Article
The Top Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing
The Top Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing
The Top Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing
Many people incorporate a hot shower into their daily or evening routine. The cascading water and steam can unwind your mind and relax your body. The next time you are at a wellness destination or gym, don't wait to bathe until you get home—take advantage of the onsite sauna benefits. Sauna bathing is one of WorldSprings’ amenities, and it’s a ritual worth exploring. Here’s what you should know about this wellness experience.
How Do Saunas Work?
Except for built-in benches, a sauna is an almost empty room typically made of wood. The interior is kept at a sizzling 170 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Although hot showers and saunas both produce steam, saunas are typically much drier.
The Finnish saunas at WorldSprings disperse dry heat. Hot stones, electric heaters, infrared lights, and wood-burning stoves are common sources of dry heat in saunas. Water poured over hot stones creates a steamy environment, but otherwise, the humidity is kept low, specifically between 10% and 20%. The lack of moisture in a Finnish sauna can make the heat feel even more intense.
These temperatures are considered extreme for the body, so people with certain medical conditions, such as heart issues or diabetes, should consult a doctor first. They might be advised to limit their time in the heat and follow a cooling-down process afterward. Individuals who have difficulty regulating body temperature might also be advised to limit or avoid sauna bathing.
Sitting in a sauna will make you sweat, which can cause dehydration. To remain hydrated, drink at least one glass of water beforehand and avoid consuming alcohol, which contributes to dehydration and could make you feel overheated. Don't eat a large meal before bathing in the sauna to avoid feeling nauseated.
What Health Benefits Do Saunas Offer?
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Sauna bathing will make your heart happier in various ways. The heat causes the body to sweat profusely. Your body tries to regulate its temperature for relief from the heat. In doing so, the heart beats faster. The quickened pace dilates blood vessels, which helps increase circulation and lower blood pressure.
Research shows that downtime in a sauna can lower the levels of LDL ("bad cholesterol") while giving HDL ("good cholesterol") levels a boost. High HDL levels do a better job of filtering out the bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Cardiovascular respiratory fitness levels are another factor that influences whether an individual may develop heart disease. Sauna bathing can help raise these levels, which is why you shouldn’t forgo post-workout heat therapy.
Reduces Stress
Sauna bathing helps keep stress hormones in check to help you feel more at ease. For instance, having less of the stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream aids immune system function. Feeling less stressed reduces inflammation and helps maintain white blood cell count to minimize the risk of infections.
Alleviates Common Respiratory Issues
Sauna bathing can provide relief to individuals who have chronic lung issues. Just like heat causes blood vessels to dilate, the intense temperatures can also open tight airways to make it easier for individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues to breathe.
Regular sauna-bathing sessions may even keep the common cold at bay. As mentioned, sauna bathing strengthens your immune system. Sweating helps flush toxins out of the body. Sitting in a sauna also helps break up mucus to prevent congestion that affects your lungs and nasal passages.
Reduces Joint Pain
Sauna bathing can help alleviate the joint pain associated with arthritis. Inflammation triggers this discomfort, as the immune system sees the tissue around the joints as a foreign invader. In response, the immune system prompts the painful swelling. A respite in a sauna can provide an immune boost and lower the risk of inflammation.
Sauna bathing is a great element to add to your workout routine (or after you've mowed the lawn or participated in other strenuous chores around the house) to ease muscle tension. The heat opens blood vessels to deliver oxygenated blood straight to stressed muscles. The blood helps the tears heal faster.
Experience Sauna Bathing at WorldSprings
When you search online for "a sauna near me" or "spa with sauna near me," you are only a few clicks away from experiencing all that WorldSprings offers. Indulge in Finnish sauna bathing in one of the birch-lined barrels or rectangular-style enclosures. The wellness destination also boasts mineral hot springs for a relaxing soak and cold plunge pools for an invigorating, icy pick-me-up.
Book your visit to WorldSprings to start your wellness journey.
Other posts you may like!
Weekend Getaway Ideas from Houston
on Jul 28, 2025 | 5 minutes
Weekend Getaway Ideas from Houston There are so many amazing things to do in Houston, making filling up your free time easy. When you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle, a quick trip from Houston to other Texas cities might be just the thing to help you relax and recharge. Here, we discuss some fun ideas for weekend trips from Houston. Whether you're up for an adventure or looking to de-stress, we're sure you'll find something special to make your getaway memorable. Take a Detour to DFW A trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area tops our list of weekend getaways from Houston. If you're in the mood for a relaxation vacation or want to keep your muscles recharged after an active day, The Colony (a city north of Dallas) is home to WorldSpings. You can recharge at our spa by floating in our mineral hot springs, getting a signature mineral massage, and concluding with a rejuvenating facial. After a day at WorldSprings, you'll return to Houston feeling brand new. Before you head back to Houston, make sure to attend a Dallas Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center or cheer on the Dallas Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium. If you want to interact with art, Dallas is home to Texas' other Meow Wolf installation and the fabulous Bishop Arts District. You could also make a day of hitting different used bookstores, as Dallas is the home to the first Half Price Books. This gigantic bookstore will make any book nerd's heart burst with joy. After a day of watching a game, viewing art, spending time in nature, visiting museums, or browsing books, you can feast at world-class dining establishments throughout the city. Try Day Trips Closer to Houston If you want to get out of town but not stray too far from Houston, there are numerous places to explore just beyond city limits. We love journeying along I-45 to spend a day on the bustling island of Galveston. While this is one of the top cruise ports in the country, it's also a great place for dolphin watching. History buffs can head to Seawolf Park, a memorial to the U.S. submarine USS Seawolf that sank during WWII. There's no shortage of fresh seafood in Galveston, so refuel with a good meal. Explore Armand Bayou Nature Center to spend your downtime in the great outdoors. The greenspace boasts an array of wildlife1 that impresses bird-watching and gator-watching enthusiasts alike. Brazos Bend State Park might be the perfect pick if you want to go slightly farther afield to see an alligator. This nearly 5,000-acre escape has an incredible ecosystem. Exploring the Kemah Boardwalk is a family favorite for a reason. The lovely path looks out over Galveston Bay, part of the Texas Gulf Coast. The boardwalk is home to numerous amusement rides, from thrilling coasters to a Ferris wheel that really gives you a bird's-eye view of the bay and surrounding area. Grab some snacks, have a blast on the rides with the bay as a backdrop, and then end the night with a bite at one of the waterfront restaurants. Saunter Over to San Antonio Remember the Alamo? You certainly will after visiting the iconic historical spot and the beautiful city that surrounds it. Whether you take a ghost tour around town or shop along the famous Riverwalk, San Antonio has everything you could want for a weekend trip. San Antonio is for foodies who love delicious Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Those who enjoy lively libations are in luck; San Antonio has the best cocktails you'll find anywhere in the state. The El Mercado Marketplace features a huge array of Latin cuisine vendors and is the perfect spot for snapping Instagram-ready photos. Arrive in Austin Known for keeping it weird, Austin is more than just vibes. It has an impressive independent bookstore, BookPeople, that will keep bookworms enthralled for hours. It's tricky to resist the urge to take selfies in front of Austin's beautiful skyline and stick around for drinks before heading to a comedy club or live music venue. Those who appreciate architecture should add a trip to the Texas Capitol to their Austin to-do list. The mammoth building, featuring multiple wings and stories, is a Renaissance Revival masterpiece. Let your open-air adventure take you to Barton Springs, a sprawling pool within Zilker Park. Book Your Getaway From Houston to DFW Today Social wellness is one of the best ways to recharge, and we pride ourselves on offering a way for everyone to do so. Whether you strike up a conversation with someone at our pools or you and your spouse participate in a couples massage, there's no better way to refill your cup than at WorldSprings. We offer various massage services, so you can find the right fit for your comfort level and de-stressing needs. We also offer prenatal massages for anyone spending their babymoon close to home. Sources: 1. Tips for Seeing Wildlife. Armand Bayou Nature Center. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.abnc.org/tips-for-seeing-wildlife
Read More
What is a Swedish Massage?
on Jul 28, 2025 | 3 minutes
What Is a Swedish Massage? When practicing self-care, few things are as rewarding as receiving a massage. The perks span far and wide, from feeling relaxed during the massage to the lasting benefits you can enjoy afterward. Here, we take a closer look at one of the most popular forms, Swedish massage. What Is a Swedish Massage? Swedish massage is one of the most widely practiced forms of massage therapy. In this technique, massage therapists use a combination of kneading, gliding strokes, and other movements to elicit relaxation throughout your body. Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling developed the technique in the 1800s, first established as a component of his “Swedish Movement System.” Its goal was to enhance mobility through the manipulation of soft tissue1. What Is a Swedish Massage Like? Today, Swedish massage typically involves the whole body. Your massage therapist will let you know whether you’ll begin on your back or stomach, and you’ll flip over when directed. If there’s a specific area you’d like to target, you can let your massage therapist know ahead of the session. You can also tell them whether you prefer light, medium, or firm pressure. Throughout your session, your massage therapist might use any of the following Swedish massage techniques: Effleurage A massage therapist uses their hands or forearms to stroke the targeted area(s), following the direction of blood flow to stimulate circulation and alleviate tension. The practitioner might also use the strokes to gain insight into a client’s tissue based on how it responds to touch. Effleurage falls into three categories: feather stroking (light pressure), superficial stroking (the weight of a hand manipulating muscles near the skin’s surface), and deeper stroking (to reach deep muscles)2. Petrissage A practitioner kneads targeted areas to squeeze muscles and tissue. The strokes stretch and relax tight muscles, aiding recovery and comfort, while improving circulatory and lymphatic system function3. Friction Usually performed with the thumb, friction massage aims to soften deep tissue surrounding the joints with small, circular motions to help relieve soreness. The friction also improves flexibility by separating scar tissue4. Tapotement Massage therapists sometimes use this rhythmic tapping as a stimulating effect, which can be useful for invigorating clients at the end of a massage before they resume their day. Vibration With a fine trembling motion applied with the palm or fingertips, massage therapists use vibration to release specific tissue for improved relaxation5. Swedish Massage Benefits Some of the most noticeable and immediate effects of a Swedish massage include full-body relaxation and soothing of sore muscles. Aside from these Swedish massage benefits, here are some other advantages you might experience. Targeted Pain Treatment If you’re experiencing back, neck, or shoulder pain, a Swedish massage might help. Evidence suggests people experiencing discomfort in these areas have at least some pain relief following a massage. For chronic pain, the effects might be greater with routine sessions. Improved Sleep Quality Some people with sleep challenges find that Swedish massage helps them relax, thereby improving their sleep quality. Sleep issues related to anxiety appear to have the greatest improvements with recurring Swedish massage sessions6. Enhanced Mood Various massage techniques have mood-boosting benefits, and Swedish massage is no exception. In addition to helping with general stress management, Swedish massage can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, including elevated pulse and high blood pressure. The technique might also improve symptoms of depression6. Better Circulation Swedish massages might help improve blood flow throughout the body, which can have far-reaching benefits such as reduced inflammation, better cardiovascular health, and improved digestion6. How to Prepare for a Swedish Massage Hydrate Massaging soft tissue gets fluid pumping and into your circulatory system. Your body will drain the fluid through its natural waste removal processes, but to stay hydrated, be sure to drink enough water before your massage and replenish lost fluids by sipping water afterward7. Dress Comfortably You’ll prepare for your massage by undressing to your level of comfort. Robes are available at WorldSprings, but consider wearing something you can easily slip in and out of for convenience. Skip Jewelry Leave any jewelry at home that could get in the way of your massage therapist’s gliding motions. Massage oil is applied to facilitate ease of movement, so it’s best to keep accessories to a minimum. Aftercare Tips In addition to rehydrating with fluids, be mindful to avoid anything that could dehydrate you quickly after your massage, such as alcohol. To maximize the relaxing benefits of your massage, ease back into your day gradually. Try to block off some time to rest so your body can soak in the benefits of your session. Swedish Massage & More at WorldSprings WorldSprings offers rejuvenating spa services and the opportunity to soak in mineral hot springs in one central location. Book a Swedish massage to release tension and restore balance in your body and mind. When you book any massage or facial, enjoy complimentary soak access as part of your spa experience. 1. (December 8, 2024). The Evolution of Swedish Massage: From Per Henrick Ling to Modern-Day Practices. The National Massage Association. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://worldchampionship-massage.com/the-evolution-of-swedish-massage-from-per-henrik-ling-to-modern-day-practices/ 2. (July 2, 2023). What Is a Swedish Massage? WedMD. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from, https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-a-swedish-massage 3. McKechnie GJ., et al. (December 1, 2007). Acute effects of two massage techniques on ankle joint flexibility and power of the plantar flexors. J Sports Sci Med. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3794491/ 4. Barnes, SP., et al. (September 12, 2023). Efficacy of massage techniques for hypertrophic burn scars – A systematic review of the literature. J Burn Care Res. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from, https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article-abstract/45/2/356/7270579 5. (February 25, 2018). Swedish Massage — The Complete Guide. American Institute of Clinical Massage. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://www.aicm.edu/blog/2018/2/25/swedish-massage-expect 6. Cherney, K. (January 20, 2022). What Are the Health Benefits of Swedish Massage? Healthline. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from, https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-swedish-massage 7.Grutzmacher, A. (July 17, 2018). Why Do Massage Therapists Always Tell Me to Drink Water? Hackensack Meridian Health. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from, https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2018/07/17/why-do-massage-therapists-always-tell
Read More
Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Group Spa Day
on Jul 22, 2025 | 6 minutes
Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Group Spa Day Whether you’re in charge of the bachelorette party, planning a family gathering, or just want to organize a fun girls’ day, the spa is the ideal space to recharge while celebrating any occasion. At WorldSprings, we’ve curated a luxurious selection of spa treatments in addition to our restorative mineral hot springs and freshwater pools. Our group spa packages are designed to create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. In this guide, we’ll share a few reasons why your group would benefit from a spa day, plus our top tips for making it the ultimate relaxation experience. The Benefits of a Group Spa Day It’s the Perfect Group Activity for Your Getaway When it comes to group trips, finding activities everyone can agree on can be tough. But who can say no to a day of pampering? Spa days are great for special occasions like birthdays, bridal showers, and family reunions, but they’re also an excellent idea for a group activity during your vacation. WorldSprings offers a variety of group spa packages in Dallas to make your trip truly special, including private access to our globally inspired mineral hot springs and pools. Your group can enjoy an exclusive soak, tailored to your needs. You’ll Feel Relaxed and Stress-Free Mineral-rich hot springs are an effective therapeutic tool. These waters offer many health and wellness benefits, including reduced stress levels1. Trip planning and logistics can be riddled with challenges, so a relaxing soak has a way of getting everyone back in the vacation mindset. Starting your travels with a relaxing spa day can help your group unwind from the stresses and worries of everyday life, so you can fully enjoy your time off. On the other hand, going to a spa on the last day of your trip is the perfect way to wrap up your vacation. You’ll all feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the time you return home. Whenever you choose to enjoy your spa day, you can look forward to a well-rested body and a clearer mind. It’s a Great Opportunity for Bonding Most people understand how important it is to keep up with their physical health, and mental health awareness has been on the rise. What many people tend to neglect today is their social wellness. We’re a social species, so quality time spent with others is critical for a long, happy, and healthy life2. Booking a WorldSprings group spa day allows your nearest and dearest to spend quality time in an intimate setting. Not only will you enjoy some of the best spa amenities, but you'll also have a chance to bond and build deeper connections. How to Make the Most of Your Group Spa Day 1. Consider Group Spa Packages and Add-Ons Your first step is to decide what you want from your spa visit. Spas provide a variety of services, amenities, and add-on options for a tailor-made experience. WorldSprings group spa packages include full-site rentals for 40+ mineral hot springs, three cold plunges, 17 cabanas, and more. We also offer partial rentals for two to three reserved waters, one private region, or The Sanctuary, our private indoor space. No group spa day is complete without refreshments, so order your favorites from our full cafe and bar menus and enjoy our outdoor patio seating. Customize your package further with luxurious spa services, including group massages, facials, and performance therapies. 2. Book in Advance Why stress over limited availability? Reserving your group spa package ahead of time ensures you get the services and amenities you want without the headache. 3. Get Ready to Relax Although your main goal is to sit back and unwind with loved ones, a little preparation goes a long way. Make sure you arrive early—this ensures you don’t feel rushed to your appointment and allows you to enjoy your spa time to the fullest. Consider making a playlist with gentle, calming music or sounds of nature to help your group drift into a tranquil headspace. 4. Make the Memories Last Don’t forget to capture your experience with fun candid moments, videos, and commemorative group photos! While spa days are a time to relax, taking a few snapshots will give you a lovely reminder to look back on. If you manage to take an especially good group photo, you can print out a copy for everyone to cherish for years to come. When you’re ready to start planning the ultimate group spa day, book a soak or private event with WorldSprings. Our revitalizing waters and soothing spa services are sure to bring lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Sources: (April 7, 2022). The Health Benefits of Soaking in a Hot Spring. Aspen Valley Health. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.brownfield-rmc.org/post/_blog Cohut, M. (February 23, 2018). Socialization: How does it benefit mental and physical health? Medical News Today. Retrieved June 30, 2025 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321019
Read More