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Sauna

Sauna

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Description

Sauna is a form of thermotherapy used in many cultures around the world. There are various types such as the Finnish-, Turkish-, or Russian-style saunas which use different temperatures and levels of humidity.

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How to Do It

Enjoy a session at your nearest gym, a spa, or install your own personal sauna at home!

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Benefits

  • May reduce mortality
  • May improve chronic fatigue
  • May improve chronic pain conditions
  • May improve cardio-vascular function [2]
  • May reduce the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s [3]
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Time Commitment

5-20 minutes

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Why it works

Short-term increases in body temperature have a multitude of effects on the body [1]. Thermoregulatory pathways in the nervous system are activated and sweating, heart rate, and skin blood flow are increased, while systolic blood pressure, cholesterol-, and blood sugar levels are decreased.

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Suggested Frequency

Weekly+

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Supporting Studies and Articles

  1. Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1857413
  2. Laukkanen, T., Khan, H., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2015). Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 542–548. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8187
  3. Laukkanen, T., Kunutsor, S., Kauhanen, J., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2017). Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing, 46(2), 245–249. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afw212
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Side Effects

  • May reduce sperm count in men
  • May cause burns, heatstroke, low blood pressure and light-headedness
  • May lead to “sauna lung”, a hypersensitive lung disorder
  • In severe cases, it may lead to death
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Required Equipment

Sauna

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Gurus/Celebrities/Doing it

Kim Kardashian

Lady Gaga

Gwyneth Paltrow

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Related Products

  • Sauna Towels
  • Sauna Oil
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Category Health/Productivity/Focus:

Health

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Suggested Time of Day

Anytime

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Notes

  • Pregnant women should consult their doctor before visiting the sauna
  • Combine with contracting temperature to increase effect
  • Make sure to drink lots of water
  • Stretching is a steam room is great for muscles
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Category

 Happiness  Stress  AntiAging  Immunity  Fitness
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