Can Saunas Improve Your Breathing or Sinus Conditions?
Saunas may help those with breathing or sinus conditions breathe easier. This can seem like a contradiction, especially since hot and hazy summer days can aggravate certain breathing conditions, especially asthma. However, studies have shown that those with breathing conditions may actually find some relief through a trip into a sauna.
There are Three Main Types of Saunas Used Today
Dry Saunas
Dry saunas use a wood stove to heat the air inside of the sauna. This creates little to no steam, which means those who cannot breathe in steamy air can breathe in a dry sauna. Because the heat in a dry sauna is not moist, it does not make the user feel as though he or she is breathing “heavy” air. This can make it possible for asthmatics to use the sauna when they otherwise were unable to do so. The heat does not feel as hot as it really is, simply because it does not contain high humidity.
Infrared Saunas
Some people with breathing difficulties may find it difficult to breathe inside a traditional dry sauna. The dry, hot air stifles their breathing. However, infrared saunas, the second type of sauna, operate differently. Instead of heating the air, the infrared sauna heats the person. This means that the air inside of the sauna is the same as the air outside of the sauna. Those with chronic breathing difficulties can benefit from the healing properties of using a sauna while avoiding the problem air in a traditional dry sauna by using an infrared sauna.
Steam Baths & Steam Showers
People with breathing problems that are able to breathe steamy air often report more relief from a steam bath than a dry or infrared sauna. Doctors often recommend taking children who have sinus infections or asthma into a steamy bathroom to help them breathe. The steam in the bathroom can have the same effect on the child that the steam in a sauna has on an adult with breathing difficulties. It helps to break up the mucus that is causing the problems.
Therefore, those who can breathe in a steam sauna often report more relief of their breathing difficulties from this type of sauna treatment than from the dry or infrared treatments. The problem, however, is that the steam can aggravate some people’s breathing difficulties, so caution should be used when these individuals are using the sauna for the first time.
Total Body Rejuvenation with Sauna Heat
All three types of saunas help rejuvenate the body overall. This serves to help breathing problems as well as other skin conditions. When someone enters a sauna, the heat penetrates the body and opens the pores. As the body heats, it begins to perspire. Along with the perspiration, dead skin is removed and blood circulation increases. This promotes oxygen circulation and improves the immune system. As a result, the body functions better as a whole unit. Symtoms of sinus problems and other breathing difficulties are lessened as a result of the decrease of toxins in the body.
Some breathing problems are aggravated by too much stress. A sauna, whether wet or dry, can help relieve stress and fatigue. This can help alleviate stress-related breathing problems for certain people.
Choose the Right Sauna for You
Personal home saunas to be used at home are available, but this purchase should not be made until the person suffering from breathing difficulties has first determined whether or not a sauna will help. Individuals who are wondering whether or not a sauna will help their breathing and sinus problems should try one, unless advised not to by their doctor.
Most day spas have saunas available. By visiting a spa, those with breathing problems can try the sauna and see if they have any improvement in their symptoms before investing the money in a personal sauna. If someone finds relief from their asthma or other chronic breathing problems in a sauna, then buying a personal sauna may be a good investment.