Saunas have been an integral part of Finns’ everyday lives for many millennia, which must surely be one of the reasons why Finland is often name-checked as the happiest country on the planet.

The subject of countless research studies, there are untold health benefits to regularly heat bathing in a sauna. For more information, check the studies conducted by Jari A. Laukkanen, MD, Ph.D.

Having a similar effect on the body as mildly strenuous exercise, as the body’s temperature rises in a sauna, blood circulation increases and flows to the surface of the skin, increasing sweating and causing the cardiovascular system to work harder. This gently alleviates stress, lowers blood pressure, relaxes the muscles and increases one’s mental well-being.

Regularly bathing in heat has a detoxifying effect on the body, increases metabolism and promotes weight loss as well as having a rejuvenating effect on the skin.

Habitually using a sauna has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and improve cardiovascular function.

Routine sauna users also benefit from noticeable improvements in their sleeping patterns and an increased ability to better manage stress and relax properly. In light of the world today, the latter are becoming increasingly important.