We do not consider that in other parts of the world the sauna began its history as a magical place meant to accompany people at all stages of life. It is a symbolic place of purification or identity formation. What is a dry sauna and how to use it?
It was the frosts affecting people living in regions where polar night lasts for several months a year that caused the birth of the sauna. Such a heated small room was meant to compensate the Finns for the lack of sunlight. However, when we delve into history, it turns out that the sauna has many more meanings. It is estimated that there are so many saunas in Finland that all citizens of the country could simultaneously take hot baths. The sauna is already an element of national identity.
Ancient beliefs assumed that saunas were regularly visited by the dead, who came there to warm up. Another legend assumes that an elf, called Saunatonttu, lives in the sauna. This small elf is the guardian of the sauna living in corners that are not visible at first glance. Even then, the belief in the health benefits of the sauna was nurtured, where rituals were performed to drive out diseases, treat pain or infertility. It was also the place where childbirths were attended and the bodies of the dead were washed.
Read also: Types of saunas and their uses
The Finnish sauna is a wooden cabin with benches also made of wood, in which the highest temperature prevails. It can reach even 120 degrees Celsius, which due to differences in air humidity is not possible to achieve in a steam sauna. The humidity in a dry sauna is about 15% or less, while in a steam sauna it can reach 100%. The conditions in a dry sauna are provided by heated stones that are not sprinkled with water.
Rules for using the Finnish sauna are similar to those for the steam sauna. In both, no bathing suit is worn as it could burn the body, but in the dry sauna you can wrap yourself in a towel. Taking a towel to the steam sauna makes no sense because it will be completely wet after a moment. This means that people more embarrassed by nudity should choose the dry sauna. What are other rules for using the sauna?
Above all, in the sauna we must take into account that we are not alone in it, but we do not share it only with an elf, but also with strangers. Therefore, hygiene rules must be followed. Both before and after a visit to the sauna, you should wash yourself, remembering that our skin will remove toxins from the body due to the heat. Footwear should be left at the entrance. We should go to the sauna in the evening when we no longer have a day full of activities ahead of us. It is best not to use it not only before but also immediately after physical exertion.
You should not enter the cabin either hungry or full. It is best to use it once a week, which is enough for all its beneficial effects to take place. One sauna session should last from 5 to 15 minutes, after which a break for cooling down should be taken. Then you can return for another session. After leaving the sauna, a 20-minute rest should be taken. What benefits does the sauna offer us? Can using the sauna be harmful?
Read also: Steam sauna – how to use it? Benefits, properties and effects
The dry sauna brings the best effects to people with increased tension in back muscles, bronchial asthma or rheumatoid arthritis. The Finnish sauna helps improve the circulatory system, heart function and regulate blood pressure. In addition to these, the advantage of the sauna is stress reduction. The dry sauna causes increased sweating, and with sweat the body removes accumulated toxins. The body thus cleanses itself and metabolism improves. Because of this, many people consider the sauna a method for weight loss.
However, there are also contraindications to using this place. The Finnish sauna should primarily be avoided by elderly people, children, and pregnant women. Also, people with a current cold, tuberculosis or an acute asthmatic condition. Ulcers, cancers, circulatory failure or coronary heart disease, glaucoma, or epilepsy are also conditions excluding sauna visits.
