Sauna as a means of maintaining health is another several thousand year old practice.
Although mainly associated with Scandinavia in general and Finland in particular the sauna concept itself can be found among many peoples around the world. North American Indians, Asian people
also use the sauna concept as part of their culture. The often associated mystical aspects aside, the basic concept behind sauna is the alternate use use of heat and cold as a means of opening and closing the skin's pours to effect a detoxification through the skin.
In Traditional Herbal Theory it is well known and that the skin is like a third kidney and is closely associated with kidney functions. It makes sense that if the skin is used to detoxify over its entire surface as the body's largest organ it would alleviate the burden on the kidneys and benefit the entire body. This is why the body is gently beaten with a small bouquet of birch leaved twigs. Birch leaves are a herb traditionally used to assist kidney function.
The heat in a sauna can be dry or moist. Some cultures use dry heat only. The European sauna usually consists of steam from water being splashed onto the heated rocks on the sauna stove.
In general, sauna is considered to be quite safe, pleasant and invigorating. Saunas insignificantly raise the body's core temperature compared to hot tubs and can be enjoyed by a wider variety of people in different states of health because of it. The main concern of a sauna is staying in too long. It can make a person feel light headed or faint from overheating. Even in a very hot sauna, mainly the temperature of the surface of your body that rises and with it the blood vessels dilate, and as resistance to blood flow through your veins and capillaries drops circulation in the skin climbs and your blood pressure goes down. Naturally, the heartbeat increases to normalize blood pressure .
When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state. Fever is part of the body’s natural healing process. Fever stimulates the immune system resulting in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti viral protein with cancer fighting capability).
Needless to say people with heart disease or who have been using drugs or alcohol should not use a sauna. During a 10-20 minute sauna session, your heart rate will typically increases by 50-75%. This provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. The increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.
Blood vessels become more flexible and there is increased circulation to the extremities. During a sauna, blood flow to the skin increases to as high as 50-70% of cardiac output (compared to the standard 5-10%). This brings nutrients to subcutaneous and surface tissue resulting in glowing healthy skin.
Steambaths and saunas induce sweating to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body. 30% of body wastes are passed through the skin. Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body.
Spas and other such therapeutic facilities utilize saunas and steambaths in conjunction with massage to loosen fatty tissue and assist in the battle against cellulite.
Typically, after being 10 or 15 minutes in a hot sauna one will jump into a pool of cool water and then continue back into the sauna and repeat this cyle several times.
In spite of the heat, a sauna will not dry out the skin and in fact because of it's modus operandai will probably benefit skin conditions and the body in general. In some cultures women give birth in a sauna and use it therapeutically for about a month after having given birth.
Many regular steam and sauna users claim that a “good sweat” at the onset helps relieve and ward off the most severe symptoms of cold or flu.
People who have taken saunas and steambaths have found:
- Relief from the pain and stiffness of arthritis.
- Steam is an excellent treatment for respiratory problems, such as; chest congestion,
bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis.
- Revives tired and strained muscles after physical exertion.
- The cleansing effect of profuse perspiration helps provide healthy skin and a clear
complexion.
How to Take a Sauna
First sweat
While getting the first sweat, you don't throw any water on the sauna stove. Just sit calmly enjoying the warmth of the athmosphere
Cooling down
Next you might want to cool down a bit by having a shower or a swim in a nearby lake, river or sea.
Throwing water
Now you throw water on the sauna stove, according to what feels comfortable. Real veterans use a strong wisp or bundle of birch twigs with the leaves left on them to beat themselves gently. This enchances the feeling of comfort.
Washing
It's time to wash yourself. If you need any help, feel free to ask someone to help you!
Last bath
Normally one has still one sauna bath before leaving to cool down.
Sitting and cooling
Finally, one leaves and cools down outside, by having a cold shower and then sitting outside at the terrace (if available) for a moment, usually enjoying some kind of a drink, most often a beer.
Books On Sauna
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