Why Sauna?

Lots of Claims

You will read a lot of claims about the health benefits of sauna. I don't consider most of these claims to be scientifically well established. You will notice that the vast majority of those claims are made by people who are trying to sell you something.

My own rationale, and how it worked out

I'm not offering advice about whether or not you should sauna. Do your own research and draw your own conclusions. But, I did wind up buying one, and I'm using it regularly. Here's why:

Rationale: I was hoping to lose some weight.

Results: Maybe. A little. I'm not sure. See Weight Loss with an Infrared Sauna for the full story.

Rationale: I was also hoping to reduce my blood pressure. This is actually how I got interested in the whole sauna idea. Reducing salt is considered to be helpful if you have high blood pressure, so I thought - 'Why not just force that salt out of your body by sweating?'.

Results: I would say sauna has had no significant effect on my blood pressure.

Rationale: I also planned on putting together this website.

Results: So far, so good. Enjoy.

Unexpected: The first thing I didn't expect - better skin.

Results: I have some rosacea and seborrhea on my face. No big deal, but it's been a lifelong nuisance. When I am using the sauna regularly, they both fade to unnoticability.

Unexpected: The second thing I didn't expect - I really enjoy the sauna.

Results: I have found sauna to be a pleasant and relaxing way to spend an hour or so on most winter evenings. If offers a complete break from whatever routine you may have. I think in some ways this is like meditation, or yoga, or other ways of getting away from your normal self a little bit. I look forward to my sauna sessions.

A Purported Benefit I Don't Believe In

Toxins: Remove 'bad substances' from the body.

This is, in my opinion, just mumbo-jumbo. Here are two key questions I would ask anyone claiming that sauna removes toxins:

1. Exactly which toxins are we talking about? Lead? Urea? Jellyfish poison? Go ahead, you tell me.
2. Exactly what evidence do you have that sauna can help remove this toxin?

I haven't seen anything that looks to me like a good answer to those questions.