Sweat therapy has been around for many years and has been used for various physical and mental purposes for thousands of years. Sweat therapy is the combination of group counseling/psychotherapy with group sweating. Group sweating is social interaction while experiencing psycho-physiological responses to heat exposure.
The skin is our largest organ and sweating is the most effective way to remove toxins from the body. Saunas have been used for thousands of years and sweating has been proven to be effective for cleansing, relaxation and for boosting ones general health.
Sweat Therapy helps the body detoxify while strengthening its immune system to fight off everything from the common cold to serious life threatening diseases such as cancer, all while in the presence of those healing alongside you.
Infrared saunas are most often used for sweat therapy, as the air temperature remains much lower than in a traditional sauna, so the individual feels more comfortable. Sweating often begins before the person feels very hot at all and the sweating is more profuse than in a traditional sauna, without the same degree of discomfort involved. Those in the group can talk about issues while sweating.
Some individuals use the sauna with close friends or loved ones, allowing them socialize or to air their grievances while benefiting from sweating. While there are variations in the different forms of sweat rituals, the common purposes include promoting physical and mental health, spirituality, and socialization. Sweating induces commonly observed effects of exercise on mental health. Sweat practices are similar to exercise as they cause the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Group members work together as a unit to get through the challenge of the heat by offering towels and water to one another and showing frequent concern for one another's ability to handle the heat. These seemingly simple expressions of sharing and concern for one another become part of the group norms and transcend into people showing greater care and concern for one another.
We advise those wanting to try sweat therapy to make sure they remember and are aware of the safe practices of sauna use. Always drink plenty of water and do not stay in the sauna for more than 20 minutes at a time. Saunas And Stuff is a great resource for sauna information and many different sauna options in case you are interested in trying out sweat therapy in the comfort of your own home with those that know you best.