Potential health benefits of using our Saunas

Heart Health
Using a Kiva Wellness sauna on a regular basis as part of a healthy lifestyle can offer significant benefits for heart health. The heat generated in an infrared sauna enhances blood circulation, similar to the effects of moderate exercise, thereby improving cardiovascular functioning. This increased blood flow helps reduce blood pressure, lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and enhances heart rate variability, which is an important measure of heart health and stress response. These therapeutic effects collectively contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system and overall heart wellness.
References
Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr 24;2018:1857413. doi: 10.1155/2018/1857413
Pizzey FK, Smith EC, Ruediger SL, Keating SE, Askew CD, Coombes JS, Bailey TG. The effect of heat therapy on blood pressure and peripheral vascular function: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Physiol. 2021 Jun;106(6):1317-1334. doi: 10.1113/EP089424.

Exercise Performance
Boost your endurance performance with regular infrared sauna usage. Infrared sauna sessions can be a valuable tool for boosting exercise performance. The heat exposure aids in improving circulation and increasing blood flow to muscles, which can enhance endurance and reduce muscle fatigue. Regular sauna use can also lead to adaptations like increased plasma volume and improved thermoregulatory mechanisms, which can significantly enhance overall athletic performance. Frequent sauna sessions may also substantially augment the benefits of physical activity and assist those who are unable to meet physical activity guidelines or are unable to exercise at all because of physical activity limitations.
References
Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr 24;2018:1857413. doi: 10.1155/2018/1857413
Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen JA. Does the Combination of Finnish Sauna Bathing and Other Lifestyle Factors Confer Additional Health Benefits? A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023 Jun;98(6):915-926. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.01.0 08.

Muscle Recovery
Whether you’re a professional athlete or a hobby gymnast, recovery is key for a better performance. Infrared saunas play a pivotal role in enhancing muscle recovery, particularly after intense physical activity. The penetrating infrared heat helps to relax muscles, alleviate stiffness and reduce soreness, DOMS, and swelling after strength and endurance training by increasing blood circulation, which facilitates the transport of essential nutrients and oxygen to tired muscles. This improved blood flow also aids in the efficient removal of metabolic waste products like lactic acid, accelerating the recovery process and reducing the downtime between workouts.
References
McGorm H., Roberts L.A., Coombes J.S., Peake J.M. Turning up the Heat: an evaluation of the evidence for heating to promote exercise recovery, muscle rehabilitation and adaptation. Sports Med. 2018;48(6):1131–1328. And Sabapathy M, Tan F, Al Hussein S, Jaafar H, Brocherie F, Racinais S, Ihsan M. Effect of heat preconditioning on recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. Curr Res Physiol. 2021 Jun 7;4:155- 162. doi: 10.1016/j.crphys.2021.06.00 2
Mero A, Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. Springerplus. 2015 Jul 7;4:321. doi: 10.1186/s40064-015-1093- 5.
Pokora I, Sadowska-Krępa E, Wolowski Ł, Wyderka P, Michnik A, Drzazga Z. The Effect of Medium-Term Sauna-Based Heat Acclimation (MPHA) on Thermophysiological and Plasma Volume Responses to Exercise Performed under Temperate Conditions in Elite Cross-Country Skiers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(13):6906. htps://doi.org/10.3390/ijer ph18136906

Pain & Mobility
Let the warmth of your sauna ease your pain. They offer a therapeutic approach to managing pain and improving mobility. The deep heat effectively reduces muscle tension and joint stiffness, providing relief from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Enhanced circulation from the heat therapy also aids in reducing inflammation and promoting healing, which can improve joint mobility and flexibility. Regular use of an infrared sauna can thus be a beneficial adjunct in pain management and in maintaining and improving range of motion and overall physical function.
References
Oosterveld FG, Rasker JJ, Floors M, Landkroon R, van Rennes B, Zwijnenberg J, van de Laar MA, Koel GJ. Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A pilot study showing good tolerance, short-term improvement of pain and stiffness, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects. Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Jan;28(1):29-34. doi: 10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y.
Masuda A, Koga Y, Hatanmaru M, Minagoe S, Tei C. The effects of repeated thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychother Psychosom. 2005;74(5):288- 94. doi: 10.1159/000086319
Kanji G, Weatherall M, Peter R, Purdie G, Page R. Efficacy of regular sauna bathing for chronic tension-type headache: a randomized controlled study. J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Feb;21(2):103-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0466

Immunity
Regular sauna sessions can have a positive impact on the immune system. The heat generated during a session elevates the body's core temperature, mimicking a fever-like state, which is a natural immune response to infection. This induced hyperthermic condition can stimulate and strengthen the immune system, increasing the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Additionally, the detoxification process, facilitated by intense sweating, helps to rid the body of toxins and pathogens, further bolstering the body’s immune defences and resilience against illness.
References
Pilch, Wanda, Pokora, Ilona, Szyguła, Zbigniew, Pałka, Tomasz, Pilch, Paweł, Cisoń, Tomasz, Malik, Lesław and Wiecha, Szczepan. “Effect of a Single Finnish Sauna Session on White Blood Cell Profile and Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Non-Athletes” Journal of Human Kinetics, vol.39, no.1, 3913, pp.127- 135

Longevity
Making sauna bathing part of your regular routine can assist longevity by offsetting effects of inflammation and promoting overall health and wellness. The deep heating effect of the sauna has been linked to enhanced cellular repair and reduced oxidative stress, two factors that are crucial in slowing down the ageing process. Regular sauna use can also stimulate heat shock proteins, which are known to play a role in longevity by repairing damaged proteins and protecting cells from stress. By improving cardiovascular health, aiding in detoxification, and reducing chronic inflammation, infrared saunas can support a healthier, longer life, aligning with practices that promote longevity.
References
Kunutsor, S.K., Jae, S.Y., Kurl, S. et al. Inflammation, sauna bathing, and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older Finnish men: a cohort study. Eur J Epidemiol 37, 1225–1231 (2022). htps://doi.org/10.1007/s10 654-022-00926-w.

Heat Acclimation
Regular use of infrared saunas can significantly aid in heat acclimation, a beneficial adaptation for both athletes and individuals in hot climates. The consistent exposure to the controlled, elevated temperatures of the sauna trains the body to cope better with heat stress. This acclimation process leads to physiological adaptations such as improved sweating efficiency, more stable core temperature control, and increased blood plasma volume. These changes enhance the body's ability to regulate temperature in hot conditions, improving tolerance to heat and potentially enhancing performance in warm environments.
References
Ashworth E, Coter J & Kilding A (2023) Postexercise, passive heat acclimation with sauna or hot-water immersion provide comparable adaptations to performance in the heat in a military context, Ergonomics, 66:1, 49-60, DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.20 58096
Kirby NV, Lucas SJE, Armstrong OJ, Weaver SR, Lucas RAI. Intermitent postexercise sauna bathing improves markers of exercise capacity in hot and temperate conditions in trained middle-distance runners. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021 Feb;121(2):621-635. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020- 04541-z. And Kirby, N.V., Lucas, S.J.E., Cable, T.G. et al. Sex differences in adaptation to intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing in trained middle-distance runners. Sports Med - Open 7, 51 (2021). htps://doi.org/10.1186/s40 798-021-00342-6

Relaxation
Infrared saunas deliver deep, penetrating heat through infrared light, effectively reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals. The gentle warmth increases blood circulation, helping to oxygenate tissues and clear metabolic waste, which aids in faster muscle recovery and stress relief. Scientifically, this process of thermotherapy not only relaxes the body but also helps to lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, fostering a state of mental relaxation and well-being.
References
Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Kauppinen, K. (2006). Health effects and risks of sauna bathing. *International Journal of Circumpolar Health*, 65(3), 195-205

Detoxification
Your Kiva saunas facilitate detoxification at a cellular level by inducing a deep sweat where toxins can be expelled directly through the pores. The infrared wavelengths penetrate the skin, stimulating the sweat glands and increasing circulation, thereby aiding the body in the natural process of removing impurities and flushing out harmful toxins. This enhanced detoxification process, triggered by the increased metabolic rate and core temperature, helps in efficiently eliminating heavy metals and chemical toxins, leading to improved overall health and vitality.
References
Sears, M. E., Kerr, K. J., & Bray, R. I. (2012). Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sweat: a systematic review. *Journal of environmental and public health*, 2012

Skin Health
Regular sessions in your sauna contribute positively to skin health by promoting circulation, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, fostering a healthy, natural glow. The deep sweating achieved in an infrared sauna helps to clear pores, reduce blemishes, and remove dead skin cells, resulting in clearer, softer, and healthier-looking skin. Additionally, the increased blood flow and elimination of toxins can aid in reducing the signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines, by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, vital proteins for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.
References
Lee, J. H., Roh, M. R., & Lee, K. H. (2006). Effects of infrared radiation on skin photo-aging and pigmentation. *Yonsei medical journal*, 47(4), 485-490

Stress and Fatigue
Exposure to the gentle, enveloping heat of an infrared sauna has been shown to significantly alleviate stress and fatigue. The soothing warmth activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a state of deep relaxation and stress reduction. Furthermore, as the body's core temperature rises, endorphin levels increase, providing a natural, therapeutic effect that combats fatigue, enhances mood, and promotes a sense of calm and well-being..
References
Masuda, A., Nakazato, M., Kihara, T., Minagoe, S., & Tei, C. (2005). Repeated sauna therapy reduces urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, 45(2), 295-301

Improved Sleep
Utilising an infrared sauna can have a beneficial impact on sleep quality, thanks to its ability to relax the body and mind. The soothing warmth helps to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' response, thereby fostering a state conducive to sleep. Additionally, the post-sauna cooling period often triggers a natural increase in melatonin, the sleep hormone, aiding in deeper and more restful sleep cycles.
References
Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: A systematic review. *Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine*, 2018