The power of a sauna retreat

How the ancient sauna can improve your health and wellbeing

We have all experienced a really good sauna or steam room session once in our life, right? As well as being incredibly relaxing, these spa therapies can have many other benefits for the mind and body - hence why people have been using them for over 3,000 years!

1. Easing arthritis pain - some people report that saunas and steam rooms help with joint pain. With increased circulation while you are relaxing, saunas are also fantastic for recovering from a workout session as they help the muscles to repair.

2. Reducing stress is a wonderful benefit of a sauna. With the heat improving circulation, feelings of wellbeing are likely to be increased too! If you go to the gym with a friend, they are also a great place to have a chat as you unwind.

3. Asthma sufferers may opt to use a sauna because the heat can open up airways and loosen mucus, often making their condition more bearable.

4. Most researchers have found that sauna users are less likely to suffer from a cardiovascular-related disease. While you are in the sauna, your heart rate is expected to be at about 150bpm, more than twice that of your resting rate.

5. Through the sweat you produce in a sauna, your body is getting rid of potentially harmful toxins. Therefore, you may be less likely to develop a cold if you are a frequent sauna user.

6. Saunas can actually help with weight loss. The extreme temperatures cause your heart to beat faster and your body to sweat. Along with exercise, this can aid calorie burn. Although, it is vital to rehydrate after a session in the heat!