The medical case for sweat bathing

Dr Marc Cohen has been researching and practicing integrative medicine for more than 30 years. He’s an expert in detoxification health retreats, saunas and hydrothermal wellness. “It’s important to define sweat culture,” he says. “Sweat bathing is not just time spent in the sauna. Going from hot to cold – be it a plunge pool, shower or ice bath – is integral to the practice. Many people divorce the cold from the hot, but medical benefits are linked to both practised together.”

“When you immerse yourself in a hot environment, blood is pushed to the outside of the body to dispel heat. You sweat and breathe faster, surface blood vessels open and the heart works harder,” explains Cohen. “Blood is flowing through relaxed muscles so metabolic waste is flushed away. Cold immersion then forces blood to the inside, through the liver and kidneys, expelling toxins. Hot flushes away the waste; cold expels it. Cold immersion also reduces muscle inflammation, improves circulation and boosts mood through the release of endorphins.”

The effects on bathers, he adds, are deep and wide-ranging: “Our review of the medical literature suggests the most proven clinical benefit of sweat bathing is improvements for people with heart disease. The Global Sauna Survey found one of the biggest changes is better sleep, which amplifies other health benefits. Additionally, the practice of consciously relaxing while the body is stressed

encourages mindfulness and fosters mental wellbeing and resilience.”

Sweat bathing is often a communal, shared experience that transcends generations, cultures and class. “The bonding and human connection that occurs in a sauna ritual has powerful social and psychological benefits,” says Cohen.

To fully reap the benefits, sweat bathing needs to be done frequently – three or more times a week is ideal, and spas can play a vital role in teaching their guests about the subject. “Education is essential to minimise risk and maximise health benefits,” Cohen says. “We need to help bathers tune in to their own body, be aware of their limitations and explore being comfortable with discomfort.”

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