Not Just for Relaxation: 5 Ways the Sauna & Steam Room Are Great for Your Health

Is there any better feeling than melting into deep relaxation in the sauna or steam room, wrapped in a cloud of blissful heat like a little human dumpling? Sure, it’s relaxing, but did you know there’s more to this toasty goodness than just melting away stress while you daydream about the Chinese food you’re going to eat later? Saunas and steam rooms aren’t just about pampering yourself (though that’s a great perk). They come with a whole host of health benefits that humans have been taking advantage of for thousands of years (yes, THOUSANDS)! 

Archaeologists have found evidence of saunas and steam rooms across the ancient world, and many countries still have an important cultural relationship with them. Take Finland, for example, with a population of about 5 million people…and 3 million saunas!

Whether you’re a seasoned sweat enthusiast or a newbie who wants to know how the sauna or steam room can be incorporated into your fitness and wellness routine, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn about five major health benefits of the steam room and sauna!

1. Detoxification

Let’s talk toxins. This word gets thrown around a lot in contemporary wellness culture, so it’s not surprising that many people feel dubious about “detoxification.” 

Toxins are simply substances that sneak into our bodies through pollution from industrial chemicals in our air and water and harmful chemicals in household products and processed food.

You’ve probably seen advertisements for intense weeks-long juice cleanses, fasting diets, or supplement regimens that claim to rid your body of toxins. But because our bodies are seriously amazing, we already have built-in ways to remove toxins! Our liver, skin, kidney, intestines, lymph nodes, blood vessels, and even our breath are already always working together to remove toxins from the body—so there’s actually no need to jump into an extreme (and often expensive) detox program. There are, however, a few great ways to give your body a leg-up in the detox department, including drinking lots of water, exercising, massage, acupuncture, and cupping, having a cleaner diet, eating organic produce, and last but not least—regularly spending time in a sauna or steam room!

One of the main ways the body detoxes itself is through sweating. So it makes sense that sweating it out in the sauna or steam room on a regular basis can help cleanse your body. Saunas, with their dry heat, and steam rooms, with their moist heat, both ramp up your sweat game, helping to remove heavy metals, alcohol, nicotine, and any other unwanted substances from your body. Science backs this up, too. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can help reduce levels of toxic heavy metals in the body and boost the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that aids in detoxification. Plus, the increased heart rate and improved circulation that come with heat therapy mean that your body is more efficient at processing and eliminating these toxins.

2. Improved Circulation

Speaking of circulation, saunas and steam rooms are a great way to get your blood flowing more efficiently. When you step into that heat, your heart rate kicks up a notch, and your blood vessels dilate, making it easier for blood to pump through your body. This boost in blood flow can help speed up recovery from workouts, ease muscle soreness, and even give your skin a healthy glow. Improved circulation also means better cardiovascular health. Regular sauna sessions have been linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. It’s like giving your heart a mini workout, strengthening it over time.

3. Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief

If your muscles could talk after a workout, they’d probably beg you for a trip to the steam room or sauna! Whether you’ve been hitting the gym hard, dealing with the aches and pains of daily life, or just feeling tense, heat therapy is a game-changer for muscle relaxation and pain relief.

When you step into a sauna or steam room, the heat works its magic by increasing your blood flow and helping to loosen tight muscles. This increased circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and helps flush out lactic acid build-up, speeding up the healing process and reducing soreness. 

4. Skin Health

Want to know the secret to glowing, radiant skin? No, it’s not the thirty-step skincare routine you saw on TikTok—it’s the sauna or steam room! When you sweat in the sauna or steam room, your pores open up, and all the gunk that’s been clogging them—dirt, oil, and dead skin cells—gets pushed out. It’s like giving your skin a deep cleanse without any harsh scrubs or chemicals. The result? Cleaner, clearer pores and a reduction in breakouts.

Additionally, the increased circulation (are you seeing a pattern here?) you get from heat therapy delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your skin, promoting cell renewal and giving you that coveted healthy glow. It’s the kind of rosy complexion that says, “I just spent the afternoon at a luxurious spa,” even if you only had 15 minutes to spare.

Steam rooms, with their humid environment, are particularly great for hydrating your skin. The moisture helps to plump up your skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and making your skin feel softer and more supple. To maximize these benefits, try a gentle cleanse before and after your sauna or steam session. This will help remove surface impurities before you start sweating and clear away any remaining toxins afterward.

5. Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so luckily the sauna and steam have your back there too!

The heat in saunas and steam rooms encourages your body to produce endorphins—those feel-good hormones that boost your mood and leave you feeling relaxed and happy. These endorphins can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, giving you a much-needed mental break

There’s also an element of mindfulness that can be practiced in these spaces. Sitting quietly in the heat, away from the constant buzz of phones, emails, and to-do lists, gives you a chance to unplug and be present. It’s a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness, focusing on your breathing and the sensations of the heat. This can lead to improved mental clarity and a sense of calm that lingers long after you’ve left the sauna or steam room.

Turn the Heat Up at Western

If you’ve been waiting to treat yourself to a relaxing steam room or sauna sesh, this is your sign! Western has got you covered with both saunas and steam rooms available in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. And the best part? They’re free to use for all members! Whether you’re looking to detox, recover, or simply take a break from the hustle and bustle, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.