What is a sauna?
Origin and history of the sauna
The sauna, with its origins rooted in Finnish tradition, is a wellness experience that is deeply rooted in many cultures around the world. But what exactly is a sauna? This comprehensive guide explores the basics of the sauna, its types, benefits, and why it has become such a popular practice for relaxation and health.
Definition and principle of the sauna
A sauna is a small room or house designed for dry or humid heat sessions. Traditionally, Finnish saunas, known for their dry heat, use a wood or electric stove to heat special stones. Water can be poured over these stones to create steam and increase humidity. The temperature inside a sauna can vary between 70°C and 100°C, inducing intense sweating that provides various health benefits. Find out more about why you should choose a sauna.
The different types of sauna
There are several types of saunas, each offering a unique experience:
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Traditional Finnish Sauna: Uses a wood-burning or electric stove to heat stones, providing dry heat. The humidity can be increased by pouring water on the stones.
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Infrared sauna: Uses infrared panels to directly heat the body rather than the air. The temperature is usually lower (between 50°C and 60°C), but the heat penetrates deeper into the skin.
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Steam sauna (steam room): Characterized by high humidity (100%) and lower temperature (between 40°C and 50°C), it uses a steam generator to create a humid atmosphere.
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Russian Banya: Similar to the Finnish sauna but with higher humidity. Birch branches are often used to improve blood circulation by gently whipping them over the body.
A social and therapeutic phenomenon
The sauna is not only about its physical benefits, it is also a real social and therapeutic phenomenon. In Finland, the home country of the sauna, the practice is rooted in culture and daily lifestyle. Public saunas serve as gathering places where friends and families gather to share moments of relaxation and conviviality. This social dimension not only promotes human interaction but also helps to strengthen social ties. Therapeutically, saunas offer a natural method of treating various ailments through hydrotherapy and heat, helping to reduce stress, improve mental health, and relieve muscle and joint pain. This unique combination of socialization and therapy makes the sauna a holistic experience, harmoniously integrating physical, mental and social well-being.
In conclusion, the sauna is much more than just a heat room. It is a deep-rooted wellness tradition that offers many physical and mental health benefits. Whether you're looking to detoxify your body, improve your blood circulation, reduce stress, or simply relax, a sauna can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine. With its different shapes and installation options, there is a sauna to suit every need and lifestyle. Make a sauna part of your daily life and discover the many benefits it can bring to your life.
