SAUNA: FEEL-GOOD HABITS
A symbol of ancient Nordic tradition, the Finnish sauna is a pleasant wellness ritual that wraps you in its soothing warmth: the body regenerates, strengthenes and is purified through sweating. Sauna is an experience of intensive regeneration for both mind and body, celebrating the therapeutic power of heat.
SAUNA: ORIGINS AND TRADITION
The first evidence of saunas in Finland dates back to 1200. They were places to warm up from the cold temperatures and to wash in a warm environment. They have always had a function of socialising and meeting family and friends.
Even today in Finland there is a sauna in every private home. Saunas originally had a wood stove inside, which blackened the wood with smoke, hence the name savu sauna. The modern sauna, on the other hand, has an electric stove with lava stones and provides a healthier experience, retaining its original characteristics: a hot, dry environment. The temperature ranges from 65 to 105 degrees Celsius, while the humidity is 10-20%.
SAUNA RITUAL
Get ready for the sauna ritual: remove any jewellery or metal accessories to avoid burns. Make sure you are well hydrated; drink water or a warm herbal tea before exposing yourself to the heat. Before entering, wash and cleanse your body with a mild shower, drying yourself thoroughly. This will speed up the sweating and purification process.
Enter naked or covered with a fine cotton cloth, a natural, breathable fabric. Avoid clothing made of synthetic fibres, which do not allow perspiration and can release toxic substances in high temperatures. Start with 10-15 minute sessions to accustom your body to the heat. Lay a towel on the bench so that no part of your body touches the wood, to safeguard the materials in your sauna. Sit or lay down, relax and allow your body to sweat. Chromotherapy lights and music complete the awakening of all the senses.
After the sauna, take a cold reaction by taking a long shower to completely lower your body temperature.
SAUNA BENEFITS
The exposure to the dry, intense heat of the sauna is a real cardiovascular workout. A prominent scientific study carried out in Finland showed how frequent sauna sessions (four times a week) can prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. During a sauna session, our heart performs a kind of cardiovascular exercise, blood circulation improves and blood pressure is regulated.
The immune system also benefits from regular sauna sessions, reducing anxiety and stress, boosting serotonin production, and improving sleep.
Sweating also promotes the elimination of metabolic waste and excess fluids that tend to stagnate in the body, which also has a beneficial effect on water retention.
The high temperature eases muscles, relieves articular aches and relaxes any muscle contractions, reduces inflammatory conditions, and favours physical recovery. The Finnish sauna is also popular among athletes, both during training and post-performance recovery, as it accelerates the drainage of accumulated lactic acid.
