia, pneumonia, and psychosis.
2. Sauna is especially enjoyable after exercise
Basking in the steam is relaxing, but the exact mechanism behind its soothing effect hasn’t been pinpointed. The most common explanation is an increase in endorphin production. Either way, sauna feels particularly pleasant after physical activity, and research suggests that exercise and bathing in the sauna reinforce each other’s positive effects on circulation.
3. Sauna may help prevent colds
Many sauna-goers believe that steam bathing prevents the common cold. Studies on the topic have showed that both, the number of cold days, and cold episodes were lower in regular sauna users than in the control group. However, because of certain flaws in the study, the findings cannot be considered scientifically proven.
Source: Terveyskirjasto (Finnish health information online service, with information provided by medical experts)
