Why Saunas and Cold Baths May Be Good for You

Many people around the world enjoy sitting in a hot sauna — and then taking a dip in a very cold bath. If you've never tried it, it might sound like a strange thing to do, but there's plenty of evidence that this refreshing experience is good for your health!

In fact, a 2018 review found that saunas may be good for heart health, blood pressure, lung problems, brain problems, arthritis, headaches and even the flu!

The benefits of cold baths are less well-studied, but there's some evidence that they're good for sore muscles and pain relief. And some people say cold baths help to improve their mood, help them relax and even help them sleep better.

But what if you take a cold bath right after a sauna? Well, one obvious benefit is that it will help you cool down quickly if you get too hot!

There's also a lot of evidence to suggest that regularly using a sauna will help keep your heart and blood pressure healthy. And following a sauna with a cold bath seems to increase this benefit.

Hot temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate and cold temperatures make them contract, so switching between hot and cold temperatures seems to make blood vessels healthier as well as stimulating blood flow, which is good for your whole cardiovascular system.

Most people can use saunas safely. But you probably shouldn't use a sauna if you've been drinking alcohol, are taking strong medications, or are suffering from heart disease.

Those aged over 65, children, pregnant women, and people with seizure disorders like epilepsy should also be careful about using saunas, or just not use them at all.

And people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes probably shouldn't take a cold bath either.

When taking a cold bath, health experts suggest entering slowly, breathing deeply, and not staying in too long!

And always be sure to drink plenty of water before and after using a sauna or a cold bath!

Source : https://engoo.com/app/daily-news/

Comprehension

According to the article, what health benefits can saunas provide?
What are some possible benefits of cold baths?
Why might someone take a cold bath immediately after a sauna?
How do hot and cold temperatures affect blood vessels differently?
What is one benefit of switching between hot and cold temperatures?
Who should avoid using saunas?
Who should avoid taking cold baths?
What advice do experts give when taking a cold bath?

Discussion

Have you ever tried a sauna or a cold bath? What was the experience like?
Why do you think people enjoy extreme hot-and-cold activities?
Which do you think is harder — sitting in a hot sauna or staying in a cold bath? Why?
Do you believe switching between hot and cold really improves health, or do you think it’s just tradition?
How can cultural practices around the world (like saunas in Finland or onsens in Japan) affect health habits?
Should children or elderly people be encouraged to try saunas and cold baths? Why or why not?
What are the risks of overusing a sauna or staying too long in a cold bath?
If you could add a sauna or cold bath routine into your life, how often would you do it?
Do you think people today rely more on traditional wellness practices or modern medicine for health?
Would you like to try this hot-and-cold routine? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

Sauna – a small heated room used for relaxation and sweating.
Dilate – to widen or expand (used for blood vessels).
Contract – to shrink or become smaller/tighter.
Cardiovascular system – the heart and blood vessels working together.
Stimulate – to encourage activity or make something more active.
Seizure – sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
Hydration – the process of having enough water in the body.
Precaution – something done in advance to prevent harm or risk.