Def. SAUNA: steam bath in an overheated environment, followed by a cold shower and massage, with toning and weight loss effects; also, the place where this bath is practiced.
WHAT IS A SAUNA?
The term comes from Finland where it originally represented a sacred moment to purify body and soul.
But the sauna exists, with different names, since ancient times.
Already in the Stone Age, men heated the environments where they lived using hot stones.
In ancient Mayan culture it was used. In a village in Belize a primitive sauna was found dating back to around 900 B.C. and its operation was very similar to the modern one. It was also oriented towards the east, the cardinal point associated with the rising sun, which suggests that it was used for religious purifications.
Towards the end of the Middle Ages there was a decline in the use of this practice, except in Finland and Russia where it is still considered an institution.
SAUNA OR SAUNAS?
By sauna we mean any treatment at high temperatures (with or without steam) inside a closed room.
However, some distinctions must be made. There are indeed different saunas based on the temperatures reached and the presence or absence of steam.
Let us try to clarify.
Finnish sauna or dry sauna: it is the true sauna, the one of Finnish origin. The temperature can reach between 80-100°C and humidity does not exceed 10-20%. This type of practice involves alternating moments in the sauna with moments in cold water.
The Finnish method provides: a first session between 5 and 8 minutes; a brief cold bath; another 10 minutes in the sauna and a final cold bath.
Sanarium or Biosauna: also called medium sauna. in this case the temperature can reach 50-60°C and humidity is about 50%. Unlike the Finnish one, the humid sauna provides a session of up to 45 minutes, followed by a lukewarm shower.
Turkish bath or humid sauna: the temperature will be at foot level between 20-25°C and at head level around 40-45°C; humidity will be 100%, creating an environment saturated with water vapor. The best method of use provides a 15-minute session followed by 30 seconds in cold water, with the possibility of repeating the procedure several times.
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THE BENEFITS
The sauna is considered an extraordinary source of well-being for mind and body. Let's understand why.
Purifies the body: the sweat produced during a sauna session allows the elimination of toxins, helping improve immune functions
Eliminates lactic acid and relaxes muscles: it helps especially after intense physical activity to relax muscles and eliminate lactic acid.
Eliminates stress and insomnia: sweating allows the reduction of anxiety and the time imposed by a session decreases stress levels; you therefore sleep better and chronic fatigue is reduced.
Cleanses the skin: heat helps dilate pores, helping eliminate toxins and dead cells. The skin becomes more elastic and hydrated, more resistant to smog and infections.
Strengthens the immune system: the elevated temperature eliminates bacteria responsible for infections and helps prevent fever because it regulates body temperature.
Improves circulation: high temperatures and cold showers also help circulation. The rapid change in blood vessel dilation helps keep the cardiovascular system active.
Helps breathing, nasal congestion, colds, rhinitis and is recommended for certain forms of asthma.
Delays aging
```: with the elimination of toxins, free radicals responsible for cell aging are also eliminated.
Benefits the mind: the relaxation of a sauna helps the release of endorphins, responsible for that sense of well-being that pervades the body.
In short, from the most ancient civilizations, to all latitudes, the concept of sauna is now engraved in the mind of all those who desire a moment of pampering and relaxation.
