Finland is the birthplace of the steam bath/sauna.Moreover steam bathing is a tradition as finns consider saunas not as a treat but as a vital part of their culture.
The sauna culture in Finland is almost well established.Nearly all the homes in Finland are equipped with built-in saunas.The sauna has now been adopted in every corner of the world.
Due to the culture and etiquette differences, people of the world have different perceptions of the sauna. The reason that saunas have become so popular recently is because more and more people are realizing their benefits. Apart from relaxation and stress reduction people have started to become aware of the other health benefits that saunas offer.
Using a traditional Finnish sauna has a cleansing effect on the body. It is also deemed to be the best natural treatment for the skin. It not only cleanses but also rejuvenates your skin from the inside out.Moreover, Finnish sauna is a good work-out for your cardiovascular system.It is also an immune system developer and provides refreshment for the mind.
Essentially the finnish sauna is a hot air bath in warm and very low humid condition.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 accustomed 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 ranges between 80C and 110C for steam 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.
However, there are some precautions that you need to keep in mind. The traditional hot temperature leads to increase in cardiovascular activity. As a result, people who have heart disease or other heart-related health issues should not use saunas.
You should consult your doctor before using a sauna if you have high blood pressure. The hot dry sauna is also not recommended for elderly, pregnant women and small children.
You should also avoid a sauna after a strenuous work out. Be sure you have given you body enough time to cool down before relaxing in the heat of a sauna bath. These precautions ensure the requisite effects of sauna bath.
The aforementioned benefits of Finnish traditional home sauna are real, physical as well as emotional. After sauna experience you will not only feel but also look better.You will find that your body works more efficiently and, maybe more importantly, a hot sauna will make you feel more relaxed and mentally at ease.