Saunas have been around for centuries in world culture. It’s been used far and wide from Europe to South America for everything from religious ceremonies to relaxation. Today, you might know a sauna to be a small room wherein one can either experience dry heat or wet heat, causing a person to perspire.
As we know now, saunas and steam rooms have been associated with boosting health and relieving stress in some pretty unique ways. Some of the claims that have been made surrounding saunas are that they can help boost immunity, increase blood circulation, cleanse the body of certain toxins, and help to minimize the risk of contracting certain diseases.
The culture of saunas can be attributed to Finland where the modern, contemporary sauna is believed to have originated from. Both, dry saunas and wet saunas, are directly connected to Finland. Depending on whether a person prefers a dry heat or a wet heat, it’s up to a person’s personal preferences regarding how much humidity they can handle.
Saunas go far beyond Finland’s borders as well. In ancient times, the equivalent of saunas were used by the Romans, the Russians, the Aztecs, and the Mayans. It’s believed the Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese also had their own version of the sauna. Let’s also not forget the Native Americans and Aboriginal populations of North America who have long had sweat lodges. For centuries, saunas or sauna equivalents have been used in these societies.
There’s also ‘Turkish baths’ which come from the Arab world. Alternatively referred to as ‘hammams’, Turkish baths are visited weekly by most Arabic people. They are valued at all social levels to help with deep cleansing and exfoliation, as well as providing health benefits.
For a long time, it was believed going into a sauna in wintertime produced the most benefit although we know now from studies that use during the warmer months typically produce the same effects.
Today, spanning the world, you’ll also find thousands of public bath houses all across Asia, down through the Middle East, and in parts of Europe. In North America, saunas are perhaps most popularly connected to fitness clubs, spas, and resorts. In some cases, rotations back and forth between intense heat and cooling off periods are recommended.
Why saunas have survived centuries and have proven to be so popular are for many reasons. Saunas, steam rooms, and their world cultural equivalents are believed to offer several health benefits.
Boosting immunity by increasing white blood cell production.
Eliminating toxins and impurities through the skin.
Increasing your heart rate, blood circulation, and metabolism.
Assisting with the loosening and relaxing of your muscles.
Providing relief in times of stress, tension, and/or high blood pressure.
Giving a sauna user a stronger sense of mental well-being and rejuvenation.
Opens the skin’s pores and helps to release trapped oils.
Relaxes tense muscles throughout the body.
Loosens dead, dry skin which helps to exfoliate.
If you’re looking to buy your own steam room, sauna, dry sauna, or infrared sauna, contact a representative at Steam Sauna today. No matter if it’s for your own home or for commercial purpose, we would love to help recommend the most appropriate option for your needs.