Health Bites to Start Your Day-Sauna

You have probably determined by now that I am huge fan of all things, health! Sure, I believe that allopathic medication has it’s place, but the system we refer to as healthcare, really is far from it. But that is another conversation for another day. These short segments are all about encouraging you to take responsibility for your health and wellness everyday. With a little bit of intention and knowledge, I believe most of us can achieve optimal health at any age.

When you hear the word, sauna it is very likely you envision those hot and steamy rooms that you sit in after an intense workout at the gym. Or perhaps you think of the saunas made popular by the Scandanavian countries of Europe. But what if I told you that saunas, particularly infrared saunas. have numerous health producing benefits. So much so, you’ll probably wonder why they are not more common across the United States. Finland is a country of 5.3 million people, yet they have 3.3 million saunas in use at any given time. That is almost one sauna per household! Let’s explore, why you should consider adding sauna to your routine.

1. First, sauna is known for helping the body to detox. Because our bodies are overwhelmed by more toxins than ever, sitting in a sauna for 30 minutes or more per day or weekly, can assist the body in the detoxification process.
2. Sitting in the sauna is an amazing stress reducer. In fact, it can be very helpful in switching your body from fight or flight to rest and digest.
3. Did you know that sauna, can help balance hormones? Time in the sauna can lower, cortisol levels, which in turn balances other hormones, such as insulin, testosterone, thyroid and estrogen that may become imbalanced because cortisol is elevated.
4. It may be beneficial in assisting with weight loss. Saunas can increase heart rate, much in the way the heart rate increases during a vigorous workout, while simultaneously lowering blood pressure and increasing metabolic rate!

These are just a few of the many benefits associated with this healthful practice.

If you’re wondering how to incorporate sauna in your daily or weekly routine, let me suggest a few options. There are quite a number of sauna companies on the market, but these are a couple of companies that I would highly recommend because they source clean materials to limit toxin exposure: http://www.sunlighten.com and http://www.heavenlyheatsaunas.com. Both companies will work with you to help you select the unit that is right for you based on your space and budget. Or if you’re like me and space and cost are an issue, then there is an alternative, infrared sauna blanket. I actually purchased an infrared sauna blanket, with the idea that it would help my son with detox. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a fan, so it has now become my almost nightly ritual to spend 30-40 minutes in this blanket before I shower and go to bed. I’d say the results are pretty comparable, to a full size sauna at a fraction of the price, don’t quote me on that. This is the one that I purchased, http://www.sweatandglowsauna.com, but there are more jazzy versions on the market, if this one just isn’t your speed.

If sauna is not already a part of your routine, I hope that you’ll find a way to incorporate it into your healthy life!!

With joyful intention!

Angela