WHAT IS THE HYPE OVER SAUNAS?

It's safe to say that saunas have been on-trend in the wellness zeitgeist for several years now; particularly post-pandemic as more and more research presented just how potent and effective regular sauna use can be to prevent disease, boost the immune system as well as extend longevity.

So, you ask, what is all the fuss about?

Let's dive deeper and get a tad sciencey for a hot sec -

what actually happens to our bodies on a physiological level whilst undergoing a sweat sesh?

IT ACTIVATES THE BODY'S NATURAL STRESS RESPONSE

The heat from the sauna alone immediately activates the body's 'fight or flight' response causing heart rate, perspiration, mental alertness & leptin levels to increase (which is why you may feel less hungry after finishing your sauna).

Yes, our bodies are highly intelligent machines - but unfortunately are still stuck in the caveman era; they cannot tell the difference between being chased by a saber-tooth tiger, or sweating for 45 mins in a sauna ....

The 'good stress' caused by the pure heat of the sauna activates our sympathetic nervous system and forces the body to build resilience to the external heat stressor.

IT AIDS IN MUSCLE RECOVERY

Whilst in the sauna, blood vessels dilate from the heat.

This encourages greater blood flow in the body as red blood cells can deliver oxygen with greater ease to the body's extremities.

Greater blood supply and oxygen flow = speedier muscle recovery.

If you struggle with poor circulation (and are always that person with cold fingers and toes) regular sauna use may assist in improving blood and lymphatic flow in your body.

IT STIMULATES THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Speaking of circulation, saunas are an incredible way to detox the body by assisting lymphatic flow.

Simply by sweating, the body is able to eliminate excess toxins, phytoestrogens and other unwanted chemicals and substances.

The best way to give your lymphatic system some extra TLC in the sauna is to dry body brush (always making sure to perform long, sweeping movements towards the heart) - remember to pump your lymph nodes prior to brushing!

Another thing I love to do after dry body brushing is to elevate my legs up on the wall to really get that blood flowing and to reduce any leg swelling/fluid retention from the day.

IT BOLSTERS UP THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Saunas boost your immune system by raising the body's temperature.

When our temperature increases, it creates a 'fever-like' state, forcing your immune system to muster up the strength and resilience to 'fight'.

Essentially, going into a sauna is like forcing your immune system to exercise and get stronger.

Talk about giving those white-blood cells a workout pwoah!

Similarly, infections and viruses generally cannot withstand high temperatures, making saunas the perfect environments to starve critical pathogens in the body.

SOME MORE BENEFITS...

• Improves digestion

• Improves blood pressure regulation

• May assist in weight loss

• Improves skin tone and quality by eradicating impurities and heavy metals in the body

• Improves cardiovascular health

• Promotes relaxation and can aid to lower high cortisol levels

• Lowers the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia

• May improve breathing for those who suffer with Asthma

SO HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE THE SAUNA?

It's recommended to get a sauna sesh in at least once a week.

To reap the full benefits however, aim for 4-7 sessions per week.

Timing wise, if you're a sauna newbie, start off with a 15-20 minute session,

for sauna novices, aim for 30-45 minutes.

SOME OF SANTÉ'S SAUNA TIPS:

• You know your body best, ensure that you are adequately hydrating pre/during/post sauna use.

• We recommend replenishing your electrolyte stores afterwards with coconut water - yum!

• Never push yourself in the sauna. If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous and generally unwell, listen to your body and immediately exit the sauna.

• Use the time in there to switch your phone on DND, practice breath-work, read a book, listen to a stimulating podcast and totally decompress - mind, body and soul baby!

• Get a hit of dopamine by having a cold shower immediately after exiting the sauna. Alternating between hot/cold therapy intensely stimulates norepinephrine levels and adrenaline - it'll make you feel more alert ad alive than any drug on the planet.

Happy sweating!