sauna,harmful or healthful?

Great question! A lot of people swear by its health benefits, but it may not be for everyone. I think you have to monitor the level of heat it emits. For those who have heart and/or respiratory problems, precautions definitely have to be taken, i.e. not without doctor's knowledge/consent. Here's a link I found specifically relevant to men's use of saunas: http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/sauna_health_benefits and here's Wikipedia's info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauna#Health_risks_and_benefits I've tried it once many years ago when I went swimming with a friend in a community gym. I wasn't into it so much as I felt self-conscious about sharing the sauna with the opposite gender. Plus, I think the heat got too be too much. Perhaps if I'm alone in my own home sauna, I'll give it another go. That way, I can control the heat as well.

I had a sauna only once in my life, when I was young. It was not a good experience and I decided that that was it. I do like to go to springs and thermal waters where I can bathe in warm water. Steam is too much for me and leaves me tired and cannot breathe.

Sauna is a good way to eliminate toxins, cleanse your skin and relax. It is not a good idea to go to a sauna very often as it can be debilitating even for a healthy person. I haven't studied the pros and cons very much, but I do know that the Native American Shamans around here ask a LOT of questions before they let anyone into a sweat lodge and it's basically the same thing. The sauna can be detrimental to people with certain conditions.

I went in a sauna in December once. Stayed in for about a half an hour and then went out into the brisk night air, It was invigorating. I think that saunas are good for our complexion and such but within reason. Everything in moderation and we should be alright.

Thanks for sharing Daisy. I have never tried this, some starred hotels provide this though, it is too costly. But we have places where warm water comes out from earth surface, this water has sulphur, good for skin, you can see people enjoying bath, i did once some 20 years ago lol.

I think it's harmful because the heat can affect body temperature and put stress on your heart rate.