Sweating the details: Sauna's potential health benefits draw scientists' interest
Scientists are increasingly investigating the physiological benefits of heat exposure, such as sauna use, as a potential therapeutic intervention. While popular interest is growing, researchers note that more rigorous clinical studies are needed to validate these health claims.
Why it matters
Understanding the medical efficacy of heat therapy could lead to new, low-cost lifestyle interventions for managing chronic health conditions.
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Scientists have long marveled at how the human body tolerates extreme heat — and what that means for our health.
In the late 1700s, British scientists ran bold experiments on thermoregulation, subjecting themselves (and a dog) to a piping hot room and observing that — unlike the steak and eggs accompanying them — their own bodies did not cook.
Living Better From floating saunas to clinical trials: How heat might help mental health The acute physiological response to heat is now well understood.
Faced with extreme temperatures, our blood vessels dilate, heart rate speeds up and blood is pushed to the skin where it's cooled down as we sweat. Our body releases hormones and activates heat shock proteins that protect our cells.
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