"Discover the main health benefits of sauna"

Besides being beneficial for the skin and hair, the sauna can also be a good ally for health, offering various benefits. For many, considered a form of therapy, the sauna is a technique that involves sweating and relaxation, which has been present for hundreds of years in the cultures of northern and eastern European peoples.

Want to make the most of the multiple benefits of a steam bath? After reading this article, you will know:

>Sauna: the perfect practice for cold days;
>Mental health: how it helps in reducing stress;
>Maximum performance: steam bath sessions aid in muscle pain and recovery;
>Blood circulation: sauna reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
>Saunas in Lisbon: check out our spa recommendations.

Sauna: the perfect practice for cold days

A Dutch scientific study revealed that pulmonary diseases show significant improvement after one or more sauna sessions. Another study, from 2017, suggested that heat is the predominant factor in improving cases of asthma or pneumonia, as it benefits lung function.

Mental health: how to reduce stress

It's not just physical health that steam baths influence. An article published in the journal Alternative Medicine Review showed that the sauna can affect endorphin levels, thus promoting stress reduction and mood improvement in patients with mild depression.

Maximum performance: steam bath sessions help with muscle pain and recovery

People suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia are advised to take regular saunas. Researchers at Auburn University in the United States also discovered that stretching during a session can increase muscle flexibility by up to 205%.

Blood circulation: sauna reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

The elevated temperature causes the dilation of blood vessels, having a positive effect on blood circulation throughout the body.

A Japanese scientific study demonstrated that people with heart problems experience improved blood flow with high temperatures. Meanwhile, a study in BMC Medicine revealed that visiting the sauna two to three times a week can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 25%.

Saunas in Lisbon: check out our spa recommendations

A great way to enjoy the benefits of a sauna regularly is by visiting hotel spas. How does it work? In most hotels, you don't have to be a guest to enjoy amenities such as pools, relaxation areas, and hot baths.

In these cases, there are two options: 

1 - Book a spa treatment and gain access to these areas; 

2 - Pay for Daily Access and enjoy around 3 hours of spa facilities.

To help with your choice, we’ve listed below two hotel spa recommendations that offer Daily Access, as well as access to the facilities when booking a massage, exfoliation, or facial treatment.

BSpa by Karin Herzog, at Altis Belém Hotel

Guests and non-guests can enjoy the luxurious facilities of this spa, including the sauna, sensory showers, dynamic pool, hammam, and Turkish bath.

Over the waters of the Tagus River, the spa offers unique active oxygen treatments with the signature of the renowned Swiss brand Karin Herzog.

BluSpa Jupiter, at Jupiter Lisboa Hotel

BluSpa Jupiter, the hotel with an ocean-inspired spa, where marine aromas transport you to a sea of sensations.

To ensure unique moments of well-being, relaxation, and tranquility, BluSpa Jupiter offers a fantastic water circuit with a pool, relaxation area, Turkish bath, sauna, and 4 treatment rooms. Open to both guests and the local public.

Thus, the steam bath becomes the perfect option to relax while also taking care of your overall health. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with sessions of 5 to 6 minutes.

Another recommendation is to always take a lukewarm shower beforehand. It’s a simple hygiene measure that also makes the sauna more effective.

Many people take advantage of these relaxing minutes to close their eyes and meditate, further enhancing the benefits of steam baths.

Discover the other spas in the TOPSPA group.