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Health effects and risks of sauna bathing
Katriina Kukkonen-Harjula1, Kyllikki Kauppinen
1UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland. katriina.kukkonen-harjula@uta.fi
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
|July 29, 2006
Summary
Sauna bathing is generally safe for most people, including those with chronic conditions like hypertension and heart disease. However, more research is needed to confirm its therapeutic benefits for various medical disorders.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Therapeutics
- Public Health
Background:
- Sauna bathing is a common practice with potential physiological and therapeutic effects.
- Understanding its impact on chronic diseases, medication, and special populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological, therapeutic, and adverse effects of sauna bathing.
- To assess sauna's safety and efficacy in chronic diseases, during pregnancy, and in children.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Studies included experiments with controlled heat (80-90°C), humidity, and ventilation.
- Sauna exposure duration ranged from 5-20 minutes, repeated 1-3 times, in acute or longer-term studies.
Main Results:
- Sauna bathing was well-tolerated by healthy individuals across all age groups.
- Patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart failure showed no significant risks when medicated and stable.
- No adverse effects were noted during pregnancy, except in toxemia cases; baths were not teratogenic. Pain relief was observed in musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusions:
- Sauna bathing appears safe for most individuals, including those with certain chronic conditions.
- Potential benefits for pain relief in musculoskeletal disorders were noted.
- Further rigorous research is required to establish sauna bathing as a non-pharmacological treatment for medical disorders.
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