The practice of healing and relaxation with heat, hot water and steam has ancient origins. Even the ancient Egyptians knew the advantages of steam to invigorate and revitalize both the body and the spirit.
In ancient Greece, the Gymnasium included a gym and a bathroom where the disciples were washing in hot water for relaxation, after physical exercise and before lectures in philosophy from their masters. In the Roman period, baths were places not only for care, but also for socialization. At the time, in fact, the structures not only did have bathrooms, but they also had gyms, libraries, theaters and gardens. Therefore they became the ideal place to socialize and also to talk about business.
The Hammam was for Arab people, the place where you were making ablutions before the prayer, as well as body care, culture and social interaction.
The sweat lodge was widespread among the tribes of American Indians, as a sweat lodge rite of purification of the spirit and body.
The sweat lodge was widespread among the tribes of American Indians, as a sweat lodge rite of purification of the spirit and body.
The sauna in Finland was practiced as early as 1100. The first models were nothing more than holes dug in the ground and then covered. Thereafter, saunas, set in a small wooden huts, were built near rives. From the beginning, the sauna was connected to a ritual ceremony to a precise pattern of behaviour: the cycle consisted of the interval session in the sauna with dips in the icy water of the lakes or rivers and massages (with slight whipping with birch twigs) to reactivate and stimulate blood circulation.
Immediately after the second World War, the practice of the Finnish sauna was widespread all over Europe and United States. This was due to the fact that, among other things, the sauna was considered a great way to relax and promote a healthy sleep.
In the following years, in fact, people have become increasingly aware that the sauna is not simply a luxury, but an effective treatment for their mental and physical wellbeing.
Benefits
The sauna, when properly and regularly done throughout the year, even during thehot months is a good habit that brings benefits to people of all ages.
It is particularly suitable for those who practice sporting activities, specially at a competitive level, because it improves peripherical circulation thus promoting a faster muscle recovery and speeding the disposal of toxins an lactic acid.
It provides a sedative effect on the nervous system by promoting a balance between waking and sleep while reducing daily anxiety and stress.
It may be indicated in case of muscle and/or osteoarticular injuries, because of relaxing effect on muscles; it increases metabolism, which accelerates the disposal of catabolites formed in the structures affected by trauma.
T It improves the blood and lymphatic circulation.
It strengthens the immune system by preventing inflammations, flu and cold.
It eliminates toxins through sweat, dead cells and debris of fat in the skin; by increasing the perspiration, the skin is more elastic and bright.
Warnings
– High or low blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, in general: the vasodilator effect of the sauna could overload the heart, so if you suffer from any of these diseases, it is necessary to follow the instructions of your doctor;
– Colds and fever in general: the change in temperature may cause further stress to the body, although the constant use of the sauna boosts the immune system, it does not cure a cold or a flu if you are already sick;
– Inflammatory skin: a rush exposed to high temperatures may be further aggravated;
– Varices: the weak vessels walls could not withstand the thermal stress, causing further damage;
– Pregnancy: although there are not real contraindications, due to the particularities of this situation, it is strongly recommended to seek advice from your doctor;
– Menstrual cycle: the high temperature creates vasodilation and thins the blood, ingreasing the risk of bleeding.
– During the age of development (any kind of interference for an organism during its development can be negative).
In case of doubt, you shoult consult your doctor to make sure that there are not contraindications to the use of the sauna.
If you even the slightest sense of discomfort during the sauna, discontinue the treatment immediately.
If you even the slightest sense of discomfort during the sauna, discontinue the treatment immediately.
Tips for the proper use of the Finnish sauna
There is not a more or less suitable moment to take a sauna, but it is essential, in order to enjoy the benefits, to have time to do it well and calmly.
A hot tea – to drink before starting a sauna – helps to sweat. At the end of the treatment it is appropriate to restore the lost fluids and quench your thirst with fruit juices, herbal teas and water, avoiding, of course, alcoholic drinks.
Usually, a sauna has positive effects when the cycle is repeated two or three times. The proper temperature for a good sweat and perspiration has to reach 80 °.
Normally, the first stay in the sauna should not exceed ten minutes, and the very first few times it is better to avoid the steam because the hot and humid air may cause some disease: in this case, don’t pour water on the stones of the stove.
A hot tea – to drink before starting a sauna – helps to sweat. At the end of the treatment it is appropriate to restore the lost fluids and quench your thirst with fruit juices, herbal teas and water, avoiding, of course, alcoholic drinks.
Usually, a sauna has positive effects when the cycle is repeated two or three times. The proper temperature for a good sweat and perspiration has to reach 80 °.
Normally, the first stay in the sauna should not exceed ten minutes, and the very first few times it is better to avoid the steam because the hot and humid air may cause some disease: in this case, don’t pour water on the stones of the stove.
· Before entering the sauna, take a warm shower and dry the body well, in order to facilitate the perspiration
· When you enter a sauna, choose a relaxing and comfortable position. The temperature becomes hotter from bottom to top, so the first time it’s better to take place on the lower level.
· The recommended stay is of about 10 or 20 minutes, but you should also adjust the time according to the signals of your body.
· To avoid dizziness, before you go out you have to get up very slowly from the bench.
· Go out and take a cold or quite warm shower, to bring the body temperature to normal levels.
· From the shower to the sauna: Repeat this exercise two or three times, being careful to repeat also the same tricks.
· Pour water ad lib on the stones of the stove in order to cause an immediate evaporation. The steam stimulates a beneficial perspiration.
· Finally take one last shower.
· After the sauna, the body needs peace and quiet: the relaxation phase should last from 10 to 20 minutes, so we advise you to sit calm and wrapped in a towel.