The Many Health Benefits of a Home Sauna: How to Best Use It and What Conditions It Can Help With

The Many Health Benefits of a Home Sauna:
How to Best Use It and What Conditions It Can Help With

Disclaimer: This article aims to inform and inspire. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen.

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In recent years, saunas have made a move from luxury spas into the comfort of our homes. The allure of a home sauna is more than just the convenience factor. Numerous studies have shed light on the astounding health benefits that regular sauna sessions can provide. Let’s dive deep into these benefits, how to optimize your sauna experience, and which health conditions it could help alleviate. Then I’ll share the one we purchased and a few I was considering!

Health Benefits of Using a Home Sauna

1. Detoxification: Saunas increase the rate at which we sweat, aiding in the expulsion of toxins from the body. Regular sessions can help rid the body of harmful substances like heavy metals and pollutants.
2. Improved Cardiovascular Function: Regular sauna use can increase circulation, leading to lowered blood pressure, improved heart health, and enhanced arterial function.
3. Weight Loss and Metabolism Boost: A sauna session can burn calories by increasing your heart rate, similar to a light workout. Moreover, it can accelerate metabolic processes, potentially aiding in weight loss.
4. Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief: The heat helps relax muscles and alleviate joint pains. It’s particularly beneficial for those with conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness post-workout.
5. Skin Health: Sweating opens up pores and removes impurities, leading to clearer, softer, and more youthful-looking skin.
6. Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being: Sauna sessions promote relaxation, reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and can lead to improved sleep quality.
7. Immune System Boost: Regular sauna usage can increase white blood cell count, strengthening the body’s ability to fight off infections.

 

How to Best Use Your Home Sauna

1. Pre-Sauna Prep: Ensure you’re well-hydrated. Drink a glass or two of water before your session.
2. Duration: Start with shorter sessions (around 10-15 minutes) and gradually increase to 30 minutes as your body gets accustomed.
3. Temperature: Ideally, a traditional sauna temperature ranges from 150°F to 195°F. Infrared saunas operate at a lower 120°F to 140°F. Choose what’s comfortable for you.
4. Post-Sauna Care: Cool down gradually. Drink water to rehydrate, and consider taking a lukewarm or cool shower to close the pores and rinse off sweat.
5. Frequency: While you can use the sauna daily, 3-4 times a week is optimal for most people to reap the health benefits.

Conditions That Sauna Usage Can Help With

1. Chronic Pain and Arthritis: Heat therapy can reduce pain perception and improve mobility.
2. Asthma: Sauna sessions can help in opening airways and reducing respiratory symptoms.
3. Depression and Anxiety: The relaxation benefits can aid in mood stabilization and reduction of stress-related disorders.
4. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Some individuals report relief from symptoms post-sauna sessions.
5. Skin Conditions: Conditions like psoriasis and eczema may see improvement with regular sauna use.

 

What I Bought and what I considered

This is the unit I bought and as of posting time, it’s still in route to be delivered but based on the reviews I think we will be very happy with it. I’ve saved this model in my cart for over 2 years! Follow along on Instagram, I’ll be sharing in stories about it once it arrives. I’ll also save it all to a highlight in case you come across this blog post later.

Why I chose this model

Well for starters, our space is small. We have a pretty small house to begin with so I needed it to fit in a very tight spot in my basement. It’s depth is only 42″, width is just 50″ and the height barely clears my ceiling leaving us around 4″! I also considered the 3 person model which in my opinion actually looks a little nicer, it’s 14″ longer and 2″ deeper with the same height. Some factors that played a role in deciding because the price was less than $100 different, the 3 person model needed a dedicated 20 amp outlet (most of ours are 15 and have other things run to them in my old house) It’s shipping time was going to take a little longer and I actually liked the color of this one over the 3 person model. They both offer bluetooth, same temperatures, and LED lights. The 3 person model has more glass in front which again I think looks a little nicer but we wanted to save space.

This is the 3 person model I would have bought if I wanted to give up the extra 14 inches of space Here

If my budget and space allowed, I would absolutely order this one Here having the option to lay down feels so amazing but the size doesn’t work for us. the reviews are amazing on that one as well!

 

The home sauna has evolved from a mere luxury to a vital tool in promoting holistic health. Beyond relaxation, the array of benefits spans across physical, mental, and even emotional realms. However, always consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new regimen to ensure it’s safe for your specific health conditions. I hope you found this blog post beneficial, feel free to share it with friends and family and Be sure to check out my instagram where I shared it all up close, also saved in my story highlight titled Sauna!