Sauna and Everything You Need to Know About It
Thermotherapy is one of the alternative treatment methods. The most widespread and most popular type of this therapy is sauna. The very word “sauna” in Finnish literally means “sweaty bath”.
Going to the “sweaty bath” is very beneficial for the body, because it strengthens the immunity, cleanses the skin, speeds up circulation, relieves stress and develops a feeling of happiness. So, to put it simply, it relaxes both the soul and the body.
Sauna is a small room covered with wood with the most common temperature of 70 to 100 degrees Celsius (158 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit). The optimal humidity in the sauna is about 10 percent, and it is increased by pouring water on hot stones.
Various types of sauna
Biosaunas
They are a real trend for lovers of healthy living because they provide the possibility of inhaling vapors from sea salts and essential oils. They have higher than usual humidity (about 70 percent) and a temperature of “only” 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit).
Finnish sauna
This is a classic form of steam room. It has a temperature of around 110 degrees Celsius (230 degrees Fahrenheit), and a humidity of up to 15 percent. Due to the lack of air in the sauna, there is a ventilation button that injects fresh air. The heated stone is intensively watered and thus increases the percentage of humidity, which has a calming effect and makes breathing easier.
Infrared sauna
In these saunas, the air is heated by infrared rays and they are intended for those people who have problems with the spine, muscles and kidneys. The treatment also affects the blood supply to the skin and is good for eczema, psoriasis and burns. Due to infrared radiation, the stay in this sauna lasts a maximum of ten minutes, on three to four occasions throughout the day. This treatment is not recommended for those who have been exposed to radiation of any kind.
Salt saunas
In these saunas, the walls are partially or completely lined with salt blocks. Due to the hot air in the sauna, salt ions are released, which has a beneficial effect on the respiratory organs, which reduces asthma and allergies. Also, these saunas are recommended for people who are under stress, as they have a calming effect and stabilize the emotional and mental state.
Sarunas – Ayurvedic saunas
They differ from classic saunas. They are cylindrical in shape with an opening for the head, because according to Ayurvedic teachings, the head should never be heated. Medicinal herbs are added to the water that evaporates through the grate plate. One should stay in this sauna for up to 15 minutes
Rules to follow before your sauna treatment
- Sauna is not recommended for heart patients, those who suffer from acute infections, thyroid gland and epilepsy
- Before a sauna treatment, you should avoid heavy food and alcohol, and drink two glasses of water
- Take a shower before you enter, and make sure to dry your body with a towel (you should be completely dry because wet skin delays sweating)
- Before entering sauna, make sure to remove all jewelry, especially metal
- Never enter sauna wearing slippers – enter barefoot, the shoes stay outside
- When entering the sauna, bring your towel that you will put on the bench and sit on it. Some prefer to bring an additional towel, wet with cold water, and put it on their head while inside, in order to protect the head from the heat
- At the very beginning, sit on the lower benches, where the temperature is lower. Once you get used to it, you can go up
- While inside, breathe deeply, evenly and slowly.
- Add a bit of essential oil to a bowl of water that you’ll pour on the hot stones.
- Stay inside for 10 to 15 minutes, get out, cool off and take a walk. Drink a glass or two of water, take a shower with cold water.
Final words
In the last few decades, the use of saunas has become very popular, so in addition to medical institutions, they are also available in gyms, hotels, as well as spa and wellness centers. We hope our article was helpful as a guide for a perfect sauna experience!