Sauna

Sauna is a small room or building designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one or more of these facilities. The steam and high heat make the bathers perspire. Infrared therapy is often referred to as a type of sauna, but according to the Finnish sauna organizations, infrared is not a sauna.

History

The history of the sauna is connected to the history of the Finnish people. The sauna was (and still is) an important part of daily life, and families bathed together in the home sauna. Many traditionalists still see saunas this way.

Types of Saunas

There are several types of saunas, including:

• Smoke Sauna (Savusauna)
• Wood Stove Saunas
• Electrically Heated Saunas
• Infrared Saunas
• Steam Saunas

Health Effects

Saunas can have a number of health benefits, including:

• Improved Cardiovascular Performance
• Aiding in Recovery After Intense Physical Activity
• Flushing Toxins
• Cleansing the Skin
• Inducing a Deeper Sleep
• Helping to Fight Illness

Sauna in Different Cultures

Saunas are used around the world in various cultures, including in Finland, Russia (where it is known as a banya), Japan (where it is known as an onsen), and Korea (where it is known as a jjimjilbang).

See Also

• Steam room
• Turkish bath
• Hot tub

Sauna Resources
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