The Power of SWEAT!
The Power of Sweat!
WHAT IS IT?
+ a brew of water with small amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, chromium, nickel and lead
+ can contain a natural antibiotic (dermcidin)
+ can contain trace amounts of toxins such as heavy metals (cadmium and lead), and environmental chemicals (BPA, phthalates, organopesticides). They are found in higher concentrations in sweat than in urine.
Sweat itself isn’t stinky; it’s the bacteria on the skin’s surface interacting with sweat that produces a smell.
With over 2.6 million sweat glands in the body, the skin is known as the ‘3rd kidney’ – an uber-efficient cooling mechanism to keep our brains and vital organs at a happy temperature of about 98.6.
WHY WE NEED IT?
Depending on your perspective, sweating can be a mere perfunctory mechanism of the body, or a euphoric and detoxifying wellness experience.
Native Americans used sweat lodges for ceremonial worship, prayer and to amplify dialogue with the spirit world.
In many European countries, induced sweating (sauna) is a widely accepted health practice believed to shorten the common cold and boost overall health.
Regardless of your view, most can agree that sweating:
+ increases blood circulation
+ detoxifies the skin (and can help to clear mild acne)
+ boosts endorphins
Did you know that high mercury levels in the body have even been found to lower with regular sauna use?
Simply put, if you make a goal to sweat each day by increasing your heart rate or spending 10-15 minutes in a sauna, your body will be tremendously thankful to you.
Some ideas:
+ Private yoga class
+ Walk up and down stairs
+ Go for an inclined hike
+ DANCE!
+ Take a gym class
+ Go to a sauna or urban sweat lodge (I recommend this only 1-2x/week, not as your primary form of sweating.)
Remember to hydrate abundantly after sweating!
Catherine Tingey
Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.
About the Author
Catherine Tingey+ Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 31 years and teaching privately for 11 years.
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