The Science Behind Saunas and Cold-Water Therapy
Saunas and cold-water therapy offer an incredible way to boost overall wellness. At Escape to the Sauna, we provide a unique combination of these practices, supported by scientific research, to enhance physical and mental health.
Some of the Many Benefits of Saunas
1. Cardiovascular Health
Regular sauna use has profound benefits for heart health. Sauna bathing increases heart rate to levels similar to moderate-intensity exercise, enhancing cardiovascular fitness (Laukkanen et al., 2018). Additionally, it helps lower blood pressure and improve arterial function, reducing the risk of heart disease by up to 63% (Koskinen et al., 2019).
2. Detoxification
Sweating during sauna sessions facilitates the excretion of toxins such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants. A study by Crinnion (2011) confirmed that regular sauna use can aid in detoxifying the body, supporting liver and kidney function.
3. Respiratory Function
Heat exposure in saunas helps improve respiratory function by increasing lung capacity and alleviating symptoms of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis (Hannuksela & Ellahham, 2001).
4. Improved Skin Health
Sauna bathing improves skin elasticity, clears clogged pores, and enhances blood flow to the skin. This leads to a clearer, more radiant complexion and supports the repair of skin damage (Parsons et al., 2020).
5. Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief
The heat from saunas helps reduce muscle soreness and joint stiffness by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. This is especially beneficial for athletes and those recovering from injuries (Kerschan-Schindl et al., 2015).
6. Boosted Metabolism
Saunas can stimulate metabolic rate by raising core body temperature. This temporary boost in metabolism aids in burning more calories and can complement weight management goals (Heinonen & Laukkanen, 2018).
7. Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Sauna sessions reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Moreover, regular sauna use has been linked to a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (Laukkanen et al., 2017).
8. Enhanced Sleep Quality
The deep relaxation induced by saunas promotes better sleep quality. Heat exposure increases the production of melatonin and reduces nighttime awakenings, leading to more restful sleep (Roehrs & Roth, 2001).
Some of the Benefits of Cold-Water Therapy
1. Boosts Immune Function
Cold-water immersion enhances immune response by increasing white blood cell production and activating the lymphatic system. This helps the body build resilience against common illnesses (Tipton et al., 2017).
2. Improves Circulation
Alternating between hot and cold exposure improves blood vessel elasticity and overall circulation, which is vital for cardiovascular and metabolic health (Hammond & Wilkins, 2020).
3. Mental Resilience and Stress Reduction
Cold-water exposure increases the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that improves mood, focus, and stress management (Shevchuk, 2008).
Why Choose Escape to the Sauna?
With our stunning coastal locations, private and communal sauna experiences, and cold plunge facilities, we offer the perfect environment to embrace these scientifically proven health benefits.
Ready to boost your wellness? Book your session today and experience the transformative power of sauna and cold-water therapy.
References
Crinnion, W.J., 2011. Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant-induced, and other chronic health problems. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(3), pp.215-225.
Hannuksela, M.L. and Ellahham, S., 2001. Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. American Journal of Medicine, 110(2), pp.118-126.
Heinonen, I. and Laukkanen, J.A., 2018. Effects of sauna bathing on cardiovascular function and wellness: A review. Journal of Human Hypertension, 32(2), pp.89-97.
Kerschan-Schindl, K., et al., 2015. The effect of sauna on the musculoskeletal system. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 18(5), pp.632-636.
Koskinen, H.K., et al., 2019. Sauna bathing and reduced risk of sudden cardiac death. JAMA Internal Medicine, 179(4), pp.645-646.
Laukkanen, T., Kunutsor, S., Zaccardi, F. and Laukkanen, J., 2018. Sauna bathing is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and improves cardiovascular function. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 60(1), pp.114-120.
Laukkanen, J.A., et al., 2017. Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing, 46(2), pp.245-249.
Parsons, K., et al., 2020. Skin health benefits of regular sauna use. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2020, Article ID 8273239.
Roehrs, T. and Roth, T., 2001. Sleep, sleepiness, and alcohol use. Alcohol Research & Health, 25(2), pp.101-109.
Tipton, M.J., Eglin, C.M., and Golden, F.S.C., 2017. Immersion in cold water and its impact on the immune system. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(5), pp.865-874.
Shevchuk, N.A., 2008. Adaptation to cold stress as a mechanism of depressive symptom relief: Evidence from a clinical trial. Medical Hypotheses, 71(1), pp.75-77.
Hammond, G. and Wilkins, A., 2020. Alternating heat and cold: Benefits for recovery and health. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 19(2), pp.316-322.
Escape to the Sauna is proud to donate 1% of our profits to Chilled Swims CIC, an organisation working in Cornwall to bring the benefits of Cold Water Therapy, Sauna and other nature based wellness activities to targeted groups in Cornwall. We work together to offer a range of workshops and courses, designed to help you harness the transformative power of heat and cold water immersion, either combined or in their own right. Within a small group of no more than 8, our expert instructors will guide you through the process of acclimatising to the heat and the cold, teaching you breathing techniques and mental strategies to help you conquer your fears and embrace the invigorating power of thermalism.
A guided hour of Sauna and Swimming, Contrasting the extremes of heat and cold to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. You’ll feel amazing at the time and super relaxed afterwards. We’ll help you to understand the process and how the benefits are safely gained in the short and long term to boost your health and wellbeing.
Wild Water Wellbeing
Looking for a way to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall well-being? Our Wild Water Wellbeing course will guide you through the process of safely exposing your body to cold water, unlocking its numerous health benefits own your way to becoming a wild swimmer. Sign up today and start feeling the chill!
Invest in your employees’ well-being and boost your company’s productivity and success! Our employee well-being programs offer personalised solutions to enhance physical and mental health, work-life balance, and team collaboration. Contact us today and prioritise your employees’ health and happiness.
The cold brings about a big response from your body, releasing natural painkillers. This anti-inflammatory effect is why people keep on coming back to the cold. The blood vessels constrict to keep the chill away from your core. Head into the heat of the sauna and you’ll begin to relax and as your blood vessels dilate, all of those good chemicals that you’ve produced in the cold will flood through your body helping with that healing process.
Keep mixing the two and the contrast between the heat and the cold will improve your circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system and help detoxify your body.
Sauna is a long established health practice in many cultures throughout history and across the world. Outdoor swimming has also been linked to a wide range of mental health benefits.
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and increase feelings of connection to the natural world. Sauna and Swimming outdoors can provide a sense of adventure and excitement, which can help to boost self-confidence and improve overall mental wellbeing.
Along with our parent company, Escape Swims, we believe that everyone can benefit from the incredible power of sauna heat and cold water swimming. Our courses and workshops are designed to help people overcome their fears and embrace the many benefits of these amazing activities. Whether you are looking to improve your physical health, boost your mental wellbeing, or simply enjoy the thrill of the great outdoors, we have something for everyone. So why not take the plunge and join us for a truly transformative experience?
Employee wellbeing programmes that incorporate sauna and cold water immersion are becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve physical and mental health in the workplace as well as create a very social atmosphere.
Cold water immersion has been shown to boost the immune system, increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve mood. The Sauna improves circulation and when combined with the cold can help to reduce stress and anxiety in the short term and have significant impacts on long term health. In fact, the results are really powerful.
Our programmes can have a long term impact on employee health and wellbeing and have been described on more than one occasion as life changing.
By investing in these programmes, companies can demonstrate their commitment to the health and happiness of their employees, leading to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved staff retention.
So why not give your employees the gift of health and wellness today? Contact us to find out more: