The health benefits of the sauna
The sauna is a tradition that comes straight from the countries of the North and particularly from Finland. Fashion has been spreading in France for a few years. What are the real health benefits of the sauna?
Sauna or hammam, you get lost sometimes. The sauna comes directly from northern countries and in particular from Finland. Very effective in preparing your body for winter, it has many benefits for the whole body.
What is the sauna?
Sauna practice dates back almost 2,000 years in Finland. Some say that the Vickings themselves engaged in this ritual. Today, it has spread widely in the countries of northern Europe, France, Russia and even Japan. More concretely, the sauna is a "bath" of steam. The cabin, in wood, welcomes followers on benches arranged in tiers, more or less high. The heat provided by volcanic stones placed in a stove rises between 70 ° C and 100 ° C (for the more accustomed).
The sauna, what for?
Why lock yourself in such a hot room together? In practice, this may seem strange. However, the fact of making the body sweat intensely - we lose up to 1.5 liters of perspiration - provides many benefits for the whole body. The ideal is to take a cold shower after 10-15 minutes of sauna and this, two to three times, in order to tone the tissues and tighten the pores of the skin. In some Scandinavian countries, we roll in the snow ...
What are the health benefits?
The list of health benefits is long. Know for example that this practice stimulates blood circulation . The heat of the sauna causes the blood vessels to dilate and contributes to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Studies show that frequent sauna use (up to 7 times per week) reduces the risk of heart attacks and coronary artery disease.
The sauna is a good stress reliever: with the heat, the body releases endorphins which relax the person. The ritual is also recommended for people with respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis). Dillate pores also help to cleanse the skin deeply. Take a trip to the sauna if possible before and during the winter, as this boosts the immune system and helps fight viruses such as the flu. On the other hand, you will be relieved if you suffer from rheumatism and joint pain.
Does the sauna make you lose weight?
It's a widely held idea ... wrongly. No, the sauna does not make you lose weight. The body loses water, not fat. However, it is recommended to go to the sauna at the same time as a diet.
Are there any contraindications?
People with heart disease or high blood pressure are not necessarily forbidden from sauna, but it is recommended to keep a temperature below 90 ° C and to ban ice baths. In any case, ask your doctor for advice. Some skin conditions, like psoryasis, don't necessarily mix with sweating. If you are pregnant, do not raise the temperature above 70 ° C. Do you have a fever, inflammatory disease, or alcohol in your blood? Go your way!
Source: Maylis Choné - Health Passport
