The discovery of steam bath was first in Finland.The Finnish traditional saunas is a significant part of the Finnish culture. Finns consider saunas not as a treat, but as an essential part of their lifestyle.
Finns have been using saunas for generations.Nearly all the homes in Finland are equipped with built-in saunas.The sauna has now been adopted in every corner of the world.
Cultures from all over the world have caught on and enjoy the benefits of using saunas, although how they are perceived, their customs, and the etiquette involved in using saunas vary greatly. The reason that saunas have become so popular recently is because more and more people are realizing their benefits. Apart from relaxation and stress reduction people have started to become aware of the other health benefits that saunas offer.
An orthodox Finnish sauna gives exhaustive purification to the body. It is considered as the best natural treatment for the skin. It not only cleanses but also regenerates the activity of the skin from inside out.Moreover, Finnish sauna is a good work-out for your cardiovascular system.It is an immune system booster and provides gentle refreshment for the mind.
Basically, the traditional Finnish dry sauna is a hot air bath in warm and very low humid condition.Due to the hot air bath sauna bathers sweat a lot. If you are new to this traditional dry heat bathing and relaxation process, you will require about 2 to 6 weeks of regular sauna bath. This sweating will actually help you become habituated to the hot and dry environment of the traditional Finnish dry sauna.
In a sauna the lighting is shady and the people usually prefer to sit in the sauna in silence and relaxed mood.The temperature ranges between 80C and 110C for steam bathing.
Some traditional sauna bathers make for themselves what is called a vihta, where they bind fresh birch branches together with their leaves and tie it around themselves and the other bathers in the sauna. It is believed that usage of vihta improves blood circulation and also it has pleasing birch odour which helps in relaxation.
Unfortunately, using a sauna is not for everybody. The traditional hot temperature leads to increase in cardiovascular activity.Thus, for this reason dry saunas are not recommended for people who suffer from heart disease or other cardiovascular ailments.
In addition, it is advisable for the people with high blood pressure to consult their doctor before they decide to take the dry sauna bath. Steam bathing is normally not recommended for elderly, pregnant woman and small children.
You should also avoid a sauna after a strenuous work out. Be sure you have given you body enough time to cool down before relaxing in the heat of a sauna bath. So just consider these precautions and you can always enjoy the relaxing sauna bath.
The said benefits of the Finnish sauna are authentic, emotional and physical. Post sauna experience makes you feel and look better. Your body will function very efficiently and most importantly you will be more relaxed.
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