Saunas first started in Finland as a way to reduce stress and allow the body to relax. The University of Eastern Finland recently studied the benefits of using a dry sauna and how this could boost your cardiovascular health.

Recent research suggests that benefits of going to a dry sauna can be enjoyed at most ages. Benefits can include: increased metabolism, weight loss, increased blood circulation, skin and body detox, reduce stress levels, relaxation, reduce pain, improve your sleep.
A study that examined patients from 1998-2001 reported their visits to the sauna, total duration of the sauna, and temperature of the room. There were a little over  1,680 participants that had regular follow up visits after they visited the sauna. Groups were divided among them based on frequency of visits to the sauna either 2-3 times a week or those who went 4-7 times a week.

Sauna bathing is popular across the globe and apart of the culture in Finland. For Americans dry saunas are typically found in day spas or in the gym and they are slowly starting to be available in a studio by itself.

Typically saunas are safe but if you have a heart condition or have a heart attack history you should seek your medical professional to determine if it is safe or not for you. Also if you are pregnant it is not safe to visit a sauna.

When going to a sauna it’s important to not drink alcohol before, during, or after and to drink plenty of water. During a session the sauna can lower your blood pressure and sometimes cause dizziness when you stand up so be sure to stand up slowly. To help increase your blood flow you can try moving your legs up and down while you are seated. Be sure if it is your first time using a sauna to start at a lower temperature then work your way up gradually. Allow the temperature to lower back down after you are done with your session to avoid extreme temperature changes.

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