Sauna hydrotherapy decreases insomnia and stress, promotes weight loss, leads to calmer temperaments, and alleviates minor illness symptoms, headaches and sinus pain, and symptoms of bronchitis and asthma. Though each topic is different, the same hydrotherapy principles contribute to each benefit.

The effects induced from a sauna’s heat—lowered blood pressure, increased circulation, released toxins, and soothed muscles and joints--have a positive impact on the endocrine and lymphatic systems, which maintain the body’s homeostasis.

Relaxing in a sauna releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemical. This chemical helps reduce the effects of stress on the body and leads to long, deep sleep. Relaxing in a sauna for 15 minutes approximately 2 hours before bedtime will turn the temperature down on your internal thermostat and help you drift to sleep. With better sleep, reduced stress, and the presence of endorphins, sauna users may experience calmer temperaments and fewer bouts with anxiety and depression.

In regards to weight loss, the same principles apply. Increased blood circulation and a raised heart rate from lower blood pressure simulate exercise. When the heart rate increases during sauna bathing, it requires more oxygen, which the body provides by burning fats and carbohydrates. Another contributing factor to weight loss is that water retention and toxins are released when the body sweats.

Steam is inhaled when sauna bathing. This steam loosens mucus, opens respiratory passage ways, increases blood flow, and allows for more oxygen intake. These benefits help to alleviate sinus pain, headaches, and symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

Sauna bathing is also useful in fighting the common cold and flu. This benefit is achieved during sauna bathing because the body is detoxified of impurities through sweat, relieved of congestions through inhaling steam, induced with a simulated fever through increased body temperature, and benefited with immunity-boosting white blood cells.