Saunas can reduce stress and joint pain while increasing bonding and even improve people’s cardiovascular systems, according to Professor Luke O’Neill.

Across social media feeds in Ireland, it has become clear that saunas have become the new hot spot for socialising. 

The surge in popularity of the  Finnish custom has birthed a number of sauna-focused activities. 

But what are the best ways to reap the benefits of the practice and what are some risks?

There has been a 90% increase in the number of mobile saunas around the country with at least 200 reported available to use, usually in proximity to bathing areas. 

On The Pat Kenny Show Saturday Professor Luke O’Neill said that some of the positive impact of mobile saunas is found in their deeply social configuration. 

“You can sit around in the heat and chat to your friends”, he said. 

“You increased blood flow to your skin because your body temperature is going up.

“The blood vessels dilate to release some of the heat which causes this flushing into your skin which brings health benefits. 

“The main one is to the heart because blood flow is speeding up and that's good for one’s heart.”

He quoted a study conducted in Finland which studied approximately 2400 Finns who went to saunas four to six times a week. 

Finnish flag.

The study found that they had a 60% decreased risk of heart disease. 

While it was unable to differentiate the blood flow effect as coming from socialisation or from heat it did find some evidence that the practice may help Finns live longer. 

“A sauna is anti-inflammatory”, he explained. 

“They've measured inflammatory markers in the blood of people who take saunas and they're lower in the sauna takers. 

“Inflammation of course is a risk factor for heart disease, for lung diseases. If you see an anti-inflammatory effect. That'll be beneficial.

“Inflammation ties into aging. So you never know. It may well add a few years to your life as well overall.”

The science of saunas and cold-plunges

The dual beneficial effects of a cold plunge and a sauna are tenfold also as the going back and forth between a cold and hot basin is like the heart ‘pumping in and pumping out’.

“You're relaxed in the sauna and your body's very warm and your blood vessels are doing what they do. And then you shock them”, he told Newstalk.

“[For joint pain] it’s the blood flow I think. The blood is rushing up to the surface of your skin and it's taking some of the heat literally in some ways off your joints and off your muscles and suddenly you relax a bit.

“There's a definite effect on pain as well. Not as dramatic as taking a painkiller, but still it's bringing a bit of relief.”

He explained that such practice should be done with care and precaution and is not advised for anyone with heart disease or anyone currently pregnant. 

Luke O’Neill credits the success of saunas in part to endorphins' ability to relax people. 

“If you combine the sauna with the cold, that's probably better than the sauna alone. But the sauna itself is still bringing benefits.”

Main Image: Sauna.