hot stuff
Why Saunas Are More Than a Trend
Catherine Lawson
Our neighbours to the north have long understood the healing magic of saunas. The Finns were the first to embrace them, over 2000 years ago, when they dug pits into embankments and filled them with hot stones. Back then they were simple, earthen sanctuaries filled with ritual, healing and a touch of the unknown. It’s fair to say that saunas have evolved significantly since those humble beginnings – the beautifully sculpted wooden sanctuaries we know and love today are universally embraced as symbols of wellness.
The reason for the rise in popularity is simple: far from being a wellness trend, the research shows that there are significant health benefits associated with time spent in a sauna. Let’s start with the heart. When we’re relaxing in the heat (it can be wet or dry heat) our blood vessels dilate, resulting in improved circulation. Because our circulation improves, blood pressure lowers and, as we know, this supports heart health, reducing the risk of all kinds of cardiovascular issues. In addition, because our heart rate also increases in the heat, (not unlike when we participate in gentle – moderate exercise), regular saunas can also improve heart fitness.
The increased blood flow doesn’t just benefit the heart, however; it can also support our muscles to recover by bringing more oxygen their way. With increased oxygen comes muscle relaxation, reduced inflammation, the removal of metabolic waste (such as lactic acid) and deep tissue repair. As a result, many are turning to saunas as a form of physical therapy and pain relief, whether repairing muscles post-exercise, supporting recovery from injury, or managing chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Physical relaxation aside, saunas have also become a widely recognised tool to support mental relaxation. For many of us, a spell in the sauna is the ultimate way to unwind, with ‘heat therapy’ becoming an increasingly popular way to calm the mind and release those feel-good endorphins which boost our mood. Over time, the benefits include better sleep and reduced anxiety, and ongoing research suggests there is real potential for saunas to be used effectively in the fight against depression.
There is another area of research, however, which is attracting a lot of interest in the world of medicine, and unsurprisingly, Finland has been at the forefront of it all. At the end of 2016 the University of Eastern Finland published findings from a 20-year study which had followed 2000 men, indicating that middle aged men who visited saunas 4-7 times per week were 66% less likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia than those who only used it once a week, and 65% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It’s a study which has inspired hope globally.
When it comes to the link between saunas and Alzheimer’s, reduced inflammation, stress reduction and improved blood flow to the brain all play their part, but what interests researchers the most is the impact saunas have on vital proteins – heat shock proteins to be exact. These are the proteins which protect cells from damage, and which are activated when our bodies warm up in the sauna. It is believed that they help prevent the accumulation of the abnormal proteins in our brain, which can lead to the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s. Whilst follow on studies have corroborated the initial findings from the University of Eastern Finland, more research is needed, and scientists are quick to point out that saunas are only one of several lifestyle choices which can support overall wellbeing in the fight against all manner of diseases.
What we know for sure, is that incorporating regular saunas into our self-care routines can have a profound impact on our overall wellbeing: it’s a practice which can support us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thankfully it’s never been easier for us to access these benefits; we can enjoy them in sports centres, in spas, on beaches and even in our own homes and gardens. Whether static or mobile, wood-fired, infrared or steam, saunas are everywhere. The only question is, which one’s right for you?
For the ultimate outdoor wellness experience, head to wild ritual sauna, beautifully located next to Dunure Harbour. Each session includes natural salt scrubs and plant-based oils, adding a soothing, sensory element to your time in the sauna and making it a truly revitalising escape.
www.wildritualsauna.co.uk
