Taking a sauna helps us to relax our nerves and feel better, especially after a stressful or particularly busy day.
We've explained what it is and how it works, but there's a lot you probably don't know.
What?
INSTITUTION
In Finnish national culture, it is a characteristic element. There are between 1.6 and 2 million saunas in a population of about 5.4 million.
Almost all companies and state institutions have a sauna in their facilities. Statistics show that almost 99% of Finnish citizens take a sauna at least once a week.
SPIRITUALITY
The sauna is not only a place to regain energy and be more beautiful. It also has a strong spiritual component. And a ritual cannot do without a spiritual presence. This is why the Finns usually place a 'sauna spirit'. This is a soapstone carved in human form.
Placed on top of the stove stones in contact with water, the stone emits sounds and hisses through the nose and mouth cavities, reminiscent of the moans of spirits.
This is one of the reasons why there is absolute silence in the sauna. The heat and the sounds produced by the stone allow you to find peace and concentration.
THE SAUNA CEREMONY
Saunaing is considered a ceremony, and as such it must follow a precise order to be perfect.
The duration of the ritual is about 2-3 hours, depending on how long you want to enjoy it.
- The Finnish Sauna Society outlines the steps to make it perfect: strip off everything, including bracelets, watches and necklaces.
- take a hot shower to remove impurities
- enter at a temperature between 80°C and 90°C, if the air is dry spray water on the burning stones
- as soon as you feel warm, get out and take a lukewarm shower or rest
- have another short session
- get out and freshen up
- but by lowering the temperature by a few degrees beforehand.
- get out one last time, take a shower or a swim, dry off and get dressed.
- drink and eat to replenish energy and fluids in your body.
Want to know more? Keep following us and you'll find out more!
