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Experience A Heavenly Relaxation With A Finnish Sauna
By Barbara Pinnington

According to historical records, the Finnish sauna was the first sauna ever used in the 5th to 8th century. These wooden saunas were built into an embankment or hill, but were later built above ground. Using a stone fireplace, stones or rocks were heated with wood fires. Just like modern steam rooms, smoke from the fireplace filled the room and heated the air, which promoted sweating.

Before entering a Finnish sauna room, the desired temperature should first be reached and the smoke cleared. The traditional saunas retain the aroma of wood smoke, which is part of a cleansing ritual that can promote relaxation.

The original Finnish saunas in Finland required people to wear towels, swimsuits and other garments for sweat rooms. This type of sauna was a historical tradition that was part of a family's bonding or used for a communal meeting place. Since saunas in Finland are considered sacred places, many homes include their own sauna. Due to a Finnish sauna's sterile and warm environment, pregnant women before the early 20th century gave birth in sauna rooms.

What To Expect With A Finnish Sauna

Finnish saunas have shady lighting for a more relaxed environment. The temperature is usually set between 70 to 110°C. Traditionally, people who wish to relax strip and shower first before entering the sauna room. People will sit on benches as they absorb the steam, which results in sweating, the opening of pores and the elimination of body toxins. It also offers a deep relaxation of muscles.

Compared to modern saunas, a Finnish sauna makes use of steam that is generated from throwing cold water over the heated stones inside the sauna room. Once the steam is produced, the hot stones add heat to the room.

In Finnish saunas, people cannot spend long periods of time inside the room. Instead, they should first go outside, rinse their bodies in cold water and reenter the sauna room after cooling off.

Traditional sessions of Finnish sauna include beer and food inside the room. However, modern saunas do not recommend alcoholic beverages and recreational drugs inside the room. This is important because the heated stream could cause body changes in your breathing and metabolic processes. It is important to consult with your doctor before going to a Finnish sauna, especially if you have heart problems or skin disorders.

With a Finnish sauna, you will receive the most natural and traditional sauna you can find. However, some saunas will offer you with modern heating techniques with a Finnish twist, allowing you to experience a modern sauna with the same health benefits as traditional saunas.

Author Details:
Barbara Pinnington has managed her health club for a number of years and has gained much knowledge about the equipment used such as saunas.

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