Sauna when you’re ill: is it a good idea?
When we’re sick or tired, all we want to do is warm up! A sauna session seems a wise choice to boost our immune system. It would certainly help reduce chills, aches and pains, toxins and make us feel better. But is it really a good idea? Find out whether sauna and illness go hand in hand in this article.
The benefits of a sauna when you’re ill
Visit health benefits of dry sauna heat are well known. But did you know that it can also be beneficial in the event of illness or viruses, particularly colds? Discover 4 positive effects of the sauna when you’re ill.
#1: Nose decongestion
A cold goes hand in hand with a blocked nose. To relieve congestion, we often recommend steam inhalation. In practice, this involves placing your face over a pan of previously boiled water, with a towel.
But there’s a much more pleasant way: a sauna session! As well as clearing your airways, the sweat and heat will help you relax both physically and mentally.
And for even greater effectiveness, consider essential oils. A few drops of Eucalyptus or Peppermint on the stones or aromatherapy receptacle will multiply its decongestant effects. You’ll finally be able to breathe normally!
#2: Relieving muscle and joint pain
If you’re suffering from the flu, you’re bound to feel aches and pains in your body. Good news: thanks to the heat, a sauna session can help relieve your aching body.
Warming up will deeply relax your muscles and joints, while improving blood circulation.
A word of caution though: wait until you’re fever-free before you do your session.
#3: Stress reduction
Did you know? There is a correlation between stress and the ability to fight viruses. Reducing stress levels is therefore essential for a better immune system.
For this, the sauna is king. Regular sauna sessions will help you release tension and soothe your mind. This will stimulate the secretion of endorphins, the happy hormones.
The result: a feeling of absolute well-being. Ideal for recovering from illness and chasing away sluggishness!
#4: Better sleep
To get rid of the disease as quickly as possible, a good night’s sleep is essential. A short sauna session 2 hours before going to bed is ideal for this. This will stimulate the necessary feel-good hormones (endorphins and melatonin).
You’ll fully relax your mind and release the slightest tension in your body. The result is restful sleep, which is beneficial against viruses and infections!
Sauna risks when you’re ill
Although sauna bathing is a safe practice, there are risks associated with certain illnesses. These include fever and cardiovascular disease. Here’s the lowdown.
Avoid in case of fever
If you’re suffering from the flu, it’s a good idea to stay warm to get better as quickly as possible. And there’s nothing like a good sweat to get rid of the fever, is there? However, saunas are not recommended in cases of flu.
In practice, the high heat will put unnecessary strain on your already weakened body. This will increase your fever, exposing you to the risk of malaise. So be patient and stay under the comforter! You can resume your sessions once your fever has subsided.
Avoid in cases of cardiovascular disease
Sauna use is not recommended for people with cardiovascular pathologies (hypertension, heart failure, coronary disease…). The heat increases blood circulation and heart rate, which is a risk for such people.
If you suffer from heart disease, please consult your doctor before any session. Only a health professional can tell you whether or not a sauna is beneficial to your condition.
Sauna sessions to prevent illness
As the saying goes: Prevention is better than cure! The good news is that regular sauna sessions can help boost the immune system. Find out more below!
Boosting the immune system with artificial fever
Saunas use heat to induce an artificial fever in the body. This, making your body more resistant to infection. The more white blood cells you have, the better your chances of staying healthy.
Regular use of the sauna can help protect against winter ailments, particularly flu epidemics. So don’t hesitate to go to the sauna regularly to take advantage of its immunity-boosting benefits.
Stimulate your defenses with the hot/cold effect
To further strengthen your immune system, consideralternating hot and cold. This is a veritable ritual in Nordic countries. The effect is rapid: it stimulates blood circulation, dilating and then contracting your blood vessels.
But how do you benefit from thehot-cold effect in practice? Nothing could be simpler! The idea is to spend a few minutes in the warmth of the sauna… and then take a for a few seconds! The revitalizing effect is guaranteed.
Sauna and illness: mainly a preventive benefit
In conclusion, a sauna session when you’re ill can be beneficial in certain cases. On the one hand, it relieves congestion in the respiratory tract and eases muscle and joint pain. On the other, it has a positive effect on well-being, reducing stress and improving sleep. However, the sauna is not a panacea: it is not recommended in cases of fever or cardiovascular disease. Ideally, it should be used as a disease prevention tool, with regular sessions helping to boost immunity.
