Positive and negative aspects of sauna bathing – current knowledge status

Abstract

Introduction: Sauna bathing as a health-promoting activity has been known to mankind for millennia. Sauna session, which consists of alternate overheating and then rapidly cooling the body, has a beneficial effect on the health of the body confirmed by scientific research. In the last few decades, sauna bathing has become more available due to the growing market of recreational services such as water parks and sauna parks. Regular use of sauna bathing reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, mental stress, accelerates the process of regeneration after physical exertion, as well as increases resistance to the harmful effects of certain environmental factors. Despite the health benefits known for many years, the physiological mechanisms occurring in the body during sauna sessions still remain unknown. Sauna bathing treatments can be an effective complement to the process of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory tract diseases, skin diseases and many others. Material and methods: A literature analysis on sauna bathing was carried out within the Pubmed and Google scholar platforms. The following keywords were used in search: sauna bathing, infrared sauna, cardiovascular diseases.  Purpose of the work: The aim of the following analysis is to present a historical outline of the use of sauna bathing, the health aspect, risks and the assumptions and indicating an important need for further research into the effects of sauna bathing on the body.