Sauna Bath
Sauna bath is an activity that has been a tradition in Finland for thousands of years and mainly used for the purposes of pleasure and relaxation. Sauna bath has positive effects on the circulatory, cardiovascular, and immune functions. As a result of this, this therapy is beneficial for the treatment of several vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases; non-vascular conditions such as pulmonary diseases; relief in conditions such as arthritis, headache, and flu.
Procedure
A sauna is typically a small room or chamber made of pine wood panels all around the inside. 2 to 10 people can take bath at a time. There are digital temperature controls and Timer with sensors, and sauna generator with lava stones. The room is heated to between 55° to 60° Celsius. The heated air inside the room contains 3 to 6 percent humidity, which could be increased to 15 percent. Patients are first administered cold shower and later take this bath sitting on benches inside the cabin. Sauna bath is to be taken only after clearing the bowels. A sauna use can raise the skin temperature to roughly 40° Celsius. As the skin temperature rises, heavy sweating also occurs. Sweating during the bath expels salt out of our system. The heart rate rises as the body attempts to keep cool. The bath is to be taken for about 30 to 45 minutes. It could result in dehydration and therefore, after the bath, the patient should take enough liquids such as lemon water, honey water or fruit juices, etc.
Benefits
Regardless of how a sauna is heated, or the humidity level, the effects on the body are similar. When a person sits in a sauna, his or her heart rate increases and blood vessels widen. This increases circulation, (similar to what happens during moderate exercising). The heart rate may increase to 100-150 beats a minute while using a sauna. Sauna baths results in health benefits that include detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, increased blood circulation, pain reduction, anti-aging, skin rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, improved immune function, improved sleep, stress management, and relaxation.
The hot and dry air circulated opens up and expands the arteries and veins and makes the blood cells absorb maximum oxygen. Increase in blood circulation helps build body resistance and effective in fighting colds and infection.
Thermal effect activates the pituitary gland and helps secretion of melanocytes stimulating hormones in the blood. Sauna bath is also effective in the treatment of leukoderma.
Overall impact of a Sauna bath results in
Easing pain Increased circulation is particularly effective in reducing muscle soreness, improve joint movement, and ease arthritis pain. It is beneficial for patients having lower back pain, slip and protrusion. Rheumatism, Urticaria, Sciatica, Neuralgia, sinusitis can also be treated effectively
Reducing stress levels As the heat in a sauna improves circulation, it also promotes relaxation. This can give an overall feeling of well-being.
Improving cardiovascular health The reduction in stress levels when using a sauna may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular events.
Precautions
Patients with high blood pressure, heart problems, fever, skin problems and pregnant women should not take this bath.
