When people think about saunas they think of them as having only a relaxation benefit. Today many researchers have become more aware of many other health benefits that come from using a sauna. However there are some health risks that could come from using both wet and dry saunas.

Many athletes have started to use the infrared sauna regularly. This is because it will help them relieve muscle tension after they have exercised hard. Using a sauna also allows people who have arthritic pains to temporarily relieve that pain. This is achieved because at high temperatures our bodies will produce natural pain killers called endorphins. The use of a sauna when your muscles ache is all natural and a lot better than taking pain killers. Because of the high temperatures it helps increase your blood flow which helps sooth your muscle pains.

By increasing your blood flow, it causes your blood vessels to get bigger. When using either infrared saunas or steam saunas most people's blood pressure has gone down. Even though this result is temporary, it is shown in medical tests that using a sauna often, about once or even twice a week will help keep your blood pressure at a level that is manageable.

When people use saunas it causes their blood vessels to become wider as you are exposed to the heat. By doing this it allows them to be more elastic and in general healthier. It also causes your heart rate to increase from normal to around 110 beats per minute and sometimes even higher than that depending on how high the heat is. By doing this it will exercise your heart without actually going to the gym.

Saunas don't only benefit your muscles by helping them relax, but it also helps you relax and release everyday stress. By going to the sauna it helps you fight mental fatigue that most people suffer from in this stressful life.

There are a lot of people who have problems falling asleep, but after you use a sauna it will help you sleep better. It is because the sauna will help your muscles feel more relaxed, and it has also increased your body's endorphin level.

Studies show that you can lose up to 300 calories by using a sauna. It is because of your increased heart rate due to sitting in high heat. It's obvious that most of the weight lost in the sauna is water weight; however, by using the sauna regularly it will help contribute to your weight loss. You should use the sauna along with your regular exercise.

For many people who are healthy, no health risk is present if used in moderation. For people with high blood pressure, asthma, skin conditions and heart disease, saunas can be a dangerous place. It would be best to consult your doctor if you have any of the health risks before using the sauna.