The benefits of regular sauna bathing have been known for literally thousands of years. By stimulating the immune system, helping to flush toxins and waste products from the body, and increasing body temperature and cardiovascular function, sauna bathing is a pleasant full-body treatment that is good for almost anyone. There are also several chronic health conditions that are particularly benefited by sauna treatments.
Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by severe itching and disfiguring thickenings of the skin, is an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition. By using the sauna to increase sweating, this skin condition can be minimized. The sweating helps to soften the skin and reduce rough patches, while the moisturizing steam helps make the skin more pliable and supple. Also, the increased circulation and immune function helps wounds to heal faster with less scarring.
Another condition that can greatly benefit from sauna heat treatments is arthritis. By reducing the inflammation and swelling in the affected joints, pain is decreased significantly. The heat increases circulation to energize the body and promote healing, as well as helping to relax stiff, tight muscles and increase the ability of the arthritis sufferer to rest without pain. Also, the detoxifying effects of sauna therapy help to flush the body of the byproducts of anti-inflammatory medications.
Fibromyalgia, a condition which causes fatigue, depression, and bone and muscle pain over the sufferer’s entire body, can also be helped by sauna treatments. The increased sweating helps to flush toxins and lactic acid from the body. Lactic acid, the byproduct of muscle exertion, is the substance that causes muscle soreness. People with fibromyalgia have difficulty in ridding the muscles of this substance. By sweating it out, fibromyalgia sufferers will notice reduced muscle pain, stiffness, and less need for pain pills or muscle relaxing medications.
With so many wonderful healthful benefits steam and infrared saunas certainly deserve closer consideration by those suffering from chronic pain and other health problems.