Saunas are a popular way to relax and regenerate our bodies. They improve circulation, immunity, and help cleanse the skin. However, the type of sauna is important. You can choose from dry, wet, steam, or infrared saunas. Before you decide to use one, make sure it's suitable for you and won't negatively impact your health.

Who is the sauna for?

During a sauna session, the body is subjected to significant temperature changes – between sauna sessions, the body should be regularly cooled down in very cold water. Such changes harden the body and strengthen its resistance to infections, both bacterial and viral. The heat also brings relief to ailing or overworked muscles and joints, removing tension and the aforementioned toxins. Saunas are also a good way to lose excess weight. Furthermore, they help eliminate the effects of stress, and many people sleep like a baby after a sauna session. A sauna session also cleanses the skin, improves blood circulation, and leaves it smooth. To maintain this effect, be sure to replenish fluids. Mineral water is the best choice for this purpose.

There are three most popular types of saunas you can choose for relaxation:

• Dry sauna – the temperature often reaches 110°C, while the humidity is low, around 10%. It is commonly called a Finnish or Swedish sauna.
• Wet sauna – humidity reaches approximately 35% and temperature ranges from 70°-90°C. Steam is produced by pouring water onto heated stones.
• Steam bath or Roman bath – as the name suggests, the humidity here is the highest, up to 100 percent, and the temperature reaches 50°C.

When is a sauna harmful to health?

Sauna and chronic diseases – contraindications to using the sauna apply primarily to people struggling with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, spondylitis, as well as people with bronchial asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Saunas and heart disease – people with heart failure should also avoid the high temperatures in saunas, especially dry saunas. For them, such relaxation is particularly dangerous.

Saunas and colds – it's also best not to use the sauna if you're struggling with a cold accompanied by a high fever. In such a situation, inhalation won't improve your health; on the contrary, it can only exacerbate the condition.

Sauna and period – due to the weakening of the body and a much greater susceptibility to infections, women are advised against using the sauna during menstruation.

Saunas and pregnancy – pregnant women should also avoid this form of relaxation, especially those in their first trimester. During this time, a woman's body needs to adjust to the changes taking place. Therefore, it should not be subjected to additional stress. Furthermore, excessively high temperatures reduce blood pressure, which negatively impacts blood flow to the baby and is dangerous at any stage of pregnancy.

Saunas are an excellent form of relaxation. They're also a great way to unwind and improve skin condition. Before choosing a sauna, make sure it won't pose a health risk.