Stepping into a sauna is not only known to be relaxing, but it can help release toxins from your body. In fact, it’s been used by the Scandinavians for hundreds of years for its alleged benefits of cleansing, relaxing, and weight loss.
This article will provide you with everything you need to know about whether saunas in NJ are good for your health.
What is a sauna?
A sauna is a room that is typically heated to between 70 to 100 degrees Celsius or 158 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Traditional Finnish saunas use dry heat, with a relative humidity between 10 to 20 percent, while other saunas typically have more moisture.
When a person enters a sauna, their temperature rises, typically to around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. As the skin temperature increases, heavy sweating occurs. The heart rate also rises to keep the body cool.
Types of saunas
There are several different types of saunas. These include:
- Wood burning. Wood is used to heat the sauna roman sauna rocks. These are usually low in humidity and high in temperature.
- Electrically heated. These are similar to wood-burning saunas because they have high temperatures and low humidity. An electric heater is attached to the floor, which heats the sauna room.
- Infrared room. Different from wood-burning or electrically-heated saunas, far-infrared saunas (FIRS) use special lamps and light waves to heat the person’s body, not the entire room. Temperatures are usually lower than other saunas, but the person sweats in a similar way.
- Steam room. These are different from saunas and use humidity and moist heat.
The benefits of saunas in NJ
When you enter a sauna, your skin temperature rises, your pulse soars, and your blood vessels become more dilated. This happens because your heart is pumping more blood. In addition, you also sweat.
Here are a few other benefits of saunas:
- Relaxation. Saunas have been known to produce a feeling of relaxation. As your heart rate goes up and your blood vessels dilate, there’s an increase in blood flow to the skin, improving blood circulation. Your body’s reaction to the heat can help your muscles release, including those in your face and neck.
- Pain relief. Studies have shown that saunas have been known to help those with chronic pain and arthritis. A 2008 study for people with chronic musculoskeletal disease found that sauna sessions improved pain, stiffness, and fatigue over four weeks. And a 2019 study found that saunas help with lower back pain.
- Asthma. People who have asthma may find relief from symptoms when using a sauna. That’s because saunas can help open airways, loosen phlegm, and reduce stress.
- Skin problems. A dry sauna dries out the skin during use. Those with psoriasis may find their symptoms greatly reduced while using a sauna, but those with atopic dermatitis may find that it worsens.
Tips for using a sauna
If you plan on using a sauna, make sure that you are doing the following:
- Drinking lots of water
- Avoid alcohol
- Limit your time in the sauna
- Avoid using the sauna if you are ill
Get in touch for more information!
If you’d like to learn more about how you can incorporate holistic healing arts into your self-care routine, reach out to Amla Healing Arts. We understand that not everybody is the same, but we can assist you with applying holistic healing principles that will improve your overall health. Schedule an appointment by calling 201-265-1698. If you have any questions before getting started, please don’t hesitate to send a message through our online contact form.
