--- title: The Health Benefits Of Sauna Therapy description: Saunas have been used in numerous cultures for thousands of years as a health-promoting activity. New research has allowed the effects this activity has on our health to be quantified and examined. image: https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Sauna%20Therapy.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.healthone.ca/the-health-benefits-of-sauna-therapy#main-content) [![HealthOne-CMYK](https://blog.healthone.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/HealthOne-CMYK.png?width=250&height=51&name=HealthOne-CMYK.png)](https://blog.healthone.ca/) - [healthone.ca](https://healthone.ca/) - [Our Story](https://healthone.ca/about-us/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [healthone.ca](https://healthone.ca/) - [Our Story](https://healthone.ca/about-us/) Rehab # The Health Benefits Of Sauna Therapy Saunas have been used in numerous cultures for thousands of years as a health-promoting activity. New research has allowed the effects this activity has on our health to be quantified and examined.   ![Megan McInroy, Physiotherapist](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Megan.png) Reviewed by: Megan McInroy, Physiotherapist ![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/clock.svg)Last Updated: September 22, 2026 . ![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Sauna%20Therapy.jpg) Last Updated: September 22, 2026 . ### Table of Content Saunas have been used in numerous cultures for thousands of years as a health-promoting activity. New research has allowed the effects this activity has on our health to be quantified and examined. Using the sauna is not only a great way to de-stress from our hectic lives, but is now understood as an amazing tool for promoting longevity and reducing the risk of many chronic diseases. ## The Primary Health Benefits of Regular Sauna Use Include #### Reduced Blood Pressure Spending time in this high-heat environment increases our core temperature, resulting in increased cardiovascular output and vascular shear stress in much the same way as exercise.   After an [8-week intervention](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=27270841), sauna therapy reduced the mean arterial blood pressure of participants by 5 mmHg. #### Heart Disease In addition to a reduction in blood pressure, sauna therapy also improved arterial dilation and stiffness.  A recent study also showed that men who engaged in frequent sauna sessions (4-7 per week) had a 63% reduction in fatal cardiovascular disease.  This suggests that sauna therapy could be a great alternative for people with reduced exercise tolerance to significantly decrease their risk of [heart disease](https://healthone.ca/medical/). #### Dementia The frequency of sauna therapy has been shown to have an inverse relationship with Alzheimer’s disease and [dementia](https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/46/2/245/2654230).  Alzheimer’s disease has long been known to correspond with a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.  A[recent](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/300878.php)[study](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/300878.php) found that the activation of small heat-shock proteins could prevent this clumping.  Intense physical activity is also known to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, which could be one of the reasons that sauna therapy shows similar effects. #### Mental Health & Well-being Feelings of relaxation and [mental well-being](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180801131602.htm) have been shown to increase with regular sauna sessions.  Researchers point to an elevation in circulating hormones such as endorphins following sauna use.  Using your time in the sauna to practice meditation or another form of contemplative practice could offer even further benefit to our mental health and well-being. [Another study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2521478) concluded that sauna use offers a statistically significant improvement in [depression](https://blog.healthone.ca/what-does-depression-feel-like-3-warning-signs-and-how-to-get-help). #### Athletic Performance Several recently released articles link sauna use to improved [physical](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28739443)[performance](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28739443). In [one](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16877041)[study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16877041), participants' run time to exhaustion was increased by 32% after only three weeks of sauna sessions. This is thought to be due to an increased total blood volume. Beneficial effects have also been seen in [delayed-onset muscle soreness](https://healthone.ca/toronto/rehab-to/physiotherapy/). Joining a gym with sauna facilities is a great way to get regular access to this health-enhancing tool.  In addition, many condo buildings have saunas as part of their gym amenities.  There are also several banyas and spas throughout the GTA offering many different types of saunas in a relaxing environment.  Maybe it isn’t possible to drag family or friends to a workout class with you, but they might be open to a nice evening at the sauna! ### Frequently Asked Questions 1\. How can I determine what my insurance coverage is? You can determine your insurance coverage by reaching out to our Patient Care Coordinator. We offer free coverage checks for the majority of health and dental insurance plans so you can learn how much of your treatment may be covered. Please contact us at [416-613-5633](tel:416-613-5633) or email [rehab@healthone.ca](mailto:rehab@healthone.ca).   2\. Do you provide direct billing? Yes, we’re pleased to provide direct billing for many insurance plans. We invite you to contact our Patient Care Coordinator who can help you learn more about your options. You can reach us at [416-613-5633](tel:416-613-5633) or [rehab@healthone.ca](mailto:rehab@healthone.ca) 3\. How often do I need to come for treatment? The length of Rehab treatment will be unique depending on your situation and needs. Our treatment process focuses on managing and reducing symptoms including pain, swelling, and inflammation and helping you get back to living a life free of hindrances. It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to overcome acute symptoms and a minimum of 8-12 weeks for chronic symptoms; however, this can vary from person to person. The minimum requirement you can expect is one session per week for the first 4-6 weeks, followed by an evaluation of your progress and modification of your treatment plan, if necessary.   Written by: [![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/health-one.svg)](https://healthone.ca/) ![Megan McInroy, Physiotherapist](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Megan.png) Reviewed by: **[Megan McInroy](https://healthone.ca/team/megan-mcinroy/)** Megan is a Registered Physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience in orthopedic care. A University of Toronto MScPT graduate with a kinesiology background, she is trained in medical acupuncture and manual therapy. Megan delivers personalized, evidence‑based treatment to help patients recover, move better, and reach their goals. HealthOne is a Toronto-based health and wellness centre bringing medical, dental, skin, rehab, mental health and more together under one roof. With three GTA locations and over 200,000 patients served, HealthOne is redefining how Canadians access modern, connected care. [Meet our Clinicians](https://healthone.ca/our-team/) Share on: [![Share on Facebook](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/f-icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.healthone.ca/the-health-benefits-of-sauna-therapy) [![Tweet](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/insta-icon.svg)](https://www.instagram.com) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/in-icon-1.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.healthone.ca/the-health-benefits-of-sauna-therapy) [![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/back-arrow.svg) Back to Main Blog](https://blog.healthone.ca/) ###### Related Posts [Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Only for Postpartum Women?](https://blog.healthone.ca/is-pelvic-floor-therapy-only-for-postpartum-women) [Read More](https://blog.healthone.ca/is-pelvic-floor-therapy-only-for-postpartum-women) [Reasons You Might Need Custom Orthotics](https://blog.healthone.ca/reasons-you-might-need-custom-orthotics) [Read More](https://blog.healthone.ca/reasons-you-might-need-custom-orthotics) [Neck Pain 101 ft. 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