Fire & Ice: The Incredible Health Benefits of Sauna and Ice Bath
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Join us as we delve into the history and science behind hot and cold therapy, and highlight just some of the incredible health benefits.
Sauna culture is slowly arriving from Scandinavian shores to our homes, and as a country, we’re just waking up to its incredible health benefits. With both physical and mental improvements backed by scientific studies, it’s clear; sauna is good for us.
But it’s nothing new. Practices are believed to date back as far as 7000 BC in Finland, and having a sauna at home became commonplace in the 19th century with most homes owning one today. With such a rich heritage and strong culture, "sauna" is the only Finnish word to become part of the English language.
Often combined with immersion in a cold lake, both extremes of heat therapy offer distinct health benefits. But when used together, they yield benefits greater than the sum of their parts.
Image: sauna by a lake in Finland, Jyrki Sorjonen via unsplash
Image: Sauna Cabin Door in finland, Lassi via unsplash
The Benefits
Regular sauna use has been proven to:
Reduce blood pressure and stroke risk
Alleviate chronic pain
Improve cardiovascular function
Relieve the symptoms of respiratory disease
Reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s
Improve mental wellbeing
It has also been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep. A surge in mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin, coupled with a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol, leaves a bather feeling calm, re-energised and rejuvenated.
Cold therapy also offers diverse benefits, including:
Inflammation reduction
Hormone balancing
Enhanced sleep
Immune system reinforcement
Enduring the cold also fosters mental strength, embodying the Finnish concept of ‘sisu’ - showing extraordinary determination, courage, and resoluteness in the face of extreme adversity.
For centuries, Finns have combined sauna sessions with the demanding extreme of diving into a freezing lake. This repeated cycle of sauna and plunge has been shown to enhance circulation, muscle function, and immune system stimulation. Similarly, athletes have long utilised hot and cold therapy for exercise performance and muscle recovery.
Scientific sources: finnmarksauna.com, saunafromfinland.com, wimhofmethod.com, sciencedirect.com
Before undertaking any treatment in a sauna or ice bath, please consult a medical proffessoinal.
Growing Popularity
Why is this ancient practice only recently gaining popularity in the UK? The recent surge of interest in wellness and holistic health is a significant factor. With more readily available information and the influence of celebrity participation, communal saunas are popping up across the country, and ice baths are becoming a more common feature in UK gardens.
Research suggests weekly sauna use for optimum health benefits. But how do we fit this into our busy lives? It’s one of the many reasons we launched The Wellness Hut: a shepherd’s hut combining hot and cold therapy solutions to revitalise the body and mind, from home.
Introducing: The Wellness Hut
Offering a haven of relaxation in your garden, The Wellness Hut allows you to calm your mind in the sauna, energise your body in the ice bath, and unwind in beautiful craftsmanship - all without leaving your home.
The versatility of a shepherd’s hut means it can serve as a home office, summer house, guest bedroom, business asset, and now, a home sauna and ice bath. With its naturally movable structure, a shepherd’s hut is potentially exempt from planning permission and adds British, whimsical charm to any garden.
Embrace the ancient practices of sauna and cold therapy with The Wellness Hut, and experience the profound health benefits right at home.
For more information, get in touch via our contact page, or request a digital brochure below.
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