Most people go to Saunas in order to relax after a stressful day or intense exercise. The act of sitting back in a comfortable environment can be a very enlightening one that helps people clear their minds and feel more at ease. Aside from the relaxation element of steam baths, many people claim it provides a variety of health benefits. Although each person's body is different and has its own reaction to steam baths, some people believe it is actually very beneficial to the health of your body.

Some literature states that sitting in a sauna for a little under a half an hour is equivalent to going on a 30 minute power walk. This is because the steam in the sauna deepens your breathing, causing your heart rate to increase as if you were walking quickly or jogging. Due to the physiological affects that sitting in a sauna can have on your body, it is important that you discuss with a doctor before entering a sauna for any substantial amount of time.

As an after affect of the increased heart rate, you will experience increased circulation throughout your entire body. This means that your extremities such as your hands, fingers and toes will have more blood circulated through them than normal. This causes nutrients to rise to the surface of your skin, giving you that healthy post-sauna glow.

A little time in the sauna leaves you with glowing skin because of the skin cleansing act of high circulation and increased perspiration. Your circulation is increase which means blood is reaching parts of the body that receive the least blood flow, and your increased heart rate causes an increase in sweating. Sweating allows your body to cleanse itself of toxins, flushing out all of the impurities.

When you are in a steambath or sauna, your temperature rises significantly to about the same as when you have a mild fever. When you look at it this way it makes sense that spending time in a sauna can leave you feeling healthier and fresher. Fevers are your body's way of forcing out impurities and producing more antibodies.

Spas often offer combination relaxation packages that start with a deep tissue massage and end with half an hour in a sauna. This is because massages will make your fat tissues looser, and sitting in a sauna will help clear out the toxins and impurities that were just loosened. Sitting in a sauna is also a great way to fight a flu when you feel it sneaking up on you, without having to exert yourself by going on a run or hitting the gym.

A steambath is very beneficial for people with respiratory issues. Breathing in humid, wet air can help clear up congestion and make your throat feel better if you are suffering from a severe cough. However, if you are having a severe respiratory issue such as asthma, it is best to go to a doctor.

In addition to all of their health benefits, Saunas are a relaxing way to rest and clear your mind. Healthy skin and easier breathing are just the additional benefits. Make sure you follow standard sauna protocol by not entering if you have any serious health issues. Pregnant women should talk to their doctor before entering a sauna.