Ayurveda Therapy Health Tips

Guidelines & health benefits of Sauna Bath

benefit of sauna bath

Sauna bath benefits

Sauna bath is the medicated bath means “bath” and “bathhouse” which has been a way of life in Finland. It can also be correlated with medical Sudation process of Ayurvedic way bodily purification. It is one of type of sudation done inside room or house in Ayurveda principle. Sauna works on the principle of generating abundant sweat to detoxify the body and relax the mind. The heat is provided by a stove or heater that heats the rocks to provide a soft heat. Water is thrown over these rocks to provide humidity. Regular sauna use can bring a number of health advantages – some of them are listed below:

  • Glowing healthy skin – blood flow to the skin increases during a sauna session. With more essential nutrients being available to subcutaneous and surface tissue, the quality of the skin gradually improves.
  • Detoxification – The heat in sauna releases poisons and heavy metals beneath the skin so that they can be purged through respiration. In this day and age most people are exposed to toxins every day. Those Toxic chemicals are abundantly present in our food and environment, so it seems reasonable to aid the detoxification process with the regular use of sauna.
  • Hyperthermia – Due to exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state. Fever stimulates the body’s natural healing process. As a result, your immune system will produce greater numbers of disease fighting white blood cells and antibodies to eliminate viruses and other pathogens.

Note-The Sauna should not, of course, be used as a weight loss aid by itself, but when used with a good diet and exercise program, a Sauna can help burn more calories. Weight is lost in a Sauna, but most of it is water loss from sweating.

Sauna Usage Guidelines

  • Light cotton inner wear or short bath towel is only allowed inside better being naked so all the pores cleaned by the steam whereas using clothe restricts the flow of heat.
  • Remain seated position while in sauna.
  • Place light towel or sheet for sitting.
  • Do not touch chimney or stoves, it may cause serious burns.
  • Drinking and eating is not allowed inside the sauna.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the sauna room.
  • Visitors are not allowed to take their belongings and personal stuffs inside room.
  • Heat is more in upper row than lower so you can change position if you feel over heat.
  • Rest one hour after having food to inside sauna.
  • Visitors are required to use their own bath towel or sheet to dry themselves and wrap their body.
  • It is recommended to take shower without soap and inner wear before and after each use.
  • Drink plenty of water before and after use. Over heat may cause dehydration.
  • Don’t pour over water on the stoves as it may increase over temperature.
  • Bath in sauna (<90 degree) for as long as you Feel comfortable It is not recommended to sit more than 45min on one sitting .
  • Have warm shower after leaving the sauna. If you want to have a cold shower, wait at least 5 minutes.
  • Leave the sauna immediately if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Monitor the temperature inside room and inform the attendants in any case of emergencies for first aid.
  • Persons with medical conditions should consult physician before going Steam bath.

Note:

  • If you feel sick during a sauna session, leave the sauna immediately. Cool down gradually after your sauna session.
  • Persons with medical conditions should consult a physician before using any Sauna or Steam Room.

Precaution

  • Do not use the sauna if you have any of the following: exuding bruises or sutured wounds, hypertension, heart murmurs or other cardiac abnormalities, kidney problems, or have been taking NSAIDS (you need at least 2 weeks NSAID‐free)
  • Do not use the sauna if you have been recently drinking alcohol, as it increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke, as well as decreasing your judgment, co‐ordination and balance.
  • If you have any muscle or joint ache, swelling, redness, or tenderness at rest or with light exercise, do not use the sauna.
  • Pregnant women should avoid sauna and steam-baths altogether
  • Be sure to remove contact lenses before entering sauna
  • Allow adequate time for rest after leaving the sauna
  • Do not stay in the hot room for more than 30 minutes

About the author

Dr. Ram Mani Bhandari

Experienced holistic doctor, healer, teacher, and writer
Specialized in Ayurvedic detox (Panchakarma)
Trained in India and Nepal, the original lands of Ayurveda
Graduate in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) from the Institute of Medicine at Tribhuwan University in Kathmandu.
Professional member of Australasian Association of Ayurveda (AAA)
Owner of Sunshine Ayurveda

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