Saunas and steam baths originated in Finland.The traditional Finnish sauna is a very important part of their way of life. Saunas are not a luxury for the Finns, it is something they use everyday.
Finns have been using saunas for generations.Nearly all the homes in Finland are equipped with built-in saunas.People of every part of the world have recognised and adopted the sauna culture.
Cultures from all over the world have caught on and enjoy the benefits of using saunas, although how they are perceived, their customs, and the etiquette involved in using saunas vary greatly. In recent times saunas have become very popular worldwide because of the numerous benefits offered. Apart from relaxation and stress reduction people have started to become aware of the other health benefits that saunas offer.
An orthodox Finnish sauna gives exhaustive purification to the body. Some people consider it the best natural skin treatment. it thoroughly cleanses the skin and leaves the skin feeling rejuvenated. Furthermore, Finnish sauna is a good work-out for your cardiovascular system.It is an immune system booster and provides gentle refreshment for the mind.
What is a traditional Finnish sauna? It is basically a hot air bath that takes place in a warm environment with low humidity.Due to the hot air bath sauna bathers sweat a lot. Therefore, new comers will atleast take 2 - 6 weeks time to get adopted. This sweating will actually help you become habituated to the hot and dry environment of the traditional Finnish dry sauna.
It is not bright inside a sauna and people sit in silence and a relaxed mood. The temperature is kept between 80?C and 110?C for the hot air bathing.
Some traditional sauna bathers make for themselves what is called a vihta, where they bind fresh birch branches together with their leaves and tie it around themselves and the other bathers in the sauna. It is believed that usage of vihta improves blood circulation and also it has pleasing birch odour which helps in relaxation.
Although steam bathing is advantages, it is always necessary to take precautions. The hot temperature increases the cardiovascular activity.Hence it is not prescribed for people suffering from heart and cardiovascular disorders.
Adding to it, its is better for people with high blood pressure to check with their doctor before taking the sauna bath. Steam bathing is normally not recommended for elderly, pregnant woman and small children.
Be cautious if you have been working out; you must be give your body enough time to cool down before you expose it to the heat of a sweat bath. So just consider these precautions and you can always enjoy the relaxing sauna bath.
The said benefits of the Finnish sauna are authentic, emotional and physical. Post sauna experience makes you feel and look better. Your body becomes more efficient and you will be relaxed.
No comments:
Post a Comment