[h=2]Health risks and benefits[/h] Saunas can be dangerous due to the risk of heat prostration or the even more serious
hyperthermia. Children and older persons who have heart disease or seizure disorders or those who use alcohol or cocaine are especially vulnerable.[SUP]
[20][/SUP]
Prolonged stay in a sauna may lead to the loss of
electrolytes from the body, the same as after rigorous exercise. Risks of
dehydration leading to heat stroke in more sensitive individuals can occur and may be reduced by regular sipping of water or isotonic drinks, but not alcohol, during the sauna. Sauna bathing and heavy drinking of alcoholic beverages, and also sauna bathing during alcohol withdrawal (hangover) phase can undoubtedly create real health risks.[SUP]
[9][/SUP][SUP]
[21][/SUP]
Many of the sauna therapeutic trials used a regular schedule of at least 5 days a week and often daily for one to three months, then several times a week for extended periods.[SUP]
[22][/SUP][SUP]
[23][/SUP][SUP]
[24][/SUP]
In some countries the local gymnasium is usually the closest and most convenient and some pool, major sport, or even resort complexes also contain a sauna. Therapeutic Sauna is often carried out in conjunction with
physiotherapy or
hydrotherapy, gentle exercises within the capability of the person without exacerbating symptoms.[SUP]
[25][/SUP][SUP]
[26][/SUP][SUP]
[27][/SUP]
[h=3][
edit] Benefits[/h] The beneficial effects of therapeutic sauna are both temporary and long term.
Contraindications to sauna include unstable
angina pectoris, recent
myocardial infarction,[SUP]
[28][/SUP] and severe
aortic stenosis. Sauna is safe, however, for most people with stable
coronary heart disease.[SUP]
[29][/SUP] It is not harmful to the aged when used in moderation, is safe even for young infants over 3 months if limited to short (< 3 minutes) sessions,[SUP]
[30][/SUP] and does not affect wound healing.[SUP]
[31][/SUP] Sauna use may reduce the incidence of the common cold, and temporarily relieve the symptoms.[SUP]
[32][/SUP][SUP]
[33][/SUP] It increases performance in endurance sport,[SUP]
[34][/SUP] increases plasma volume and red cell volume in athletes, decreased systolic blood pressure, significantly improved exercise tolerance, increased peak respiratory oxygen uptake, and enhanced anaerobic threshold in chronic conditions.[SUP][
citation needed][/SUP]
Sauna plus multidisciplinary treatment may reduce chronic pain more effectively than multidisciplinary treatment alone. Sauna reduces chronic pain more effectively than cognitive behaviour therapy. It is indicated for rheumatic pain (with cold shower) but not for neuropathic pain.[SUP]
[35][/SUP] Is effective for appetite loss and mild depression.[SUP]
[36][/SUP] Indicated in reducing symptoms in
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,[SUP]
[23][/SUP][SUP]
[37][/SUP] and
rheumatoid arthritis,[SUP]
[38][/SUP] and indicated for
anorexia nervosa.[SUP]
[39][/SUP] Sauna improves function in conditions such as congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure, improves vasodilation, improves heart arrhythmia, and reduces heart rate on exercise. Sauna has been proposed for treatment of other conditions such as
glaucoma,[SUP]
[40][/SUP]
Sjogren syndrome,[SUP]
[41][/SUP] chronic fatigue syndrome,
fibromyalgia,[SUP]
[42][/SUP] anorexia nervosa,
obstructive lung disease,[SUP]
[43][/SUP] recuperation after childbirth, and also for lifestyle related diseases of,
diabetes,
arteriosclerosis,
obesity,
hypertension,
hyperlipidemia,
atherosclerosis and smoking induced symptoms.[SUP]
[44][/SUP]
Sauna has also been found to reduce levels of stress hormones adrenalin and noradrenalin and to increase levels of beta endorphin. However it also causes a substantial rise in the stress hormones ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), and cortisol due to hyperthermic stress on the body. Cortisol remains high even after 30 minutes of rest.[SUP]
[45][/SUP] Sauna also found to reduce prostaglandin F2alpha and protect against oxidative stress. It enhances activation of monocytes to bacteria and endotoxins.[SUP]
[46]
Chanzo
[/SUP]