(NaturalHealth365)  Improving cardiovascular health isn’t always a matter of jumping on the exercise bike, treadmill, or elliptical trainer.  A new study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health finds that an unsuspecting relaxing routine can improve heart health and overall well-being: regular sauna bathing.

In fact, this simple yet effective practice can offer many of the same benefits as more intense exercise routines.  Discover how you can experience the great benefits of a sauna, at home, for a fraction of the cost of traditional (expensive) units – in this exclusive webinar created by Jonathan Landsman, host of NaturalHealth365 Programs.

The hidden health benefits of regular sauna use

Saunas offer various health benefits, and many of those advantages are yet to be discovered.  Besides being a chance for relaxation, saunas help detoxify the body, enhance cardiovascular health, and even clear the mind.  Regular sauna visits, the research finds, are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.

How saunas promote health and longevity

Regular bathing in saunas improves circulation, a critical component of overall health.  The research shows that frequent sitting in a sauna can:

• Regulate blood pressure
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve vascular function
• Decrease occurrences of chronic pain attacks

Other advantages achieved are:

• Increased energy level
• Sleep quality improved
• Personal happiness increased

The psychological impact is especially interesting.  While a staggering amount of people – that do not use a sauna – often feel depressed or anxious (too often), a significantly less amount people feel emotionally/mentally upset – when using a sauna on a regular basis.  In fact, even those who used saunas only one to four times per month saw significant improvements in their mental health and energy levels.

Study limitations and broader implications

The study involved 971 Scandinavians aged 25 to 74, which limits the findings to a specific demographic.  However, the physiological benefits of sauna use – such as improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mood – are grounded in biological processes that are generally consistent across populations.  This suggests that the positive effects observed in this study are probably relevant to people worldwide, regardless of geographic or cultural differences.

Adding sauna sessions to your lifestyle

Sources for this article include:

Tandfonline.com