Is using a sauna good for your health? (Is taking a sauna good for your health?)
Using a sauna is not only safe, it is also very good for your health. But this doesn't count modern style saunas with metal stoves. In our opinion, these are harmful. Only a traditional masonry stove delivers the benefits of a real sauna.
Is it ok to use a sauna every day? (Is it safe to use the sauna everyday?)
In countries with a strong tradition of sauna use, people do exactly that - they use the sauna on a daily basis. But we would like to emphasise that daily use of a sauna is only safe if the sauna is installed with a classic masonry stove. Nothing good at all will come from using a modern style, compact metal bucket 'with rocks'. Take care of yourself.
Are compact, home saunas good for your health? (Are home saunas good for my health?)
No, They have a terrible effect on your health. We are profoundly convinced that compact, home saunas are really bad for your health. We put a lot of time and effort into studying the harmful effects in terms of microclimates and came to the unambiguous, worrying conclusions shared on our Sauna Stoves for the Home page. Only a traditional masonry sauna stove delivers the health benefits the sauna promises.
Why does my breathing feel so heavy in the sauna? (Why do my lungs feel heavy when using a sauna?)
This is not unusual. The climatic conditions in some saunas that are fitted with a heater that is basically a metal bucket ‘with rocks’ are similar to those of a hot hazardous production environment: hot draft, parching metal heat, and heavy steam. One's breathing is naturally heavy, in addition to which, there's a risk of skin burns, inflammation of the respiratory tract and headaches. Give up on this terrible sauna. Visit a Russian sauna instead. Read more about our microclimate research on the 'Sauna Stoves for the Home' page.
At what age can children start using a sauna?
From an early age, but exercising caution: a gentle temperature (up to 60° c); start with one short visit to the steam room, avoid the procedure of pouring cold water over your child after the steam session. Observe your child's condition carefully. Consult your paediatrician. For more details see our article 'Children and the Sauna'.
Is it safe to use a sauna if I'm pregnant?
If a woman hasn't been using a sauna regularly prior to her pregnancy then it is better to refrain. If she has been a regular sauna user then it is worth exercising caution in the first and third terms of pregnancy. Despite all the health benefits of using a sauna, it is worth consulting your gynaecologist in every individual case. For more details see our article 'The Sauna and Pregnancy'.
Can the sauna help me to lose weight? (How can using saunas help with weight loss efforts?)
Yes, it helps. In one day of using a sauna one can lose up to 2kg of weight due to the loss of body fluids through sweating. In addition, the sauna activates the metabolism, reduces cellulite, leaves the nerves feeling soothed and reduces tendencies of an unhealthy appetite and cravings. To consolidate the effects of the sauna, you should reduce your salt intake, eat less salty and acidic foods, and refrain from drinking alcohol on the day that you visit the sauna. Drink mineral water instead. For more information, see our article 'The Sauna and Beauty'.
How suitable is the Russian sauna for the elderly? (Is a wet sauna good for elderly people?)
The sauna is very beneficial for the elderly. It improves the immune system and blood circulation; it reduces cholesterol and eliminates toxins from the body; it improves the functioning of the lungs and intestines and lifts the spirits. It should not be used obsessively. The steam room environment is harmonious with the body. If a person begins to feel tired when using a sauna they should simply take a break. For more information see our article on 'Banya and Age'.
Are there are contraindications to using a sauna? (Are there any health problems that I should be concerned about?)
It is generally recommended that one should temporarily avoid using a sauna in the case of flare-ups of chronic illnesses and acute viral infections. The sauna should be strictly avoided in cases of acute myocardial infarction, systolic pressure above 200, acute thrombophlebitis, epilepsy, Parkinson's and migraine. For more details see the article 'The Sauna and Your Health'
What are the health benefits of a sauna? (What are some of the most notable benefits of using a sauna? What are the benefits of using a sauna?)
The benefits are huge! A sauna improves blood circulation and the heart and vascular systems, stimulates toxin elimination from the body, aids weight loss, helps in the treatment of many different kinds of ailment, relieves depression, boosts the metabolism and lifts the spirits. For more details see the article 'The Sauna and Your Health'
