What is the concensus on the Sauna?

[Raw in Florida]

I have heard mixed things on the sauna. I enjoy a good sauna, especially in the winter months.

Does anyone have any good information on the pros and cons of using them regularly.

Sorry if this has been discussed. I will look for threads as well...

[ys]

sauna is awesome in the winter, followed by dip in the snow and back into sauna. i don't care if it not paleo, it just feels damn good.

[dsohei]

i think its good if you build up tolerance and dont overdo it, otherwise its a stress like any other. most saunas however use tap liquid "water" and that will cause heavy absorption of terrible toxins. better to use an infrared sauna.

[kurite]

i think its good if you build up tolerance and dont overdo it, otherwise its a stress like any other. most saunas however use tap liquid "water" and that will cause heavy absorption of terrible toxins. better to use an infrared sauna.

That's a little exaggerated.

[dsohei]

actually it's not. have you ever taken a non-filtered shower and come out with dry skin? then taken a filtered shower and your skin is fine? what do you think that's all about? do some research. i know i don't like inhaling chlorine and whatever else they use to "purify" the water.

[TylerDurden]

I find saunas to be a waste of time.

[miles]

Is there really that much difference between a filtered and an unfiltered shower? How much do filters cost and who here has or doesn't have them?

[KD]

I've used saunas pretty extensively in the last 5 years as a detoxification aid and had great results. It doesn't seem to appeal to me as much on RAF but I can only assume its helpful as long as one keeps hydrated in some way. The infrared sauna is clearly superior in terms of getting out deeper matter, and it runs at a lower heat so its less 'enervating' or whatever the hygiene folks say. I've never really thought that regular saunas are all that toxic as usually its just heated by by a stove with stones to provide consistent temp. I guess people pour water on them sometimes, but other than that it shouldn't be any worry of up-taking chemicals. I've done Russian baths / cold plunges etc too...its all good stuff. There might be some concerns over glandular damage and such with excessive use.

I have a shower filter, it seems to be a really great investment. I paid around $70 and hoping it will last about a year with infrequent use. I wouldn't attempt to shower 'naturally' (no soap etc..) without a filter or shower with warm water.

[ys]

of course sauna is not for everyone, but for me it is a blast.
finnish/russian saunas are the best with snow/ice-cold water dips.
the feeling is awesome, second only after you know...
the best relaxation ever

[Rob]

When I was on city water, I had a shower filter. I used Aquasana brand (google them, I am not affiliated) and was amazed at how much less my skin was dried out.

Now I have well water filtered where it comes into the house, so no shower specific filter.

As for saunas, I have an infrared sauna, had it for less than a month. So far, I have noticed: softer skin, skin blemishes healing and reducing, lower body odor (I can shower without soap without needing deodorant and feel/smell cleaner). I got it at the recommendation of my naturopath for detoxification. I was heavily medicated for decades, and ate terribly during that time as well. I am hoping that it will assist in detoxing faster than a clean diet alone. I am doing 30 minuted about 6 days per week. I really do feel quite relaxed afterwards. In fact I am going to heat it up after posting this.

[TylerDurden]

of course sauna is not for everyone, but for me it is a blast.
finnish/russian saunas are the best with snow/ice-cold water dips.
the feeling is awesome, second only after you know...
the best relaxation ever

Sadly, most of the saunas I've visited in the UK and elsewhere did not have the opportunity for a real cold dip in freezing water.

[Rob]

My sauna is in my basement, and I have a walk out. This winter, I could conceivably jump in the snow after/during the sauna. I'm not sure how I feel about this yet, I am a little hesitant, but I may do it.

[Predator]

They may detoxify the bad stuff but they can also detoxify good minerals from your body as well, so it's important to replenish those.

[HIT_it_RAW]

Most saunas are just a wooden shed with a heater with rocks in it. My mother has one like that. I used it ones was very nice. I did pour some water on the rock but the dutch tap water has no fluor and very, very little chlorine. One could easily use bottled water off course. That would solve the chlorine gas problem.

Sadly, most of the saunas I've visited in the UK and elsewhere did not have the opprtunity for a real cold dip in freezing water.

Thats just sad. I've only been to a commercial sauna ones but they sure had a cold bath. Nearly stopped my heart 

[IronDog]

I have been using my near infrared sauna everyday for a month now and 3 times a day the last 4 days as I have a sore throat, lots of phlegm  and snotty nose.

At the outset it took about 10 days before I started sweating well. Initially I just got hot and red. Now the sweat runs like little rivers all over my body. I top up with fluids, lemon juice, msm etc. My legs have also just started sweating which is a good sign.

The most interesting things about the effects of this sauna is this; Many years ago I got anew concoction tetanus shot, which I really regretted as I could not lift my arm for a week afterward. My health also deteriorated in a noticeable but subtle way - more to do with sensation of well-being and power in my body. The arm I got the shot in would not sweat for about 2 weeks whilst my other arm was. After it started sweating the area that I got the injection in became red and developed a sore. Eventually it pealed and has since healed.

Also, my skin has become softer and mildly oily as all the toxins in the skin dissipate.

I think a NIR sauna is a good addition to any lifestyle, along with ice baths afterwards or between multiple, consecutive saunas. I built my own with 4 NIR bulbs, a piece of ply, wiring, a frame and some old bedsheets.

[Ablem1959]

I like steam rooms better than sauna as your body detoxify sodium and other harmful materials by sweating. Sweating is very good for your skin and it also speed up the body metabolism. After this you need to drink a lot of water and that is another plus point.

[tding]

IMO, good place to collect your thoughts / meditate or to increase the cycling of water through your body.

[Widukind]

I love saunas. I enjoy the whole ritual that's involved, which is a good mindfulness exercise.

[Grithin]

There is no consensus.  The sauna provides different potential pros and cons. 

The sauna stimulates growth.  This is bad if you have mutant cells that will capitalize on that growth. 
This growth stimulation also could be good or bad depending on what your are aiming for.  For instance, in fasting, one goal is to reduce the body and hopefully clear out mutant cells.  Consequently, a sauna may not be good during these times.

Of course, sweating is one pathway for detoxification.

Then, there are different types of saunas.  Using tap water might not be good for the contaminants that vaporize.
Using light or NIR, if used too long, can cause damage.
FIR saunas, along with other electrical saunas, tend to give off a lot of EMF.   And, it is speculated this is particularly bad when combined with the growth aspect the sauna stimulates (by mercola).  Personally, knowing the biological affects of EMF, the combination is not bad (though constant EMF exposure is)

[Grey-Cup]

Saunas are a clear net benefit, effective thermogenesis exposure - Rhonda Patrick has some great podcasts on the hormesis benefits and longevity associations. Finnish or IR, they are different but all good.