Can sweat therapy help eliminate dampness in the body?
Aug 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
When excessive dampness is caused by cold-dampness and the physical condition permits, sweat therapy (sauna) can help eliminate dampness. However, if the condition involves damp-heat or physical weakness, sweat therapy may be inappropriate. For individuals with a cold-damp constitution, in whom dampness combines with cold pathogens, the warm and hot environment of sweat therapy can promote perspiration, helping to expel some damp pathogens from the body. It can also alleviate symptoms such as body heaviness and joint stiffness caused by cold-dampness, thereby serving as an auxiliary method for removing dampness.
Generally, when excessive dampness is of the cold-damp type and the body's condition permits, sauna therapy may help eliminate dampness. However, if the condition is damp-heat or the body is weak, sauna therapy may be unsuitable. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
For individuals with cold-damp constitution, the dampness and cold pathogens in the body combine together. The warm and hot environment of sauna therapy can promote perspiration, helping to expel some dampness externally. It can also relieve symptoms such as body heaviness and joint stiffness caused by cold-damp, thereby exerting a certain auxiliary effect on dampness removal.
For individuals with damp-heat constitution, the high temperature of sauna therapy may exacerbate internal heat manifestations, causing discomforts such as dry mouth and irritability. For those with weak constitution, excessive sweating may consume vital energy (Qi), not only failing to effectively remove dampness, but potentially increasing the body's burden. Therefore, sauna therapy is not suitable for these individuals.
When using sauna therapy for dampness removal, one should consider their own constitution. Individuals with cold-damp constitution can undergo moderate sauna therapy, while those with damp-heat constitution or weak body should avoid it. During sauna therapy, attention should be paid to hydration. If symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations occur, sauna therapy should be stopped immediately and rest is required. Prompt medical care should be sought if necessary.
