Using Sauna for Allergies:

Investigating the Science Behind It All

When you have allergies, whether it's watery eyes, scratchy throats, or nonstop sneezing, they can quickly become a real nuisance. You can't finish your everyday chores, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply read your favorite book without the constant interruption of tissues and sniffles.

If you're at your wits' end with OTC sprays that provide short-term relief or are simply tired of popping pills every few hours, consider taking a sauna for allergies. Now, you might be wondering how the sauna helps with allergies. We're to tell you that a sauna can be much more than just a heated room with a few benches

In this article, we'll share compelling research on using a sauna for allergies and how you can combat pesky allergens using this old-age remedy. 

What Exactly Are Allergies?

Hopkins Medicine explains that allergies are your immune system's response to certain foreign substances that are typically harmless to most people. 

Some individuals might have seasonal allergies and feel down when spring comes along, or trees shed their leaves in fall, while others can't stand things like dust bugs, mold spores, cat hair and saliva, cigarettes, or vape pen smoke. Some people even react severely to foods such as peanuts, shellfish, or even insect stings.

When someone with allergies comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system views it as a threat and starts producing a particular type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). During subsequent encounters with the same allergen, studies show that these IgE antibodies trigger the release of chemicals, including histamine, which result in allergic symptoms.

Here are some common symptoms that might occur during an allergic reaction:

• Frequent sneezing

• Red, itchy, or watery eyes

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Hives or itchy skin

• Scratchy throat

• Shortness of breath or wheezing

• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat 

• Stomach issues such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting

• Anaphylactic shock

While a shot of an epinephrine auto-injector, such as EpiPen, or over-the-counter medicines may provide relief from acute allergy symptoms, they come with some side effects. If you're on the hunt for more natural options to round out your allergy battle plan, you might consider a sauna for allergies. 

Are you wondering what's the connection between sauna and allergies? Read on to learn some interesting benefits.

Benefits of Using Sauna for Allergies

A 2020 study published in The American Journal of Medicine explains that warm, moist sauna air can help open up the nasal passages, hydrate the respiratory tract mucus, and improve sinus drainage. These effects could provide soothing relief for those experiencing stuffy noses, sinus pressures, and all-too-familiar seasonal congestion commonly associated with respiratory allergies. 

A 2012 study further demonstrates that sauna bathing can increase the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in your blood while decreasing the hemoglobin binding capacity. This biophysical change, simple as it might sound, is significant for those struggling with allergies that cause breathlessness or feeling unable to get enough air.

However, is the sauna good for allergies beyond just breathing easier? If you find yourself sneezing the minute you encounter irritants such as dust mites or pollen, sweating it out in a sauna might be worth a shot. 

Sweating helps flush toxins, filth, and allergens from the body, which could possibly reduce the severity of allergy flare-ups. This detox ritual, when performed in an infrared sauna such as Sun Home Luminar, may also control skin inflammation, which can benefit people experiencing hives or dry skin. However, more research is needed to fully understand and quantify this benefit.

Still, consider whether a sauna is good for allergies when considering the immune system's role. A 2013 study reported in the Journal of Human Kinetics points toward the sauna's ability to increase the production of heat shock proteins and white blood cells while also reducing cortisol levels. 

Research also shows that sauna-induced whole-body hyperthermia reduces the secretion of histamine-releasing antibodies. This helps strengthen the immune system's ability to handle allergic reactions without overreacting.

Exploring Different Types of Saunas

When it comes to saunas, there are two main types including:

Traditional Saunas

Also known as Finnish saunas, traditional saunas are the classic version, dating back thousands of years. The two defining characteristics of a traditional sauna are its heater and the stack of rocks atop it. This classic setup helps crank the temperature to 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels hovering between 10% to 20%.

While traditional saunas are known for their dry heat, you can pour water over the heated rocks to generate steam. This might seem intense, but the benefits are well worth it. The traditional sauna is a powerhouse of health benefits, from relaxing and de-stressing to reducing the risk of heart disease and helping with sinus infections and asthma. 

Plus, sweating helps detox your body and clear out all that gunk that's been dragging down your energy and affecting your glow.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are modern variants of traditional saunas. They come equipped with low EMF infrared heaters that emit electromagnetic waves to heat up your joints and tissues directly. 

Unlike traditional saunas with scorching temperatures, these saunas operate at a milder temperature of 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit while the humidity levels stay close to 5%.

Despite having milder temperatures, these saunas are just as beneficial as their traditional counterparts. The deep, penetrating heat can help soothe sore muscles, alleviate joint and muscle pain, enhance sleep quality, improve skin conditions like eczema and acne, and even promote weight loss by increasing your heart rate and metabolism. 

While saunas offer a host of benefits, overdoing it can lead to dehydration, overheating, or even heatstroke. Listen to your body, take breaks, and maybe don't stay there for hours.

Our Top Sauna Recommendation for Allergies 

The following is one of our top recommended saunas for alleviating your allergies:

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna 

Constructed from high-grade carbonized wood, Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full Spectrum is designed to endure the elements, ensuring durability through various seasons. The sauna's panoramic glass exterior insulates effectively and offers expansive views to enhance the user's experience. 

It features advanced full-spectrum and FIR heaters that provide comprehensive 3D healing wavelengths, enveloping users in beneficial heat for allergy relief from every direction.

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor Sauna has a suite of modern amenities, including a remote control via a mobile app, premium surround sound Bluetooth connectivity for audio entertainment, and medical-grade chromotherapy lighting.

The exterior LED lighting adds to its visual appeal and functionality, particularly in the evening. Its compact size is perfect for two people, and it is engineered for easy assembly, making installation straightforward.

How to Use Sauna for Improving Allergies

Follow these tips to make the most of your sauna session when experiencing allergies:

• If you're new to the concept of using a sauna for allergies, it's best to start with a five to 10-minute session to see how your body reacts.

• Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages to soothe your bronchial passage during your sauna session.

• Sauna for allergies isn't a one-size-fits-all remedy — tweak your time in the heat to find what sweeps away your sniffles and allergy blues.

• If environmental irritants set off your allergies, think twice before jumping into a sauna covered with mold and mites that haven't been cleaned for ages. 

• Avoid using perfumes or colognes before your sauna session. These can trigger allergies and negate the benefits.

• After your session, moisturize your skin to prevent dryness, which can exacerbate skin allergies. 

• If possible, plan your sauna sessions when your allergy symptoms are typically at their lowest.

Final Words: Sauna for Allergies

While one can't deny the importance of conventional allergy treatments and the reassurance of a well-stocked medicine cabinet, saunas can be a powerful ally in your battle against those pesky allergens. Just keep your routine consistent, and your allergies might just be a thing of the past!

Feeling steamed up and ready to explore? At MySaunaWorld, we have an amazing collection of traditional and infrared saunas that can provide maximum relief during allergy season and beyond. Contact us today for personalized advice and guidance on incorporating saunas into your allergy management plan.