From
savu to infrared - the history and health benefits of saunas
The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery. The
use of steam or smoke baths to cleanse the body and reduce stress has
been a part of religious, social, and family traditions in numerous
cultures for thousands of years. Native Americans, Russians, Romans,
and Mediterranean cultures all had some sort of bathing facilities and
rituals that played important roles in both private and public life
in those communities. But it is the Finns who are credited with developing
the modern sauna.
The Finnish Savu
Historical evidence and records indicate that the Finns built
the first wooden saunas over 2000 years ago. The early Finnish sauna
was dug into a hill or embankment. As tools and techniques advanced,
they were later built above ground using wooden logs. Rocks were heated
in a stone fireplace with a wood fire. The smoke from the fire filled
the room as the air warmed.
Once the temperature reached desired levels, the smoke was allowed
to clear and the bathers entered. The wood smoke aroma still lingered
and was part of the cleansing ritual. This type of traditional smoke
sauna was called a savu, which means smoke in Finnish.
The Evolution of the Sauna
Eventually the sauna evolved to use a metal woodstove, or kiuas
(ke-wus), with a chimney. Air temperatures averaged around 180F but
often exceeded 200 degrees in a traditional Finnish sauna. Steam vapor,
also called l?yly (lou-lu), was created by splashing water on the heated
rocks.
The steam and high heat caused bathers to perspire, thus flushing
away impurities and toxins from the body. The Finns also used vihtas
(veh-tas) or bundles of birch twigs to gently slap the skin and create
further stimulation of the pores and cells.
The Finns also used the sauna as a place to cleanse the mind,
rejuvenate and refresh the spirit, and prepare the dead for burial.
The sauna was an important part of daily life, and families bathed together
in the home sauna, but the genders didn’t mix in public saunas. Because
the sauna was often the cleanest structure and had water readily available,
Finnish women also gave birth in the sauna.
When the Finns migrated to other areas of the globe, they brought
their sauna designs and traditions with them, introducing other cultures
to the enjoyment and health benefits of saunas. This led to further
evolution of the sauna, including the electric sauna stove, which was
invented and implemented in the 1950s and far infrared saunas, which
have become popular in the last several decades.
Infrared saunas use a special heater that generates infrared
radiation rays similar to that produced by the sun. Unlike the sun’s
UV radiation, infrared is said to be beneficial to overall health. In
an infrared sauna, the electric heaters warm the air and also penetrate
the skin to encourage perspiration, producing many of the same health
benefits of traditional steam saunas.
Today there are a wide variety of sauna options. Heat sources
include wood, electricity, gas and other more unconventional methods
such as solar power. There are wet saunas, dry saunas, smoke saunas,
steam saunas, and those that work with infrared waves as described above.
You can have a sauna in your home or apartment, in your backyard,
on your rooftop, or even in a vehicle or on a pontoon boat. The possibilities
are endless and creating innovative and sometimes quirky designs has
become part of the appeal of sauna bathing. But for most people, it
is still the health benefits that are the main attraction.
A Wide Array of Health Benefits
As saunas have gained in popularity, the health benefits have
become more widely documented. Perhaps the most recognized benefit is
the cleansing action caused by heavy perspiration.
Sauna enthusiasts say that sweating caused by the high heat
in a sauna can remove toxic chemicals, alcohol, cholesterol, cellulite,
nicotine, and even heavy metals such as mercury. Not only does perspiration
remove toxins, it opens and cleanses skin pores creating healthier skin
and an improved complexion.
In addition to cleansing the pores and cells, the heat from
saunas is said to stimulate white blood cells and improve circulation,
which in turn promotes healing of infections and tissue injuries. It
also eases the pain from arthritis and other joint disorders. Some people
believe the high heat, especially that from infrared saunas, can even
be used to alleviate cancer symptoms.
Some say a sauna will increase metabolism and encourage weight
loss. Studies show that a person can burn 300 - 400 calories during
a 20 to 30 minute sauna. In addition, even a brief sauna elevates heart
rate and cardiac output, helping to improve cardiac fitness.
Repeated use of saunas is said to restore a person’s ability
to sweat. Steam saunas are known to open nasal passages and alleviate
sinus discomfort. A sauna, followed by a refreshing shower and cool
down period has been known to help improve sleep patterns. The list
of physical health benefits of saunas is extensive.
In addition to these physical benefits, saunas help promote
relaxation by easing muscle tension and aches, and promoting an environment
with no distractions or demands. Used on an individual basis, a sauna
can provide the perfect opportunity for solitary reflection. Group participation
can lead to intimate conversations and bonding.
It is important to note that the high heat and heavy air can
be uncomfortable and possibly dangerous for certain people. Pregnant
women, and people with cardiovascular problems, Multiple Sclerosis,
and other related health concerns should talk with their doctor before
using a sauna. And although a sauna is said to help remove alcohol and
other toxins from the body, those under the influence of alcohol or
drugs should not use a sauna due to concerns with interactions as well
as danger of passing out.
For thousands of years, saunas and sweat baths have been used
to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. They have also
played an important role in social interactions. Today’s saunas have
evolved to offer a wide variety of technologies, designs, and personal
adaptations. But the overall enjoyment and health benefits of saunas
continue to appeal to millions across the globe.
About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a professional writer with Saunas-N-Sauna-Kits.com,
providing consumer information on traditional Finnish designs, infrared
saunas and portable
saunas. She has first-hand experience with the health benefits of
home
saunas and uses them as an effective treatment for sore, achy muscles
after sitting at the computer all day.
