The Finnish Sauna possesses extraordinary relaxation abilities. It is a natural treatment that positively affects the mind and body.
The Finnish Sauna is a panacea with ancient origins; there is nothing more effective for regaining serenity by freeing us from physical and mental tensions. The wood from which it is constructed releases the scent of nature, a primitive olfactory invitation that stimulates the natural rebalancing of psychophysical conditions.
There is an old Finnish saying that goes:
"First build your sauna, later build your house."
A saying that tells us how important and rooted this daily "ritual" is in Nordic culture. A simple hot, dry air bath becomes the vital center of daily well-being.
Other ancient peoples also resorted to heat to soothe pain or to purify an environment. The culture of heat has accompanied humans throughout history, and its effectiveness has meant that it is still used today.
What is it and what are the origins of Sauna Finnish?
The tradition of heat bathing is traced right back to Finland around 1100.
The first saunas were built to be used as winter dwellings. To heat the room, a fire was lit on the stones inside, which were bathed with water. The steam generated contributed greatly to warming the room and increasing the degree of perceived warmth.
The Finnish Sauna , called sauna dry, is a treatment that is well established in the local culture but has managed to spread to the rest of the world. The sauna dry is a room lined with wood (usually pine, fir, alder or poplar wood) that is not subjected to any treatment. This precaution is to prevent any chemical compounds from leaking into the air due to high temperatures.
Inside we find benches placed at different heights. The temperature, which is constantly monitored, is set between 70° and 100° degrees. This will be lower at the lower benches and higher at the higher ones.
Heat perception is increased by pouring water on the hot stones; the humidity in the room will be between 10% and 20%.
During sauna sessions, it is important to alternate showers or cold water baths to bring the body temperature back into balance. The traditional sauna dry did not include the use of any aroma or relaxing music and was dimly lit. However, today it is common to mix drops of essential oils with water to enjoy the benefits associated witharomatherapy.
The ritual of Sauna Finnish
Dried sauna is known for its beneficial properties, and understanding what is the best way to make it becomes essential to increase the feeling of well-being.
- Inside sauna one sits or lies down, and to begin with an 8-minute dwell time is recommended, and then increased to a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes.
- At the end of the treatment, it is appropriate to take a cold shower to bring the body temperature back to normal levels. The order in which to bathe the various parts of the body with the cold stream is also important. One should start with the areas farthest from the heart and head, then the legs (first the right and then the left) and arms and then move on to the body and finally the head.
Useful for this purpose becomes the Kneipp tube from which very cold water comes out and whose jet can be directed to individual areas of the body. - After showering and washing off the sweat, there is nothing more rejuvenating than a soak in the cooling pool.
A full immersion of just a few seconds is enough to bring the body temperature back to normal levels. A bath that releases an intense feeling of energy and vitality. - It is also essential to replenish the fluids lost during sauna, possibly by savoring herbal tea in the areas relax. Rest is also essential, 30 minutes lying down wrapped in a robe is needed to permanently rebalance the body temperature. This time helps to rest the body after exertion due to the rise in temperature.
At this point you are ready to embark on a new cycle of sauna. Be careful, however, you should not exceed 3 cycles on the same day.
An ideal microclimate
The microclimate of sauna, created by heat and humidity, and exposure to high temperatures make this Finnish practice an ideal remedy for so many needs. Let's look at five main benefits we can gain from this treatment:
- Purifies the body
Sweating promotes the elimination of excess fluids that create feelings of heaviness and bloating. There are therefore also beneficial effects on cellulite. It also helps us expel toxins, free radicals and heavy metals. - Improves the skin
Heat opens the pores of the skin, facilitating the elimination of toxins and making it easier to absorb cosmetic products. This is why the use of creams, peels and scrub, specifically formulated for use at sauna, is becoming more popular. In addition, sweating induces a natural moisturizing effect: the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, counteracting the effects of aging. - Strengthens the immune system
Sweating is also a determining factor here, in fact it allows us to recreate a kind of fever that is our body's natural defense to inflammation and infection. - Improves circulation
The transition from high to low temperatures promotes vasodilation, resulting in an increased heart rate and improved blood circulation. - Free from stress and fatigue
A lot of endorphins are produced during the treatment; these increase relax and improve the quality of sleep, removing anxiety and stress from our minds.
