What is a Finnish sauna?

More than a treatment, or a bathing modality, in reality, the sauna is one of the most deeply rooted Finnish traditions.

It is an ancestral hygienic and social ritual that consists of a "dry bath" in which temperatures of up to 80º and 100º can be reached. A very different experience from the Turkish bath, wet and at no more than 70º.

This may not sound very appealing, but it is one of Finland's most deeply rooted customs. So much so, that it has spread around the world and saunas are manufactured that are able to adapt to rooms of almost any size.

The traditional sauna in Finland is located in a room of the house covered with wood that is heated by a stove and in which hot stones are placed over which water is poured to generate steam known as löyly

Tradition has it that this löylyis the spirit of the sauna, so no two are alike. Each sauna has its own steam, its own löyly, its own spirit.

Are you looking for a spa or health spa to relax in?

CONSULT OUR SEARCH ENGINE TO FIND THE ESTABLISHMENT THAT FITS YOU BEST!

 

 

 

Where does the Finnish sauna come from?

Some say that in Finland the sauna may have been around for more than 7000 years

And although its origin is widely accepted, the truth is that it is not entirely clear, since they have been found, in the area of present-day Mexico and Guatemala, remains of pre-Columbian "saunas", called temazcales, which bear many similarities to this Nordic custom.

Turning to northern Europe, in Finland the oldest saunas found consist, quite simply, of pits dug into hillsides with chimneys where stones were heated to very high temperatures and water was poured into them to produce steam.

Later, rooms began to be built in the houses, which were used not only as saunas but, at lower temperatures, were the center of some of the most important moments of life, the most sacred room in the house for the Finns:

Women gave birth there because the walls were covered with soot. It seems strange to us, but soot has bacteria-resistant components, so it was considered the cleanest room in the house.

It was the place of purification before marriage and also where the dead were washed and prepared for burial.

The traditional sauna is always built in wood, it may or may not have a chimney, but what is always there is a stove and stones on which to pour water with a ladle to produce steam.

It is also traditional to use a beam of birch branches, collected by hand, with which, after having soaked it in water (the beam) the Finns gently whip their bodies. In this way they improve blood circulation, are impregnated with the pleasant smell of birch, and soothe, cleanse, and calm sore muscles.

How to take a Finnish sauna

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the Finnish sauna is taken unhurriedly and entered naked.

The Finnish sauna has no sexual connotations whatsoever. In fact, the traditional sauna was the place where the whole family gathered. Although it is recommended that you use a towel to sit on. This way you will not get burned.

If you are inexperienced you can start at a lower temperature. We recommend a range between 80º and 100º, but you can start at about 60º and increase the temperature as you have experience in this ritual.

If you do not have experience in this ritual, you can start at a lower temperature.

Precisely what characterizes this type of sauna is to produce a warm atmosphere, but not humid, and as no more than 15-20% humidity at any time, intense sweating is stimulated, which makes the body cool and the experience more comfortable.

As you can already sense, the Finnish sauna is an almost sacred ritual. That's why, in Finland, children were taught to behave in the sauna almost like in church.

When you need to, pour water over the stones to produce steam, and go out at intervals to cool off with cold water (the Finnish tradition is to build the saunas by lakes and go out for a dip in the icy water or to baste yourself in snow).

Then repeat as many times as you like and always finish with a shower with soap and drinking to rehydrate.

Water is the most hydrating, but Finns like to do it with beer. If you like...

What are the benefits of the Finnish sauna for the body?

If enjoyment and stopping the clock don't sound like enough benefits to enjoy a good sauna session, read on. This Nordic custom has a lot more to contribute than meets the eye.

Although there are people who do not like the idea of sweating in an enclosed place, the truth is that high temperatures and sweat help to eliminate toxins and impurities, both from the skin (dilates the pores), as the rest of the body.

It also helps to eliminate lactic acid, so it makes muscle recovery after exercise faster (and if it reduces the annoying stiffness, that's already a great point in its favor). Consequently, it also relieves joint pain and muscle aches.

It also helps to improve breathing, as the steam dissolves mucus and clears the airways.

And the slowness imposed by the ritual makes you get into a deep relaxation that decreases stress levels and helps you sleep better.

However, it's always wise to make sure you can enjoy a good sauna safely.

Due to the temperatures reached, it could be harmful to people suffering from cardiovascular disease or anxiety, those suffering from hypertension, coagulation, or kidney problems, so if this is your case, it is best to consult your doctor before taking one.

Are you looking for a spa or health spa to relax in?

CONSULT OUR SEARCH ENGINE TO FIND THE ESTABLISHMENT THAT FITS YOU BEST!

 

 

 

 

 

The Finnish sauna, an ancestral custom... and fun

The most traditional sauna was a wooden room heated with smoke with only a window to let it out when it completely smokes the room.

However, if there is one thing that defines the Finns and their love of the sauna, it is creativity

In modern saunas you can find some heated with smoke, others heated with wood, the most traditional way and best valued by the Finns, and others, electric, which are heated by large resistors.

But the Finnish custom of taking a sauna does not stop there. In Finland, you can find floating saunas, saunas on boats, ice saunas, or saunas in cable cars.

Even the Finnish Parliament has its own sauna in which members of parliament debate, and all Finnish embassies and consulates have their own sauna.

And as if that were not enough, the sauna has even been taken to war: during the conflicts with the Soviet Union, the Finns managed to reduce the incidence of diseases resulting from lack of hygiene because they had saunas in tents

Are you looking for a spa or health spa to relax in?

CONSULT OUR SEARCH ENGINE TO FIND THE ESTABLISHMENT THAT FITS YOU BEST!