THINK OF YOUR HEALTH!

The health benefits of regular use of hot tubs or saunas are similar.   Ancient peoples who lived near hot springs have always known of these benefits.  Romans institutionalized the hot soaking bath more than two thousand years ago, and the Japanese custom of deep tub soaking is well known. Finns perfected the sauna many years ago and swear by their benefits. You can really feel better with regular use of heat on your body.  Following are summaries of research that explains these benefits.

Health Benefits of Hot Tub Use.

Startling research shows that both the body and the mind benefit from immersion in warm water.  Far from an extravagance, according to scientists, soaking in a bath, hot spring, or hot tub should be a routine health-enhancing practice, as it was in ancient Rome and is in Japan. [Following summarized from Hot Water and Healthy Living, by Prof. J.B. Smith, Ed. D.]

Healing. By increasing circulation and blood supply to the muscles, regular hot water immersion:

• improves healing of wounds and injuries and relieves pain
• decreases swelling in legs and feet
• reduces weight on joints, allowing therapeutic water exercise
• increases joint mobility and flexibility with arthritic conditions

Heart health. By increasing blood flow to the heart, regular hot water immersion:

• causes the heart to increase output, just as during exercise
• often reduces blood presssure.

Relaxation.  Regular water immersion causes relaxation by:

• Releasing dopamine, a stress-reducing hormone. This helps the body relax after the stress has passed. Long term stress is unhealthy and has been linked to many causes of disease and death.
• Relieving the pain that comes from over-exercise.  An hour in the tub after working all day in the garden may even prevent the soreness and stiffness you would other experience.
• Giving you a comforting space to view the horizon, or observe the stars, or talk with your loved ones, away from the phone and the TV.

Health Benefits of Sauna Use [summarized from www.finnleo.com]

Pain relief. 

Under high heat, the body releaes endorphins -- the body's natural  pain relieving chemical. Endorphins can have a mild and enjoyable tanquilizing effect and the ability to ease the pain for arthritis, or muscle soreness from an intense physical workout. 

Faster healing.

Body temperature rises from the heat of the sauna, causing blood vessles to dilate and circulation to increase. The increased blood flow accelerate's the body 's natural healing process, soothing aches and pains and speeding up the healing of cuts and bruises.

Post-Workout Relief. 

Following sporting activity, the heat and steam of a sauna promotes muscle relaxation by helping to reduce muscle tension and elminate lactic acid and other toxins.

Stress Relief

According to medical research, stress in our every day lives adversely affects our helath, contributing to many diseases.  Stress relief is the #1 most commonly cited benefit of suana use.

Induces deeper sleep.

Research shows that a deeper sleep can result from sauna use. When body temperature rises in the late evening, it will fall at bedtime, facilitating sleep.

Recreational and social benefits.

A sauna is the perfect peaceful place for privacy, quiet conversation and socializing with family and friends.

Flushes Toxins and Cleanses Skin.

Deep sweating has multiple health benefits. It can help reduce levels of lead, coper, zinc, nickel and mercury, toxins picked up from our environment.  At the same time, bacteria is rinsed out of the epidemanl layer, and your skin is cleansed, giving the skin a soft, beautiful appearance.

Improves cardiovascular performance.

As the sauna heats the skin, blood vessels dilate and your heart rate increases, simlar to moderate exercise.  Regular use improves cardiac outpout  and improves the regulatory system.

Burns calories.

According to U.S. Army medical research, "A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories in the process."

Fights illnes and relieves congestion.

German sauna medical research shows saunas significantly reduced the incidence of colds and influenza, by producing white blood cells more rapidly.

It feels good! When your overall sense of well-being improves, you can take on life with more resiliency and serenity.