Sauna therapy is when you expose your body to high heat in an enclosed space in order to elevate your core body temperature and heart rate. This type of “healthy stress” can have a balancing and healing effect. Your blood flow and breathing rate increase and your body may begin to sweat. Sweating is one of the best, natural ways to rid your body of toxins.
Sauna
Sauna Benefits
Research suggests that letting heat flow deep into your body through the use of a sauna can be beneficial to both the mind and body.
Visiting a sauna can help:
- Relieve joint and muscle pain
- Improve circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Positively impact the lungs and respiratory system
- Alleviate symptoms caused by respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and seasonal allergies
- Eliminate toxins from your pores
- Improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Reduce stress and ease tension
- Improve overall well-being
The History of Saunas
One of the first written descriptions of the Finnish sauna was in 1112. The Finnish word “sauna” means bath or bathhouse — saunas were originally designed and used to cleanse the body. The earliest known sauna structures in Finland were made as pits in the ground and lined with stone; the stones were then heated with fire and water was poured on them to create steam and heat. The structure of saunas in Finland has evolved substantially over the years and became considered such a sterile environment that Finnish women often gave birth in them.
While saunas are most associated with the Finnish culture, various forms of heat therapy have been used around the world for thousands of years. Archaeologists continue to find evidence of saunas across the ancient world, which means that collectively, humanity has created heat structures to intentionally induce profuse sweating to cure disease and optimize health throughout history. Whether it was for hygiene, health, social, or spiritual purposes, many cultures throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and North America used the healing power of saunas.
What to Expect in Sauna Therapy
Your sauna therapy session will consist of you sitting and relaxing in a heated environment. The lights are dimmed and you listen to soothing music. Your safety is important to us at Sunrise Salt Cave. If you begin to feel lightheaded, short of breath, or like you might pass out, please exit the sauna.
We recommend drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session and avoiding alcohol consumption before, during, and after your session. Following your sauna session, your core body temperature may remain elevated for up to 15 minutes. We recommend taking a cool shower and resting for ten to fifteen minutes to allow your body to lower to its normal temperature.
Spa and Sauna in St. Louis
At Sunrise Salt Cave, we believe it is extremely important to take a holistic approach to health and wellness. We provide guests with an elevated experience that you simply can’t get from a typical spa. Our treatments and spa packages work to refresh and detox your mind, body, and spirit! Come see how we can help you relax and improve your health with a sauna session.
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