The sauna is both a wet and fiery topic, whose history dates back to the Stone Age. Moreover, since the need for warmth lies in human nature regardless of the place on earth, saunas developed simultaneously in various corners of the world as a way to warm up on frosty days or cool nights. Although we primarily associate saunas with Finland, the history of this heated room goes much further and wider around the world.
Early saunas were dugouts covered with skin and bark. Only over time did they turn into stoves in wooden buildings. However, their main purpose was always for heated stones to serve as a way to warm a person. Both ancient Rome and Greece already took advantage of the health benefits of the first saunas. Even then, the benefits of such hot baths for athletes were noticed.
In Arab countries, hammams, i.e. steam baths built near mosques, were established. In Poland, as in other parts of medieval Europe, the sauna tradition was spread by the Slavs. Wooden structures were equipped with stoves that were sprinkled with water to generate steam. Gaps in the structures were sealed with moss to prevent steam from escaping outside. Meanwhile, Native Americans used hot stones in tents that, along with herbs, served for beneficial inhalations but also for religious rituals. And what do saunas look like today?
Read also: 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 tradition concerning saunas. The second type is the so-called wet saunas, i.e. steam baths. Here, temperatures are not so high, ranging around 40-45 degrees Celsius, while the humidity achieved can be as high as 100%, whereas in dry saunas it does not exceed 10%. Wet saunas are usually made of ceramic mosaic. Their main benefit is cleansing the body of toxins and metabolic waste. Steam baths strengthen immunity and inhale the respiratory tract, as well as improve skin condition, having smoothing and moisturizing effects.
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 contraindications such as infections, contagious diseases, hypertension, diabetes, or cancers. Kidney, liver, or lung diseases, as well as acute rheumatic or asthma states, also exclude the possibility of using a sauna.
The health benefits of a steam sauna can be expected when used 2-3 times a week. It is used naked, and unlike dry saunas, you do not take a towel into the room. You must leave it outside, as the high humidity would quickly make the towel wet. Jewelry should also be removed and left outside, as heating under high temperatures may cause burns.
Besides seats, the steam sauna is equipped with showers used for sprinkling seats and floors but also to cool the legs. Immediately after entering the sauna, rinse the seats and floor with water and do the same after the session ends. During the session, you can either sit or lie down. One session should last a maximum of 20 minutes. During one visit to the sauna, two longer or three shorter sessions (e.g., lasting 8 minutes each) are recommended, with cooling the body under the shower and rehydrating between them.
Currently, saunas are increasing in all facilities intended for rest and recreation. Also, more and more often, there is a tendency to build them in private 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, have anti-stress effects, and improve mood by raising endorphin levels.
At Hotel St.Bruno, it is possible to use the Finnish sauna, but only in combination with a relaxing massage or hydromassage. This option is specially dedicated to couples, as the massage and hydromassage room is designed for two. Therefore, unlike the pool, single entries to the sauna are not sold at the hotel.
Read also: Dry sauna (Finnish) – how to use it? Advantages and disadvantages!
