HJBR Mar-Apr 2019

Healthcare Journal of baton rouge I  MAR / APR 2019 27 3 Breathe Easy Evidence suggests that sauna bath- ing can improve lung function tests. The effects of sauna bathing on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and symptomatic allergic rhinitis have also been investigated and found to be favorable. 1,3 A trial of 50 participants demonstrated a 50 percent decrease in common colds over three months in a sauna intervention group versus a control group. Sauna usage is asso- ciated with a significantly reduced risk of pneumonia. There is some evidence that indicates that sauna bathing may boost the immune system, which is another proposed mechanism for how it may reduce suscepti- bility to common colds and other infections. 4 Relieve Pain Naturally  Asmall study demonstrated that pain and stiffness were reduced in individuals with inflammatory joint pain, including rheumatoid arthritis and anky- losing spondylitis, during four weeks of sauna therapy. The pain reduction was not sustained after cessation of the therapy, sug- gesting that sauna exposure must be ongo- ing in order to maintain its pain-relieving benefits. 3 Sauna bathing may also be ben- eficial for mitigating pain in people with osteoarthritis. 1 A study involving 44 people with fibro- myalgia found that infrared sauna bathing combined with underwater exercise ther- apy resulted in a reported decrease in pain, reduced symptoms as measured on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and improved quality of life. Objective findings included less tenderness on physical exam. 3 Two small trials concluded that sauna bathing may reduce symptoms in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, otherwise known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. In a randomized controlled trial, par- ticipants with chronic tension headaches undergoing sauna treatment reported a 44 percent reduction in headache intensity. Another controlled trial found that patients with chronic pain disorders weremore likely to return to work within two years if they underwent sauna intervention. 3 5 Be kind to yourself While sauna bathing can poten- tially prevent and improve various disease states through a variety of bio- chemical and cellular mechanisms, its major appeal lies in its ability to promote profound relaxation.The sense of well-being that often results from a stint in the sauna could be, in part, due to increased produc- tion of endorphins and other mood-enhanc- ing hormones. 1 Asmall randomized controlled trial found that patients withmild depression undergo- ing four weeks of sauna sessions reported less bodily complaints, improved hunger scores, and improved relaxation compared to a control group receiving bedrest. 1 Because sauna bathing produces many of the same physiological effects as exer- cise, it can also produce similar mental ben- efits. When it is your rest day, you have an injury that precludes exercise, or you lack the energy or motivation to exercise, vis- iting the sauna can be a gentle and loving form of self-care. Remember to breathe deeply, relax, and fully enjoy your time in the sauna. 6 Who should use extra cautionwith saunas? Everyone should use care when sauna bathing. It is possible to burn your skin when adding water to the coals. Alco- hol significantly increases the risk for acci- dents, hypotension, and cardiac complica- tions. As saunas induce sweating, youmust remain well-hydrated before, after, and dur- ing your session. There are also certain populations who should avoid saunas or practice special care when using them. Sauna exposure may be harmful for people with symptomatic and unstable coronary artery disease, uncon- trolled high blood pressure, severe heart failure, recent heart attack, or severe car- diac valve abnormalities. People with ortho- static hypotension (lowblood pressure when standing from a sitting position) should exercise caution, as saunas can lower blood pressure. The common practice of rapid cooling after sauna use, such as by jump- ing into a cold pool, is not recommended for people who have cardiac arrhythmias. In the past, people with cardiovascular disease were discouraged fromusing saunas because it was believed that the heat could impose a burden on their system. However, it is now concluded that sauna bathing is safe (and even beneficial, as previously dis- cussed) for patients with stable cardiovascu- lar disease, such as those who have recov- ered from heart attacks. Whether you want to reduce your risk of heart disease, boost your mood, or just sweat it out, sauna bathing has a lot to offer and asks little of you in return. When you have access to a sauna, allow yourself to sink into this healing practice. Sources 1 Laukkanen J. Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evi- dence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2018 2 Kallstrom M. Effects of sauna bath on heart fail- ure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Cardiol. 2018 3 Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical effects of regu- lar dry sauna bathing: a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 The sense of well-being that often results from a stint in the sauna could be, in part, due to increased production of endorphins and other mood-enhancing hormones. 1