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Saunas have been used for centuries as a way to relax, unwind, and improve overall health. But have you ever heard of a medical sauna? Medical saunas take traditional sauna therapy to the next level by providing targeted health benefits and therapeutic properties. Advanced features allow users to experience enhanced results from their sauna sessions. In this article, we will explore what a medical sauna is, how it works, and its potential health benefits.
What is a Medical Sauna?
A medical sauna is a type of sauna that is specifically designed to provide health benefits and therapeutic effects. Unlike traditional saunas, which simply heat the air in a room, medical saunas use advanced heating and other technology to provide targeted health benefits. Studies have shown that using a sauna can improve your general health and that a medical sauna will give you even better, therapeutic outcomes. They are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals.
History of Medical Saunas
Many doctors recommend taking part in regular sauna sessions to help combat chronic pain or other health issues. The use of saunas for medicinal purposes dates back centuries, with early civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, and Mayans using sweat lodges and heated rooms to promote health and well-being. In the 20th century, Finnish researchers began to study the health benefits of saunas, leading to the development of Traditional Finnish saunas that use dry heat that's often combined with steam. This has led up to the newest type of sauna - the medical sauna.
How Ours Were Developed
Our line of medical saunas was made after consulting with a team of medical practitioners - 48 medical doctors, physical therapy aides, mental health professionals, and more. We used their suggestions, as well as engineers and the best materials available, to provide you with the best therapeutic results possible. No stone was left unturned!
How Does a Medical Sauna Work?
So how does a medical sauna work? Unlike traditional saunas, medical saunas use a combination of specialized technologies to give their users therapeutic benefits.
What are the Differences Between Traditional Saunas and Medical Saunas?
When most people think of saunas, they likely picture a traditional sauna - an enclosed space filled with hot rocks and steam. However, there's another type of sauna that's gaining popularity: the medical sauna.
So what are the differences between traditional saunas and medical saunas? Let's take a closer look.
Heating Elements
One of the biggest differences between traditional and medical saunas is the type of heat they use. Traditional saunas rely on hot rocks or steam to create heat, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
Medical saunas, on the other hand, use infrared radiation to heat the body directly, without heating the surrounding air. Infrared rays penetrate the body, heating both muscle and tissue without putting too much strain on the heart. They are also more energy efficient and are effective at lower temperatures, which is more comfortable and allows for easier breathing.
Design and Structure
Traditional saunas can be electric or wood-burning. They are heated by hot rocks and/or steam, which heat the air that heats the body to induce sweating. People who use traditional saunas typically love the higher heat or the humidity that it generates.
Medical saunas, on the other hand, are typically larger and have a more open design. Often there are windows that allow natural light to fill the room. They are also made with advanced features, such as chromotherapy lights or specialized detoxing programs.
Health Benefits
While traditional saunas can provide good general health benefits, our line of medical saunas is designed to promote specific therapeutic benefits. Medical saunas use a combination of heat, light, and sometimes even sound to promote relaxation, detoxification, pain relief, and more.
We have detailed some health benefits below and to learn more about our medical saunas and how they can benefit your health, check out our blog post on Medical Breakthrough Saunas: Home Saunas. And if you have any questions about our products or how they can benefit you, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Health Benefits of Using a Medical Sauna
The use of a medical sauna can provide numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, reduced stress and tension, increased metabolism, improved immune system function, detoxification of the body, and improved overall mental clarity.
Improved Circulation
Regular use of a sauna has been shown to increase blood circulation by dilating the capillaries and increasing the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the organs and throughout the body.
Sauna heat has the power to increase skin temperature by 3-5 degrees Celsius and this is believed to be beneficial for people suffering from joint pain and poor circulation. The heat from a medical sauna's infrared light can do this, improving circulation, and the improved blood flow can in turn help with a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, muscle soreness, and joint pain.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Studies have even found that regular sauna use could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its ability to promote increased blood circulation throughout the body. Because the diameter of the blood vessels is increased, the resistance to blood flow is reduced, leading to lower blood pressure. Lower blood pressure is associated with preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Medical saunas also provide cardio conditioning. They help to raise the body's heat tolerance threshold and improve cardiac output, an indicator of heart strength and cardiovascular function.
Additionally, researchers at the University of Eastern Finland found that the benefits of sauna usage are associated with a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death from fatal cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Detoxification
Both traditional and medical saunas will promote detoxification by providing heat that will promote sweating. Our bodies are designed to take that opportunity to rid of some of the toxic substances that we breathe, eat, or otherwise come into contact with.
While most saunas claim to remove some toxins from your body, they leave out some of the more dangerous ones, such as BPA (found in many household plastic items). Our medical saunas detoxify the body from seven times more toxins and heavy metals than regular saunas. This can lead to improved liver function, increased energy levels, improved mental clarity, and better digestion. Skin health also improves and looks more vibrant and rejuvenated.
Pain Relief
The improved circulation mentioned above can provide significant relief for chronic pain.
Chronic pain is often associated with inflammation, which can be caused by a variety of issues, such as injuries, arthritis, or nerve damage. When inflammation is present, blood flow to the affected area can become restricted, resulting in a buildup of toxins and waste products. This, in turn, can exacerbate pain and prolong healing time. The infrared heat from a medical sauna room can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the body, making it an effective treatment for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic health conditions.
Skin Health
The heat and light from a medical sauna can help to improve skin health, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and other skin conditions. The infrared radiation emitted by a medical sauna can help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, making it appear smoother and more even. This is because the radiation can penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate the production of collagen, which is a key component of healthy skin. Collagen helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness, which can help to reduce the appearance of sagging or loose skin.
Why Heat Shock Proteins are Important
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are important for the body’s health and function. During a sauna session, their core body temperature rises, triggering heat shock protein activation. This heat stress helps the body protect itself by reducing oxidative stress, cellular damage, and inflammation. Furthermore, the rise in HSPs stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which helps to reduce fatigue, improve mood and better regulate metabolism. Studies have also found that increased levels of heat shock proteins can increase the production of human growth hormone.
Improved Cognitive Function
Additionally, data show that HSPs play a role in the management of misfolded proteins associated with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Regular use of medical saunas has been linked to various benefits such as improved cognitive performance and reduced risk of dementia. Although more research needs to be done in this area, it is clear that HSPs play an important role in maintaining good health.
Medical saunas have also been shown to have a positive impact on general cognitive function. The heat and light from the sauna can help to increase blood flow to the brain, which can help to improve memory and overall cognitive performance. Regular sauna use has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults.
What are the Potential Mental Health Benefits of a Medical Sauna?
The potential mental health benefits of medical saunas are becoming more and more apparent as their users report improvements in this area. Here are some of the ways that using a medical sauna could potentially improve your mental health:
Stress Reduction
Studies have shown that regular sauna use can help to lower cortisol levels, which is the primary hormone associated with stress. Cortisol levels should be highest in the morning, which helps to wake us up and provide energy for the day. As the day progresses, cortisol levels gradually decrease, which helps to prepare the body for sleep at night. However, for many people, these levels are not at their optimum - high at each part of the day.
Improved Sleep
The infrared heat of a medical sauna can help to improve sleep quality, making it an effective treatment for sleep disorders like insomnia. The heat from the sauna can help to calm the mind and relax the body, which can help to promote deeper, more restful sleep. In addition to decreasing cortisol (above), the infrared heat has also been linked to an increase in the production of melatonin, which is a hormone that helps to regulate sleep.
Reduced Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
In addition to reducing stress levels, regular use of a medical sauna has been shown to have a positive impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is likely due to the release of endorphins that occurs during sauna use, which can help to improve mood and promote feelings of well-being.
How to Use a Medical Sauna Safely
While there are many potential health benefits of using a medical sauna, it's important to use it safely. Here are some tips for using a medical sauna safely:
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Drink plenty of water before and after using the sauna to stay hydrated.
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Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time you spend in the sauna.
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Avoid using the sauna if you have a fever, are pregnant, or have certain medical conditions. Please consult with your doctor before starting your sauna routine.
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Be aware of the temperature and don't stay in the sauna for too long, as this can lead to overheating and dehydration.
Why Use a Medical Sauna from Airpuria?
If you're considering adding a medical sauna to your health and wellness routine, there are plenty of reasons to choose Airpuria. Here are just a few:
High-Quality Materials
At Airpuria, we believe that quality should never be compromised. That's why all of our medical saunas are made with the highest-quality materials, chosen for their durability. For example, our medical saunas are built with Canadian hemlock wood, which only gets better over time. We want you to use your medical sauna for many years to come!
Innovative Technology
Our medical saunas use the latest in infrared and other technologies. We think you will be happy with all of the planning and work that went into our line of medical saunas to give your the maximum therapeutic possible.
Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
We're committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience, which is why we offer a customer satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your medical sauna, we'll work with you to make it right.
Free Shipping
We offer free shipping to the lower 48 United States on all of our medical saunas, making it easy and affordable to get the sauna you need for improved health and wellness.
Some of Our Best Medical Saunas
At Airpuria, we are proud to offer a range of medical saunas that have been designed to promote health and healing and our construction methods ensure that our saunas are durable and built to last.
Medical 6 Plus - Medical Sauna
Our Medical 6 Plus sauna is a spacious sauna that can accommodate up to 6 people. It features 12 heaters, including our exclusive Omni-Directional Heating™ system, which ensures that heat is distributed evenly throughout the sauna. This sauna also includes our Hot/Cold Cleansing System™, Detox Routine™, and Safe Cool Down System™, making it a great choice for anyone looking to promote overall health and wellness.
Medical 6 Plus - Version 2.0 - Full Spectrum Sauna
Our Medical 6 Plus - Version 2.0 - Full Spectrum Sauna is an upgraded version of our popular Medical 6 Plus sauna. It includes all of the same great features as the original but also features our Ultra Full Spectrum Heaters™, which are 100 times stronger than traditional infrared heaters. This sauna is perfect for anyone looking to experience the full range of health benefits that a medical sauna can offer.
Medical 7 - Ultra Full Spectrum
Our Medical 7 - Ultra Full Spectrum sauna is our most advanced medical sauna yet. It features our exclusive Ultra Full Spectrum Heaters™, which provide a powerful dose of infrared radiation to promote healing and relaxation. This sauna also includes our Hot/Cold Cleansing System™, Extra-Rapid Internal Heating System™, and Safe Cool Down System™, as well as a range of other features like our exterior mood lighting and audio theater system.
All of our Medical Breakthrough saunas are doctor-recommended and based on documented research. They include features like Insulated Airflow System™, 3D Heat Therapy™, and our exclusive Detox Routine™, which helps to flush toxins from the body. They are also easy to install and come with a 3-year warranty included for free.
If you're interested in experiencing the health benefits of a medical sauna, contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect sauna for your needs.
Contact Airpuria to Learn More about Medical Saunas
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of what a medical sauna is and how it can improve your health. If you're interested in learning more about medical saunas or are considering purchasing one for your home, please don't hesitate to contact us at Airpuria.
We pride ourselves on offering the most innovative and effective saunas on the market, and our team of experts is always available to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at (773) 337-8822, or you can create an inquiry with us via email. We're happy to help in any way we can.
And if you're ready to start experiencing the benefits of a medical sauna for yourself, be sure to check out our selection of saunas on our website. We offer free shipping to the lower 48 United States, so you can start enjoying the benefits of a medical sauna in the comfort of your own home.
Featured Sauna Products
In addition to the medical saunas above, some of the most popular Airpuria saunas include:
Enlighten Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna RUSTIC - 4 Slope - 4-Person Outdoor Sauna
This outdoor sauna is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a medical sauna in the comfort of their own backyard. It features full-spectrum infrared technology and can accommodate up to four people. Click here to learn more.
Enlighten Dry Traditional Sauna MoonLight - 4C Indoor - 4-Person Sauna
This indoor sauna is designed to feel spacious while actually being compact. A corner unit, it features dry heat technology and can accommodate up to four people, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. This is equipped with a Harvia heater, which is both noiseless and efficient. Click here to learn more.
Enlighten Infrared/Traditional Sauna SAPPHIRE - 5 Slope - 5 Person Outdoor Sauna
The Sapphire combines Harvia electric heaters and infrared lamps for a truly unique sauna experience. Made of Real Western Canadian Red Cedar Wood, it can accommodate up to five people and is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor sauna. Click here to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Saunas
If you're considering using a medical sauna for the first time, you may have some questions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about medical saunas.
What is a medical sauna?
Our medical saunas use infrared radiation to heat the body directly, without heating the surrounding air, and include technology to give the user specific therapeutic benefits.
How does a medical sauna work?
A medical sauna works by heating the body with infrared radiation, promoting sweating and flushing toxins from the body. Special lighting and other optional features provide benefits that regular saunas don't.
What are the potential health benefits of a medical sauna?
The potential health benefits of using a medical sauna include improved circulation, more significant detoxification, pain relief, and improved skin health.
What are the differences between traditional saunas and medical saunas?
Traditional saunas use hot rocks or steam to produce heat, while medical saunas use infrared radiation and a variety of technological devices to benefit the user. Infrared radiation heats the body directly, without heating the surrounding air, making it more efficient and allowing for lower temperatures that are more comfortable for many people.
What is the difference between a dry sauna and a steam room?
The main difference between a dry sauna and a steam sauna is the type of heat used to create the environment. Dry saunas use dry air, typically produced by heating stones or other materials with an electric heater. This hot, dry air then circulates through the sauna, creating an intense environment with temperatures ranging from 70-100°C.
On the other hand, steam saunas use moist heat that is created by pouring water over heated rocks. The warm, humid air in steam saunas usually ranges from 40-60°C but can feel much hotter than in a dry sauna. Both types of saunas offer general health benefits however, medical saunas give users a more targeted approach to many health benefits.
How often should I use a medical sauna?
The frequency with which you use a medical sauna will depend on your individual health needs and goals. However, most people find that using a medical sauna 2-3 times per week is effective for promoting overall health and wellness.
Why use a medical sauna from Airpuria?
At Airpuria, we offer the most innovative and effective medical saunas on the market. Our saunas are made with high-quality materials and are backed by our commitment to customer satisfaction. We offer free shipping to the lower 48 United States, so you can experience the benefits of a medical sauna from the comfort of your own home.