Biohacking Practice: SAUNA

Welcome to the intriguing realm of biohacking, where science meets self-experimentation to optimize health and vitality. Today, we're delving into: Heat Exposure Therapy, also known as, SAUNA. Let's explore what it is, its myriad benefits, and why it's a staple practice for health enthusiasts worldwide.

What is Heat Exposure Therapy?

Heat exposure is all about raising your body temperature to elicit specific benefits. There are different types of heat exposure, including:

• dry sauna
• infrared sauna

Some benefits of sauna:

1- detoxification: Sweating can help clear the body of heavy metals, such as lead, chromium, copper, zinc, and cadmium. Allowing your body to sweat properly is vital, so ensure you’re not wearing antiperspirant deodorant.

2- Improves metabolism: It increases brown fat, a metabolically active type of fat that helps improve metabolism, as well as enhancing mitochondrial health.

3- Reducing cortisol: Heat therapy and sauna use can help reduce cortisol and improve relaxation. The best time to do this type of practice would be in the late afternoon or evening, since cortisol levels should naturally drop in the evening in preparation for sleep.

How and when to do it?

You can do sauna whenever convenient, but ideally near bedtime. Heat raises our body temperature in the sauna, and afterward, our body temperature cools, signaling the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone.

The duration and temperature depend on factors like sex, age, and frequency of practice. Beginners should aim for at least 15 minutes, while some experienced individuals opt for two sessions of 12-15 minutes with cold showers in between, totaling 30 minutes. Temperature preferences vary, with most people enjoying saunas between 150-175°F for traditional saunas and 120-130°F for infrared saunas.

What to do before & after:

Before sauna sessions, it's advisable to avoid lotions, antiperspirants, makeup, or sunscreen on the skin. Take a quick bath to cleanse the body and use a facial cleanser. Exfoliation, through gentle polishes & enzymes for the face and dry brushing for the body, can enhance the experience.

After sauna sessions, take another bath to remove sweat and then moisturize the skin properly.

Disclaimer: Before embarking on any new health regimen, consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions.