https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3738-1586
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ABSTRACT
Passive heat therapy is characterized by exposure to a high environmental temperature for a brief period. There are several types of passive heat therapy which include hot tubs, Waon therapy, hydrotherapy, sanarium, steam baths, infrared saunas and Finnish saunas. The most commonly used and widely studied till date are the Finnish saunas, which are characterized by high temperatures (ranging from 80–100°C) and dry air with relative humidity varying from 10–20%. The goal of this review is to provide a summary of the current evidence on the impact of passive heat therapies particularly Finnish saunas on various health outcomes, while acknowledging the potential of these therapies to contribute to the extension of healthspan, based on their demonstrated health benefits and disease prevention capabilities. The Finnish saunas have the most consistent and robust evidence regarding health benefits and they have been shown to decrease the risk of health outcomes such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, thromboembolism, dementia, and respiratory conditions; may improve the severity of musculoskeletal disorders, COVID-19, headache and flu, while also improving mental well-being, sleep, and longevity. Finnish saunas may also augment the beneficial effects of other protective lifestyle factors such as physical activity. The beneficial effects of passive heat therapies may be linked to their anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and anti-oxidant properties and synergistic effects on neuroendocrine, circulatory, cardiovascular and immune function. Passive heat therapies, notably Finnish saunas, are emerging as potentially powerful and holistic strategies to promoting health and extending the healthspan in all populations.
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Jari A. Laukkanen
Jari A. Laukkanen is a cardiologist and researcher hailing from Jyväskylä, Finland, and holds the position of Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland. His research focuses on the of lifestyle factors in cardiovascular disease prevention. His research interests prominently feature the health benefits of sauna bathing, a topic he has extensively studied. Dr. Laukkanen's research has shed light on the positive impacts of regular sauna use on cardiovascular health, including improved endothelium-dependent dilatation, reduced arterial stiffness, and a decreased risk of fatal cardiovascular events. His work has been instrumental in highlighting the potential preventive benefits of saunas in reducing the risk of various health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular diseases. Through his pioneering research, Dr. Laukkanen has significantly contributed to the emerging science of saunas and their potential therapeutic applications for improving overall health and well-being.
Setor K. Kunutsor
Setor K. Kunutsor received his doctoral degree in Cardiovascular Epidemiology from the University of Cambridge. He is currently an Associate Professor in Cardiometabolic Epidemiology in the Leicester Diabetes Research Centre in the University of Leicester. His research interests include investigating the health benefits associated with lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, cold water therapy and sauna bathing. He has conducted studies that explore the combined effects of Finnish sauna bathing with lifestyle factors such as physical activity or exercise. His research has contributed valuable insights into how these lifestyle factors may interact to improve health outcomes. His work has added to the growing body of evidence supporting the positive impacts of sauna bathing on overall health and well-being.