With the health benefits a hot topic world wide, it’s little wonder that saunas have set the pulses racing to a better life. 
Many cultures over the years have embraced saunas for reasons that go far beyond mere relaxation. They have now emerged from niche wellness retreats into the mainstream and are captivating health fanatics throughout the UK on the back of hard evidence. Once rooted in Scandinavian traditions, they are now appearing in urban gyms, coastal retreats and even private gardens, reflecting a growing awareness of their numerous health benefits.
I wanted to see the results for myself, whilst doing my own analysis of the benefits, so I booked some sessions at a few that are local to me – the Seascrub Sauna at Whitstable, its sister club at Faversham, and an innovative, very different one The Secret Sauna – in the forest at Forest Row (a hand built sauna and a natural river for dipping in). The take-home? I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed the experiences and will definitely be including regular sauna sessions in my self-care mission. I’m still struggling with submerging myself in extremely cold water, but I’m trying (so far I’ve got to waist level) – Wim Hof, I am most certainly not! If you’re hesitant because you don’t like extremes of temperature, ease into it and go at a pace that suits you, because there are so many positives for turning on the heat.

Top of that list is detoxification, with high temperatures promoting sweating that helps eliminate toxins and supports overall health and skin clarity. Exposure to heat also causes blood vessels to dilate, enhancing circulation. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues, enhancing faster recovery after exercise and reducing soreness.
Four to seven sessions a week have been shown in studies to markedly reduce the risk by 50 per cent of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and stroke. And for those battling persistent respiratory symptoms, heat can help alleviate bronchitis, asthma and allergy symptoms by loosening mucus and improving airflow. Pain relief can also be achieved, as heat reduces chronic arthritis and fibromyalgia by helping relax muscles and relieve tension. 
If you want to glow at your next big social gig, saunas can help in that department, too, by clearing skin blemishes and leaving you feeling invigorated. Sessions can significantly help with mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and depression through heat-induced endorphin release, whilst lowering cortisol levels. You may also notice an improvement in sleep quality and relaxation – much sought-after in dealing with modern-day life. The crux is that it all leads to a better mood and clearer thinking, whether that be in the workplace or at home.

Finally, and by no means least, saunas serve as communal spaces where socialising and connecting are all part of the experience, enhancing wellbeing and a sense of community. So, if you have any of the aforementioned underlying health issues, then saunas could be just the thing for you!
As long as you stay hydrated, turning up the heat has so many advantages, and with the list of venues growing, you will be spoilt for choice! 
With an abundance of sauna venues available and many more coming this year, here are a few to be going on with:

seascrubsauna.co.uk
steampunksauna.simplybook.it/v2/
folkestoneseasauna.com
saunayoku.com
kindredsauna.com
exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park
guildfordharbourhotel.onejourney.travel
brooklandshotelsurrey.com/bspa/
saunawithsavu.co.uk

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com
Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com
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