Def. SAUNA: steam bath in an overheated environment, followed by a cold shower and massage, with toning and slimming effects; also, the place where this bath is practised.
WHAT IS A SAUNA?
The term comes from Finland where it originally represented a sacred moment to purify body and soul.
But the sauna has always existed under different names.
As early as the StoneAge, people heated their living spaces using hot stones.
It was used in ancient Mayan culture. In a village in Belize, a primitive sauna dating from around 900 B.C. was found, and it was very similar in function to the modern one. It was also oriented towards the east, the cardinal point associated with the rising sun, which suggests that it was used for religious purifications.
Towards the end of the Middle Ages, there was a decline in the use of this practice, except in Finland and Russia where it is still considered an institution today.
SAUNA OR SAUNAS?
A sauna is any high-temperature treatment (with or without steam) in a closed room.
However, distinctions must be made. There are different saunas depending on the temperature reached and the presence or absence of steam.
Let's try to clarify.
Finnish sauna or dry saunaThis is the true Finnish sauna. The temperature can reach between 80-100°C and the humidity does not exceed 10-20%. This type of practice involves alternating moments in the sauna with moments in cold water.
The Finnish method involves: a first session of 5 to 8 minutes; a short cold bath; another 10 minutes in the sauna and a final cold bath.
Sanarium or Biosaunaalso known as a medium sauna. Here the temperature can reach 50-60°C and the humidity is around 50%. Unlike the Finnish sauna, the wet sauna involves a session of up to 45 minutes, followed by a lukewarm shower.
Turkish bath or wet saunaThe temperature is between 20-25°C at foot height and around 40-45°C at head height; the humidity is 100%, creating an environment saturated with water vapour. The best method of use is a 15-minute session followed by 30 seconds in cold water, with the possibility of repeating the process several times.
BENEFITS
The sauna is considered to be an extraordinary source of well-being for mind and body. We understand why.
Purifies the bodyThe sweat produced during a sauna session allows toxins to be eliminated, helping to improve immune functions.
Disposes of lactic acid and relaxes the musclesHelps to relax muscles and eliminate lactic acid, especially after intense physical activity.
Eliminates stress and insomnia: sweating allows the decrease of anxiety and the time imposed by a session decreases stress levels; you therefore sleep better and chronic fatigue is reduced.
Cleanses the skin: heat helps dilate pores, aiding the elimination of toxins and dead cells. The skin becomes more elastic and moisturised, more resistant to smog and infection.
Strengthens the immune system: high temperature eliminates bacteria responsible for infections and helps prevent fever because it regulates body temperature.
Improves circulationHigh temperatures and cold showers also help circulation. The sudden change in the dilation of blood vessels keeps the cardiovascular system active.
Helps breathingIt is also recommended for certain forms of asthma, nasal congestion, colds and rhinitis.
Delays ageingBy eliminating toxins, free radicals, which are responsible for the ageing of cells, are also eliminated.
Good for the mindThe relaxation of a sauna helps to release endorphins, which are responsible for the feeling of well-being that pervades the body.
In short, from the most ancient civilisations, at all latitudes, the concept of sauna is now engraved in the minds of all those who want a moment of pampering and relaxation.
