For many years saunas have been part of a healthy lifestyle. They are a great way to relieve stress, support overall health and detoxify the body, and many people say they also help burn fat. When celebrities want to shine in a stunning dress for a big event, they often use a sauna to shed excess water — and a few numbers on the scale — so the dress fits like a glove.
Nowadays saunas are almost everywhere and come in many forms: dry saunas, Finnish saunas, steam rooms, infrared saunas, bio-saunas and cryosaunas. You’ll find them in countless wellness and leisure centers, fitness clubs, beauty salons and swimming facilities.
More and more people enjoy a private sauna at home. It’s easy to order a custom indoor unit or even build your own wooden sauna outdoors. Just add a stove (electric or wood-burning), a sauna door and essential accessories — stones, thermometer, brush, sand timer, a sauna hat and other “must-haves.” Voilà, you’ve created your very own sauna paradise!
What actually happens to your body in a sauna?
Most of us have tried a sauna at least once: intense heat, steam, sweating in places you didn’t know could sweat. That last bit is key. When you perspire, open pores flush out toxins and other unwanted substances. As a bonus, your skin becomes smooth and clear — great news for anyone fighting cellulite.
Rapid detox like this is incredibly beneficial. It’s quicker than spending days or weeks on detox foods. Of course, one annual visit isn’t enough; regular sessions make the difference. Think of it as both an experience and a gift to your body.
A sauna can also help you drop a few extra pounds. Tight jeans sometimes mean water retention or bloating, not fat. Regular sweating removes that excess water, helping you feel and look slimmer. Remember to drink plenty of fluids; the more hydrated you are, the more efficiently your body flushes waste, leaving you visibly leaner and even prepping muscles for heavy workouts.
Saunas boost mental health, too. Did you know they combat stress? High temperatures trigger the release of endorphins—the “feel-good” chemicals that reduce pain and lift mood. Sit back, breathe deeply and soak in the quiet atmosphere; add a scented essence for even greater relaxation.
Another perk is a higher count of white blood cells, which fight infection and keep the immune system strong. If you’re often under the weather, regular sauna visits could shorten sick days.
…BUT A FEW WARNINGS!
Skip the sauna if you have a cold, fever or feel a bug coming on—you’ll only share germs. Because you lose a lot of water, stay well-hydrated to avoid dehydration. Don’t go in famished or stuffed; either extreme can cause nausea. Saunas aren’t suitable for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory issues or for pregnant women—the heat may harm the fetus or trigger miscarriage.
Types of Saunas
- Dry sauna – wooden interior heated by electric or wood stoves, about 90 °C with 10–15 % humidity.
- Finnish sauna – wooden interior, lava-stone stove, roughly 70 °C; humidity varies with ladling water onto the stones.
- Steam room – tiled or mosaic walls, around 45 °C with nearly 100 % humidity.
- Bio sauna – wooden interior with evaporator stove, steady 60 °C and 30–60 % humidity.
- Infrared sauna – wooden cabin with IR panels, 45–60 °C radiant heat.
