Discover the many benefits of heat therapy to nurture deep relaxation and enhanced well-being
Heating the body for health is something that has been around since the days of Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine. Over two thousand years ago, he taught that raising the body temperature will bring about curative results.
What are these heat experiences?
There are two heat experiences that are common today – sauna and steam. Let’s talk about these two basics. In a future article, I will talk about the extensive water bathing rituals which exist throughout the world.
For now – BRING ON THE HEAT!
Benefits
Sweating in a sauna or steam room dilates or opens and widens the blood vessels and thereby improves general circulation.
Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of your body?
Heat treatments cleanse by opening the pores and flushing out impurities. The sweating helps the body rid itself of excess sodium, drugs, and some toxins.
- Soothe and relaxes tired muscles
- Improved blood circulation
- Enhanced detoxification processes
- Increase in energy
- Better sleep
- A strengthened immune system
- Improves skin and body tone
- Tension and stress relief
Heat experiences for health can be uplifting and will work wonders for your body and mind.
Where can I find these heat therapy centers?
Sauna and steam facilities can be found in the following settings:
- a spa
- a gym or health club
- some upscale apartment complexes and hotels
- swimming pools
- in people’s personal homes.
{Pictured above: Shirley Meerson’s White Star Wellness project completed in Ankara, Turkey with a lovely sauna}
For years – gyms and health clubs have incorporated sauna and steam rooms into their locker room area facilities, and sauna + steam together have always been popular.
The ‘spa world’ over the last ten to fifteen years has taken this concept and expanded it into plush ‘heat experiences’ as it is now sometimes referred to.
Some world-class spas have based a large part of their concept on thermal spa experiences. And can offer as many as six chambers, each housing a different heat treatment – with temperature and humidity alterations.
In my opinion, that is a bit over the top – not needed, but can certainly be fun to try!
Recommendations for getting the most out of your heat therapy session:
What is important to know – is that these heat experiences form a powerful and therapeutic element of your spa journey – or your gym regime or your relaxation and detox day.
Some suggestions and recommendations for a good “heat experience”:
- Allow yourself plenty of time to use the heat before a massage. It definitely relaxes your muscles and mind.
- The most beneficial way to use the heat is to relax for 10 – 15 minutes in one of the heat experiences and then take a rinse in the shower. Cool down and rest a bit. Give yourself some time.
- Alternating the heat with sufficient time to cool down and rest – is the most important. Don’t rush.
When you do take significant time for your heat treatments – afterward you will feel like the edges of your body are not so solid, rigid and constricting anymore.
A word of caution about Heat Therapy
It is customary to have rules and signs posted in spas, pools, and fitness facilities worldwide.
The following are some cautionary reminders:
- Pregnant women cannot use heat treatments because they’re not to heat their body core.
- Heart patients with a blood pressure condition or others suffering from a disease – do consult your physician first.
- DON’T consume alcohol.
- DO drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time in the “heat experience”.
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