DEAR DOCTOR,

Are there any real health benefits that come with going to the sauna? My friends have tried to get me to go but I just don’t think it is of any benefit to me health-wise. Can this give my health a boost and are there any risks?

SAM

DEAR SAM,

Saunas are very much in vogue today. People are increasingly using them for refreshing and rejuvenating the body and other supposed/real health benefits. You can find saunas in hotels, resorts, even airports and in beauty salons.

Saunas are small rooms that are heated to temperature between 66 degrees to 90 degrees Celsius. The interiors are unpainted, wooden and have temperature controls. Saunas use dry heat or wet heat. While using sauna, the toxins, grime and dust settled over the skin are washed out and blood circulation is enhanced, which imparts a glow to the skin. The whole body is massaged and muscles are relaxed. All this makes one feel very fresh and energetic. Various physiological functions of the body are boosted. This is useful in improving digestion and enhancing functioning of the heart. Due to increased appetite, an average person would eat well, after a sauna bath. It is a form of "non-physical” exercise, where without doing any active exercise one gets the same benefits.  As a person feels relaxed physically, mental stress is also reduced and one feels stress-free. This provides opportunity for spiritual advancement as well, in those who are seeking it. Improving metabolism of the body, enhancing immunity, are some other benefits of using sauna.

However everything about a sauna is not perfect and useful. People join sauna in a bid to lose weight, particularly belly fat, as this is one of the "supposed” benefits advertised by sauna owners. But this does not happen. Few calories can be burnt by the steam and sweating. But actual consistent calorie burning and weight loss is possible only with actual regular physical exercise and not with sauna bath. Sitting in a sauna bath for a long time, i.e. greater than 15 to 20 minutes, can cause excess sweating, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This manifests as muscle cramps, weakness and dizziness. If the temperature controls are not very efficient, suffering a burn is a real risk. Regular sauna use can cause excess wrinkling of the skin, due to excess exposure to heat.  Another risk of sauna is that blood circulation may be diverted from internal vital parts to the periphery, thus affecting their functioning. If one takes a shower immediately after a sauna bath, there is real risk of blood circulation of the brain and vital parts being disturbed. The risk is more if water is poured over head first in the shower.

If one has the time and inclination, joining a sauna is good for refreshing and relaxing. But it should be remembered that it is not a substitute for active regular physical exercise and proper diet.

Dr. Rachna Pande is a specialist internal medicine