Basically, what happens to the body during a sauna is quite simple — your metabolism and pulse rates increase, your blood vessels become much more flexible, and your extremities benefit from increased circulation.
The effects of the sauna are numerous and varied. Proponents of dry heat bath mention a feeling of psychological peace and contentment as well as physical rejuvenation. Many people claim that the sauna relieves the symptoms of minor illnesses such as colds, revives the muscles after tough physical exertion, and clears the complexion. The sauna experience will often leave you feeling very much alive. Your senses will be sharpened, and your tactile sensitivity heightened.
Another aspect of the sauna, which should be considered, is your mental state prior to taking one. Many people attest to the healing powers of the sauna concerning mental depression and anxiety. They say that after leaving the sauna, the mind is in a relaxed, lucid state, free of the worries of the everyday world. Also, when the body feels soothed and energised, the mind and emotions often follow suit.
Ten key health & wellness benefits:
1. Saunas relieve stress.
Not surprisingly, sauna bathers most frequently cite stress reduction as the number one benefit of sauna use. Medical studies often determine that stress in our daily lives can negatively affect our health. In fact, the vast majority of disease (i.e. heart disease) is at least partially stress-related. Heat bathing in a sauna provides stress relief in a number of ways. It’s a warm, quiet space without any distractions coming from the outside. As we like to say, "Step into a Finnleo sauna, and close the door on the rest of the world." The heat from the sauna relaxes the body's muscles, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s all-natural "feel good" chemical, and their release provides a truly wonderful "after sauna glow.”.
2. Saunas relax muscles and soothe aches/pains in both muscles and joints.
Under the high heat provided by a sauna, the body releases endorphins. Endorphins can have a mild, enjoyable "tranquilizing effect" and the ability to minimize the pain of arthritis and muscle soreness other from, say, an intense physical workout. Body temperature also rises from the heat of the sauna.. This causes blood vessels to dilate, therefore increasing blood circulation. This increased blood flow in turn speeds up the body’s natural healing process via soothing aches and pains and/or speeding up of the healing of minor bruises or cuts. After participating in physical sports, use the heat and/or steam of a sauna to promote muscle relaxation by helping to reduce muscle tension and eliminate lactic acid and/or other toxins that may be present.
3. Saunas flush toxins.
Many - if not most - of us do not actively sweat on a daily basis. Deep sweating, however, has multiple proven health benefits. Benefits derived from a deep sweat can be achieved via regular sauna bathing.Due to the heat of a sauna, the core body temperature begins to rise. The blood vessels then dilate, causing increased blood flow. As heat from the blood begins to move toward the skin's surface, the body’s nervous system then sends signals to the millions of sweat glands that cover the human body. As the sweat glands become stimulated, they produce sweat. Sweat production is primarily designed to cool the body, and is composed of 99% water. However, deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemical - which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments.There is no shortage of books from Doctors and practitioners, who describe the benefits of detoxifying our bodies regularly. As many doctors will agree, a big reason for the popularity of saunas is that they are one of the best ways to detoxify our bodies.
4. Sauna cleanses the skin.
Heat bathing is one of the oldest beauty and/or health strategies in terms of cleansing one's skin. When the body begins to produce sweat via deep sweating, the skin is then cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced - keeping your skin in good working condition.Sweating rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve the capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer-looking quality. Dr. Ben H Douglas, a professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and author of "Ageless: Living Younger Longer,” attests that "Sweating is a way of energizing the skin almost the way exercising a muscle energizes it.” He goes on to explain that, when you sweat, the rush of fluid to the skin "bathes skin cells with a liquid rich in nutrients,” which "fills in the spaces around the cells” and even "plumps up" tiny wrinkles. He also mentions that the nutrients and minerals in sweat "are essential to maintaining the collagen structure of the skin.” Bathing skin in sweat on a fairly regular basis, therefore deters collagen breakdown that can ultimately result in wrinkles and sags. By continually flushing body waste through individual cells, one eventually brings back vitality, tone and a healthy glow to the skin. Sauna usage is certainly not a cure for acne, but it can very often help - due to the deep cleansing it provides from a deep sweat (that is, cleaning the pores from the very inside out - instead of just cleaning the top of the skin).
5. Saunas can induce a deeper sleep.
Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use. In addition to the release of endorphins, body temperatures, which become elevated in the late evening,fall at bedtime. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key in facilitating sleep. Numerous sauna bathers worldwide recall the deep sleep experiences that they feel after bathing the the calming heat of a sauna.
6. Saunas bring about recreational and social benefits.
While the social benefit is rarely talked about, it's really actually quite important. The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be a relaxing environment for socializing with family, friends and soon-to-be friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.
7. Saunas improve cardiovascular performance.
In the high temperatures of a traditional or infrared sauna, skin heats up and core body temperature rises.In response to these increase heat levels, the blood vessels near the skin dilate and "cardiac output" increases. Medical research has told us that the heart rate can rise from 60-70 bpm (beats per minute) to 110-120 bpm in the sauna (140-150 with more intensive bathing), and can often sink to below normal after the cooling off stage. With regular sauna useage, we not only train our heart muscles and improve the heart rate/cardiac output, but we also help the body's regulatory system.Even more cardiovascular conditioning takes place when the sauna bathing is taken in multiple "innings”, with sessions in the sauna separated by a cool shower or a quick dip into a cool pool or lake. Each time you rapidly change temperature (from hot to cool or vice-versa), your heart rate increases by as much as 60%, which is very comparable to the increase experienced during moderate exercise..
8. Saunas burn calories.
Outlandish claims are often made by some sauna sellers (primarily those who sell infrared saunas) to promote saunas as an end-all weight loss tool. While some individuals may experience high amounts of calorie burn at first - particularly those individuals in poor shape to begin with - over the long term, saunas are simply treated as one of many tools in our arsenal when it comes to burn additional calories.The sweating process itself requires a notable amount of energy. That energy is derived from the conversion of fat and carbohydrates in a bodily process that burns up calories. According to U.S. Army medical research (Ward Dean, M.D.), "A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories in the process.”The body consumes said calories due to the acceleration of heart activity (the cardiovascular section). As heart activity increases and as these processes demand more oxygen, the body begins to convert more calories into usable energy.
9. Saunas can help fight illness.
German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam (in the case of traditional saunas), it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses.In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from from colds or allergies - especially when used with steam (tip: add eucalyptus to the water for added benefit and overall enjoyment). The steam vapor action helps to clear up unwanted congestion and is a wonderful aspect of the Finnish sauna experience.
10. Saunas just feel good.
A sauna not only feels good, it’s good for your body. Whether it’s the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or if it’s simply the time spent in the calming and still retreat of the sauna, every seasoned sauna bather agrees - it feels wonderful! As we progress through our stressful everyday lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat - where we can relax and restore body and soul. Sauna bathing truly makes you "Feel Better”, "Look Better” and "Sleep Better”!
Dr. Rhonda Patrick: Hormetic Stressors - Health Benefits of Sauna and Cold Exposure
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-ty6VTNPjqw
... One of the best massages I've had in a long time ...
The floating pod is really an incredible and different experience. I wish I was a better mediator to enjoy the silence and my senses. Was treated well, they offer a bit of food and drink between appointments - fresh and... continue reading »
Victoria (google review)
( Received: May, 2018 )
... Great way to relax and unwind ...
This is a great place to go if you need to unwind.
There are allocated days for women or men only in Sauna, other days are mixed. I stick to women's only; Tuesday and Thursday. The sauna can be followed... continue reading »
livb_12 (Trip Advisor)
( Received: March, 2018 )
... Heaven on Earth ...
was gifted a massage at Tory Urban Retreat by a friend who is a long time visitor there. My friend recommended a massage with Kasey and I can see why. I had never had a massage before and was a... continue reading »
zenmjones (Trip Advisor)
( Received: January, 2018 )
... I pinched a nerve in my back and I’m pregnant ...
I had the most amazing experience and wonderful service. I pinched a nerve in my back and I’m pregnant so was very uncomfortable upon arrival. The woman who greeted me was soo welcoming and lovely and very thorough with explaining... continue reading »
Chinney
( Received: January, 2018 )
... Had my first "float" today and an amazing relaxing hour long massage ...
Had my first "float" today and an amazing relaxing hour long massage at Tory Urban Retreat (with Miki..totally recommend)... thanks to Frazer Anderson for winning this lovely treat for me ...felt totally spoilt
Suzin
( Received: May, 2017 )
... felt totally chilled after this, really set the tone for my day ...
Really awesome experience felt totally chilled after this, really set the tone for my day.. can't wait to do again. Awesome Thankyou
Danielle
( Received: May, 2017 )
... this is my new heaven love this place ...
Had a massage with Jo it was amazing, all the staff are super friendly and the facilities are Devine. I can not recommend Jo enough she was truly great found all my sore spots and gave great advice this is... continue reading »
Taz
( Received: May, 2017 )
... I came out feeling like a million bucks. Would definitely recommend this to my family and friends ...
My husband and I went here on a Saturday morning, we each had a float booked one after the other and then a massage afterwards. My husband went for his float first while I waited in their relaxation room, the... continue reading »
Ellie
( Received: April, 2017 )
... service is top notch and very professional ...
Won a facebook competition for a float and massage, had an amazing experience where I came out totally relaxed, so much so I'm booked in for another. Can not recommend this enough, service is top notch and very professional...
Alex
( Received: March, 2017 )
... the staff are lovely, the atmosphere is relaxing ...
Going to Tory Urban Retreat for a float is a wonderful experience. The staff are lovely, the atmosphere is relaxing, and all the little extras you could need are provided. The actual floating experience is amazingly relaxing and tranquil, and... continue reading »
Marcel
( Received: February, 2017 )
... This was a much needed blissful relaxing time!!! ...
Thank you guys so much!!! This was a much needed blissful relaxing time!!! Love love love it!!!!
Roseanne
( Received: February, 2017 )
... Every time I leave here I feel restored, happy and calm ...
This place is a true oasis. My new favourite place. Every time I leave here I feel restored, happy and calm. Thank you!
Billie
( Received: January, 2017 )
... a perfect way to relax and warm up on a cold blustery day ...
After a very busy day with team #Ghostfishing this was a perfect way to relax and warm up on a cold blustery day.
Exellent service - many thanks.
Rob
( Received: January, 2017 )
.... Fantabulous experience, one that I intend to repeat! ...
Wow what can i say! Fantabulous experience...one that I intend to repeat! Lovely young lady looked after us and the products and service were A+++
Deb
( Received: January, 2017 )
