Santa Cruz County Spotlights 4 Heat Therapies as Studies Link Sauna Use to 8-Point Blood Pressure Drop
Updated
Updated · Good Times · Jul 29
Santa Cruz County Spotlights 4 Heat Therapies as Studies Link Sauna Use to 8-Point Blood Pressure Drop
1 articles · Updated · Good Times · Jul 29
Summary
Santa Cruz County wellness options highlighted in the report include hot yoga, saunas, steam rooms and red light therapy, with the author tracing the interest to six months of teaching at Hot Elevation in Scotts Valley.
One randomized trial cited found people who paired exercise with sauna sessions three times a week cut systolic blood pressure by an average 8 points versus exercise alone, while reviews also suggest gains for circulation, relaxation and joint discomfort.
Local access spans Toadal Fitness saunas and cold plunges, Sage Float Spa contrast therapy, steam rooms at In-Shape Fitness in Capitola and Enterprise Sports Club, plus red and near-infrared treatments at Santa Cruz Light Therapy.
Researchers still say stronger clinical evidence is needed, and the report notes heat therapy is not for everyone—especially people with certain medical conditions, cardiovascular disease or pregnancy—making hydration and shorter sessions the recommended starting point.