Taking a sauna helps us relax our nerves and feel better, especially after a stressful or particularly demanding day.
We have explained what it is and how it works, but there are many things you probably don't know about.
What?
INSTITUTION
In Finnish national culture, it represents a characteristic element. There are between 1.6 and 2 million of them, out of a population of about 5 million and 400 thousand inhabitants.
Almost all companies and state institutions have a sauna in their facilities. Some statistics show that almost 99% of Finnish citizens take a sauna at least once a week.
SPIRITUALITY
The sauna is not just a place to regain energy and feel better. It also has a strong spiritual component. And a ritual cannot do without a spiritual presence. For this reason Finns are used to placing a 'sauna spirit'. It is a soapstone carved in human likeness.
This positioned above the stones of the stove in contact with water, through the cavities of nose and mouth, emits sounds and hisses that recall the laments emitted by spirits.
This is one of the reasons why absolute silence prevails in the sauna. The heat and sounds produced by the stone allow you to find peace and concentration.
THE SAUNA CEREMONY
The sauna is considered a ceremony and as such must follow a precise order to be perfect.
The duration of the ritual is about 2-3 hours, depending on how long you want to enjoy it.
- The Finnish Sauna Society indicates the steps to make it perfect: remove everything, including bracelets, watches and necklaces
- take a warm shower to remove impurities
- enter with a temperature between 80°C and 90°C, if the air is dry spray water on the hot stones
- as soon as you feel hot, go out and take a lukewarm shower or rest
- do another short session
- go out and cool off
- go back in, but first lower the temperature by a few degrees
- go out one last time, take a shower or a swim, dry off and get dressed
- drink and eat to reintroduce energy and fluids into your body.
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