The alternation between the heat of the sauna and cold water cooling afterward acts like a workout for the blood vessels, as they expand and contract repeatedly. This warm-cold contrast is considered one of the key mechanisms behind sauna's health benefits.
Regular sauna use appears to have a beneficial influence on the immune system, likely through the repeated mild heat stress the body experiences. This makes saunaing a potentially useful tool for general health maintenance.
A 2022 Finnish study found that combining regular sauna sessions with physical exercise produces particularly strong health benefits. The two activities appear to complement each other in improving cardiovascular fitness.
Schedule at least 2-3 sauna sessions per week, as a Finnish 2015 study showed frequent sauna use is linked to significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Consistency is key to achieving the vascular training effect.
Pair your existing workout routine with sauna use, since a 2022 Finnish study found that the combination of fitness and sauna produces greater health benefits than either activity alone.