Sauna bathing is a short-term, high-temperature exposure activity that has been used in various parts of the world for centuries. Until the latter part of the 20th century, there was very little research in relation to the health effects of regular sauna bathing. Recently, however, sauna bathing has become part of a heightened movement toward a wellness-related lifestyle.
Common Colds and Respiration Effects
One of the biggest reasons people participate in sauna bathing is for the believed positive respiratory and/or common cold effects. But current research is sparse in terms of supporting claims of reduction in respiratory and common-cold issues. In an article in the 1990, Volume 22, Annual Medicine journal, researchers indicated that the incidence of common colds was lessened when a sauna was used one to two times a week for six months. In a study published in 1989 in the Archives of Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, though, researchers indicated that although those with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder tolerated sauna bathing well, it did not provide any real long-term improvement in those conditions.
Cardiac Effects
Saunas, while initially contraindicated, have been shown to be quite beneficial for those with cardiac issues. In the 2004 Circulation journal, researchers indicated that two weeks of sauna bathing decreased premature ventricular contractions in heart-failure patients and increased the amount of blood pumped from the heart each minute.
Depression Effects
Sauna bathing appears to decrease depression symptoms. In the 2005 journal of Psychosomatic Medicine researchers revealed that mildly depressed people who participated in sauna bathing consistently experienced increased energy levels, feelings of improved relaxation and decreased physical symptoms of depression.
