Sauna

The Finnish have been taking Saunas for generations; they feel there is something magical about Saunas and regard then a part of everyday life. Saunas have changed considerably over the years. In Finland originally, it was a modest burrow in the earth, a dugout, in which a pile of stones heated for the bathing process was the essential feature. Water was thrown onto the stones to give off vapour and the bather would promote the sweating process by beating himself with a leafy whisk.

In Finland, Saunas are found both indoors and outdoors by the sides of lakes, enabling cool dips to be taken between sessions.

The modern Sauna resembles a wooded cabin that varies in size. It is made from pine logs or panels and insulating materials. A Sauna creates a dry heat by the use of an electric stove. As the body temperature increases the bather will perspire. As the air is dry in the sauna it tends to dry the perspiration on the skin quickly creating a cooling effect. The humidity (moisture in the air) is low in a Sauna. To increase this water is poured periodically on the hot coals that sit over the stove. The water will evaporate quickly creating steam; this will make the Sauna feel hotter for a short time.

To use a sauna it is recommended that one spends a maximum of ten minutes in the sauna after, which a cool shower and swim if available would be taken. The bather may then return to the sauna approximately twice more after which one should relax and drink plenty of fluids.

Once rested and the temperature of the body has returned to normal the bather can dress. It is advisable to sit on a towel that you take into the sauna.

Will regular saunas affect the condition of the skin?

The regular loss of fluid will make the surface of the skin dry. However this can be corrected by regular use of moisturisers and body creams. The sauna will accelerate the removal of dead skin cells, therefore products applied after a sauna will be more readily accepted into the skins surface layers.

Why is it important to drink a lot of water after a sauna?

The body loses a lot of fluid during and after a sauna. Waste matter is carried in the water from the body at a faster rate than normal, some of which will be passed through the kidneys. This increase in circulation will create a concentrated waste product that puts the kidneys under pressure. To dilute this waste and take the pressure off the kidneys it is recommended plain water is drunk.