Traditionally |
The sauna, commonly thought to have originated in Finland, has been a therapeutic treatment in use for almost one and a half thousand years to date. Traditionally, the sauna consists of one smallish room heated to temperatures of around eighty degrees celcius by 'hot stones'. These rocks are heated in a brazier and, when hot enough, are doused with water at regular intervals in order to increase the amount of steam in the room, which effectively increases both the perceived temperature and the humidity. It is important for these two factors to remain balanced, which is why many saunas employ a 'Saunameister', the one who is in charge of wetting the stones. Where this is the case, it is frowned upon for a member of the public to take any part in this dousing.
The sauna is thought to have beneficial effects upon any number of maladies, as far-ranging as asthma, bronchitis, joint pain, rheumatism and even psoriasis. It is also believed to have positive effects upon the less physical aspects such as depression, appetite loss and anorexia, also chronic fatigue.
Because the sauna naturally induces sweating, a cold shower after your visit is practically compulsory, and very, very refreshing. The Finns have for generations sworn by the healthy lifestyle promoted by the regular use of the sauna.
Sauna etiquette.
It is far easier to make absolutely sure at reception rather than risk a mild faux-pas later on. Sauna's all over the world vary greatly in their attitude toward clothing, separation of the sexes, and so on. So be clear in your mind at the outset and avoid any embarrassing surprises. Two rules to bear in mind: it is generally compulsory to bring a towel into the sauna to sit on, in the interests of hygiene, and when you enter or leave the sauna, do so quickly, don't leave the door open for all the steam to escape.
Safety.
Saunas can pose a risk of dehydration which in extreme cases can lead to heat prostration or even hyperthermia (heat stroke). But take a sensible approach to your visit and these risks are easily avoided. Do not take alcohol into the sauna. Sip on water or an isotonic alternative. Don't go to the sauna with a hangover - you're already partially dehydrated. Alcohol, in the form of a nice cold beer, can be enjoyed after your sauna, and is indeed recommended by some traditionalists. A sauna can have the same effect as heavy exercise, though usually only after too prolonged a stay. An average sauna visit is said to be the equivalent of a mild walk. Don't ever feel too afraid to leave the sauna when you've had enough of the heat. It's not a competition.
The sauna is a great place to refresh not only the body, but the mind and spirit too, leading to overall wellbeing and health, inside and out.
Scents are occasionally used in some saunas, the most common and traditional being fresh birch leaves, which are rested on the stones for a few seconds to suffuse the atmosphere, and are also sometimes used for lightly whipping the skin, encouraging the pores to open. Other scents such as eucalyptus or pine tar are used, though far less frequently.
Particularly recommended as part of a longer detox programme, treat yourself to some civilised sweating in a traditional Finnish sauna.
