The sauna is both a wet and fiery topic, with a history dating back to the Stone Age. Moreover, since the need for warmth is inherent to humans regardless of their location on Earth, the sauna developed simultaneously in different corners of the world as a way to warm up on frosty days or cool nights. Although saunas are primarily associated with Finland, the history of this heated room goes much further and wider across the world.
Early saunas were dugouts covered with skin and bark. Only later did they transform into stoves within wooden buildings. Their purpose was always to use heated stones as a means of warming people. Both ancient Rome and Greece already used the health benefits of the first saunas. Even then, the advantages of such hot baths for athletes of that time were recognized.
In Arab countries, hammams were created – steam baths built near mosques. In Poland, as in other parts of medieval Europe, the tradition of saunas was popularized by the Slavs. Wooden structures were equipped with stoves that were sprinkled with water to generate steam. Gaps in the buildings were sealed with moss to prevent steam from escaping outside. Native Americans used hot stones in tents, which, along with herbs, served both for beneficial inhalations and religious rituals. But what do saunas look like today?
Also read: Types of saunas and their uses
The most popular Finnish saunas, i.e. dry saunas, are made of wood, but this is not the only sauna tradition. The second type is the so-called wet saunas, or steam baths. Here, temperatures are not as high, ranging around 40-45 degrees Celsius, while humidity can reach even 100%, whereas in dry saunas it does not exceed 10%. The wet sauna is usually made of ceramic mosaic. Its main benefit is cleansing the body of toxins and metabolic waste. Steam baths boost immunity and inhale the respiratory tract, as well as improve skin condition by smoothing and moisturizing.
Saunas improve metabolism, accelerate carbohydrate burning, enhance blood circulation, and importantly, regardless of age, add vitality. However, before starting your sauna experience, it is essential to exclude any possible contraindications such as infections, infectious diseases, hypertension, diabetes, or cancers. Kidney, liver, or lung diseases, as well as acute rheumatic or asthmatic conditions also exclude the possibility of using a sauna.
The health benefits of a steam sauna can be expected when using it 2-3 times a week. It is used naked, and unlike a dry sauna, no towel is taken into the room. It must be left outside because high humidity would quickly make the towel wet. Jewelry should also be removed and left outside, as heated jewelry under high temperature may cause burns.
Besides the seats, the steam sauna is equipped with showers used to sprinkle the seats and floor, but also to cool the legs. Right after entering the sauna, the seats and floor are rinsed with water, and the same is done after the session. During the session, you can either sit or lie down. The duration of one session should not exceed 20 minutes. During one sauna visit, two longer or three shorter sessions (e.g., each lasting about 8 minutes) are recommended, with cooling the body using a shower and rehydrating in between.
Today, saunas are increasing in all facilities dedicated to rest and recreation. More and more often, we also tend to build them in our own homes or gardens. When going on vacation, we like to return to the hotel after a long day outdoors and enjoy the wellness zone. Saunas relax, regenerate muscles, reduce swelling, act as anti-stress, and improve mood by raising endorphin levels.
At Hotel St.Bruno, it is possible to use a Finnish sauna, but only in combination with a relaxing massage or hydromassage. This option is specially dedicated to couples because the massage and hydromassage room is designed for two people. Therefore, unlike the pool, single sauna entries are not sold at the hotel.
Also read: Dry (Finnish) sauna – how to use it? Pros and cons!
