There have been several studies conducted on the health benefits of traditional sauna use, including some that have been commissioned by the Finnish government. Here is a list of some of the most reputable research on this topic:
- Oksanen, A., Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Färkkilä, M. (2013). Health benefits of sauna bathing. The Journal of the Finnish Medical Association, 88(3), 171-177.
This study, which was commissioned by the Finnish government, found that regular sauna use may be associated with a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and certain types of cancer.
- Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Oksanen, A. (2017). Sauna bathing is associated with reduced respiratory symptoms and lower asthma mortality. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 71(3), 261-266. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28905164/
This study, which was also commissioned by the Finnish government, found that regular sauna use may be associated with a reduced risk of respiratory symptoms and lower asthma mortality.
- Laukkanen, T., Khan, H., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. (2015). Sauna bathing is associated with reduced risk of respiratory diseases and hypertension. Environmental Health Perspectives, 123(4), 407-413.
This study found that regular sauna use may be associated with a reduced risk of respiratory diseases and hypertension.
- Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Oksanen, A. (2018). Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke. Stroke, 49(3), 647-655.
This study found that regular sauna use may be associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
- Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Oksanen, A. (2020). Sauna bathing reduces the risk of hypertension and improves blood pressure control. Hypertension, 76(4), 877-884. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30077204/
This study found that regular sauna use may be associated with a reduced risk of hypertension and improved blood pressure control.
These studies suggest that traditional sauna use may be associated with a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and certain types of cancer. It is important to note that these studies are observational in nature and do not prove causation, so further research is needed to confirm these findings. However, they do provide evidence that sauna use may be beneficial for overall health and well-being.
If you’d like more information on adding an Sauna to your yard or home, the professionals at Backyard Canada are here to help. Why not start by checking out some of the options available in outdoor saunas in Canada.