The Sauna
Nature’s Bathhouse
For centuries Finns have relied on the body’s natural ability to perspire, in order to cleanse body and soul in their saunas.
The fundamental principles of the Authentic Finnish Sauna.
The Finns combine three key elements of nature;
Heat – Steam – Ventilation
to create a genuine Finnish Sauna.
- Heat
For centuries Finns have used heated stones as the heat source in their saunas. Originally, a wood fire heated the sauna stones. In contemporary saunas the method of heating may vary, but the hot stone principle remains.
- Steam
For more than 2000 years, Finns have poured water on hot stones to create steam, and to activate the body’s natural ability to cleanse itself through sweating. Humidity and heat are uniquely combined in the Finnish Sauna Climate. This essential combination of steam and heat has often been misunderstood around the world, leading to the result of dry heat. This is a violation of one of the fundamental principles of a Finnish Sauna.
- Ventilation
It is evident from viewing old drawings and photographs of ancient Finnish Smoke Saunas, that the heat and steam leaked from many places into the cold winter air. Whether the ventilation occurred by design, or accidentally as a result of haphazard construction, is subject to conjecture. Nevertheless these pictures demonstrate clearly that there has always been a third key element of a Finnish Sauna - proper ventilation.
What are the essentials of an Authentic Finnish Sauna?
A well-insulated and ventilated room lined with clear softwood paneling of Finnish northern Spruce or Pine and furnished with comfortable Abachi wood benches.
A good heater capable of heating the room to temperatures of 60ºC to 80ºC and of heating the stones directly, to provide a soft, gentle heat and instant steam when water is poured over the stones. This steam is necessary to induce perspiration, to cleanse the pores and to create a pleasant climate.
As important as the heat and steam in Finnish Sauna, is proper ventilation. If it is not arranged properly you will feel tired and will not achieve a sense of well being.
The genuine Finnish Sauna is the only bath in the world where the heat and the humidity of a well-ventilated air mix are present at the same time. The high heat and the low humidity combined with proper ventilation open the pores and promote profound perspiration. The perspiration promotes a deep cleansing of the pores and flushes out the body’s impurities.
Health Benefits…
Soothes and relaxes tired muscles
Helps to relieve mental fatigue, tension and stress
Increases metabolic rate and improves circulation
Helps to relieve arthritis pain
Promotes healing and releases two natural painkillers, Beta-endorphins and Norepinephrines
Increases resistance to illness & prevents illness from worsening
Burns as many as 300 calories during a normal Sauna session – equal to running 2 – 3 miles
Helps maintain clear, healthy skin – and provides an after glow of rosy complexion
Helps in healing skin ailments such as psoriasis and acne
Relieves allergies and sinus congestion
Brings relief to some Lupus patients, & helps patients with kidney problems
Reduces pain from sunburn
Aids insomniacs by promoting a deep sleep
Sweats out body toxins and poisons – used in drug rehabilitation and detoxification programs
Aids in weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise
Beneficial for post workout relaxation
Smoothes the skin and softens hair, amplifies the efficacy of heat activated treatment products.
Promotes a wonderful feeling of well being and an experience of total relaxation that no other bath can duplicate
Sauna, an investment for a better way of life!
- Saunas have been a way of life for the Finns for over 2000 years; and Finns often build their Saunas first before starting construction of their home.
Finnish immigrants introduced the Sauna to North America when they settled in the New World. Today, the genuine Finnish Sauna is part of life for many North Americans.
Saunas provide year round enjoyment and quality time with family or friends.
Saunas require little maintenance and add luxury and value to your home
Want to know more?
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Heaven on Earth
The Authentic Finnish Sauna.
