Sauna Therapy
Heat therapy applied through sauna immersion works to mimic exercise-induced sweating, increases tolerance to heat, stimulates muscle growth, and reduces post-exercise soreness and fatigue.
Benefits of regular sauna use include increased metabolism, detoxification of the blood, increased blood circulation, pain reduction, anti-aging cellular rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, boosted immune function, improved sleep, stress management, and relaxation. At the cellular level, metabolic changes that occur with sauna exposure include activation of heat shock proteins for cellular repair, reduction of oxidative stress and active inflammation.
Sauna exposure has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which aids in weight loss, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting a lean body mass. Research has shown that heat therapy through sauna will increase plasma and blood volumes, which improves the athletes endurance and aerobic capacity.
Use of sauna also improves tolerance to heat, which means the athlete will be better able to handle the natural increase in body temperature that comes with prolonged physical effort and exposure to heat while competing or performing.
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