From Savu to Infrared ? The History and Health Benefits of Saunas
The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery. The use of steam or smoke baths to cleanse the body and reduce stress has been a part of religious, social, and family traditions in numerous cultures for thousands of years. Native Americans, Russians, Romans, and Mediterranean cultures all had some sort of bathing facilities and rituals that played important roles in both private and public life in those communities. But it is the Finns who are credited with developing the modern sauna. The Finnish Savu Historical evidence and records indicate that the Finns built the first wooden saunas over 2000 years ago. The early Finnish sauna was dug into a hill or embankment. As tools and techniques advanced, they were later built above ground using wooden logs. Rocks were heated in a stone fireplace with a wood fire. The smoke from the fire filled the room as the air warmed. Once the temperature reached desired levels, the smoke was allowed to clear and the bathers entered. The wood smoke aroma still lingered and was part of the cleansing ritual. This type of traditional smoke sauna was called a savu, which means smoke in Finnish. The Evolution of the Sauna Eventually the sauna evolved to use a metal woodstove, or kiuas (ke-wus), with a chimney. Air temperatures averaged around 180F but often exceeded 200 degrees in a traditional Finnish sauna. Steam vapor, also called löyly (lou-lu), was created by splashing water on the heated rocks. The steam and high heat caused bathers to perspire, thus flushing away impurities and toxins from the body. The Finns also used vihtas (veh-tas) or bundles of birch twigs to gently slap the skin and create further stimulation of the pores and cells. The Finns also used the sauna as a place to cleanse the mind, rejuvenate and refresh the spirit, and prepare the dead for burial. The sauna was an important part of daily life, and families bathed together in the home sauna, but the genders didn't mix in public saunas. Because the sauna was often the cleanest structure and had water readily available, Finnish women also gave birth in the sauna. When the Finns migrated to other areas of the globe, they brought their sauna designs and traditions with them, introducing other cultures to the enjoyment and health benefits of saunas. This led to further evolution of the sauna, including the electric sauna stove, which was invented and implemented in the 1950s and far infrared saunas, which have become popular in the last several decades. Infrared saunas use a special heater that generates infrared radiation rays similar to that produced by the sun. Unlike the sun's UV radiation, infrared is said to be beneficial to overall health. In an infrared sauna, the electric heaters warm the air and also penetrate the skin to encourage perspiration, producing many of the same health benefits of traditional steam saunas. Today there are a wide variety of sauna options. Heat sources include wood, electricity, gas and other more unconventional methods such as solar power. There are wet saunas, dry saunas, smoke saunas, steam saunas, and those that work with infrared waves as described above. You can have a sauna in your home or apartment, in your backyard, on your rooftop, or even in a vehicle or on a pontoon boat. The possibilities are endless and creating innovative and sometimes quirky designs has become part of the appeal of sauna bathing. But for most people, it is still the health benefits that are the main attraction. A Wide Array of Health Benefits As saunas have gained in popularity, the health benefits have become more widely documented. Perhaps the most recognized benefit is the cleansing action caused by heavy perspiration. Sauna enthusiasts say that sweating caused by the high heat in a sauna can remove toxic chemicals, alcohol, cholesterol, cellulite, nicotine, and even heavy metals such as mercury. Not only does perspiration remove toxins, it opens and cleanses skin pores creating healthier skin and an improved complexion. In addition to cleansing the pores and cells, the heat from saunas is said to stimulate white blood cells and improve circulation, which in turn promotes healing of infections and tissue injuries. It also eases the pain from arthritis and other joint disorders. Some people believe the high heat, especially that from infrared saunas, can even be used to alleviate cancer symptoms. Some say a sauna will increase metabolism and encourage weight loss. Studies show that a person can burn 300 - 400 calories during a 20 to 30 minute sauna. In addition, even a brief sauna elevates heart rate and cardiac output, helping to improve cardiac fitness. Repeated use of saunas is said to restore a person's ability to sweat. Steam saunas are known to open nasal passages and alleviate sinus discomfort. A sauna, followed by a refreshing shower and cool down period has been known to help improve sleep patterns. The list of physical health benefits of saunas is extensive. In addition to these physical benefits, saunas help promote relaxation by easing muscle tension and aches, and promoting an environment with no distractions or demands. Used on an individual basis, a sauna can provide the perfect opportunity for solitary reflection. Group participation can lead to intimate conversations and bonding. It is important to note that the high heat and heavy air can be uncomfortable and possibly dangerous for certain people. Pregnant women, and people with cardiovascular problems, Multiple Sclerosis, and other related health concerns should talk with their doctor before using a sauna. And although a sauna is said to help remove alcohol and other toxins from the body, those under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not use a sauna due to concerns with interactions as well as danger of passing out. For thousands of years, saunas and sweat baths have been used to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. They have also played an important role in social interactions. Today's saunas have evolved to offer a wide variety of technologies, designs, and personal adaptations. But the overall enjoyment and health benefits of saunas continue to appeal to millions across the globe. About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a professional writer with Saunas-N-Sauna-Kits.com, providing consumer information on traditional Finnish designs,
infrared saunas
and portable
saunas. She has first-hand experience with the health benefits of
home saunas and
uses them as an effective treatment for sore, achy muscles after sitting at the
computer all day.
Related News
Home-improvement fraud overdue for a crackdown - Cherry Hill Courier Post
Home-improvement fraud overdue for a crackdownCherry Hill Courier Post, NJ -20 hours agoFor years, unscrupulous home-improvement contractors have walked away from jobs after receiving downpayments for work they never intended to finish. ... |
Ahead of the Bell: Goldman trims home improvement - CNNMoney.com
Save to Win Contest offers homeowners a new way to save - PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)
Home improvement retailers see gains during 3Q - CNNMoney.com
Home improvement retailers see gains during 3QCNNMoney.com -Sep 30, 2008NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Shares of home improvement retailers saw notable gains during the third quarter, despite months of economic uncertainty that ... |
Business Briefs - Nashoba Publishing
Business BriefsNashoba Publishing, MA -12 hours agoMarie's stories highlight how taking on home improvement projects allows women to challenge themselves and work through issues like fear of failure, ...Regional briefsNashoba Publishingall 4 news articles |
Odenton home improvement contractor ordered to stop working in Howard - Baltimore Sun
Retail vacancies rise to 6.9% as spending wanes - Bizjournals.com
Retail vacancies rise to 6.9% as spending wanesBizjournals.com, NC -9 hours agoMetro Phoenix’s top new lease for the quarter was the Lowe’s Home Improvement store at Happy Valley and Lake Pleasant Parkway — almost 140000 square feet. ... |
Arizona pool sales plunging - Arizona Republic
Arizona pool sales plungingArizona Republic, AZ -21 hours agoHe also is a dealer for Capital One, which offers lines of credit for home improvement. Still, he said, the criteria are strict, with high credit scores ... |
FirstAgain Reports Rapid Rise of Online Unsecured Personal Loans ... - PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)
FAB CONFIDENT OF HOME IMPROVEMENT - Sportinglife.com
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Home Improvement for The Ladies!
Your Own Homes Improvement Outline
With A Stylish Bathroom Vanity You Can Take Pride In Your Bathroom?s Appearance!
An easy way to instantly improve your bathroom's image is to buy a stylish new bathroom vanity set. Bathroom vanity sets come in a huge range styles and finishes. They typically include a sink cabinet, a mirror and a stool or a chair. A vanity unit can become a stunning focal point of the room and also has a practical function. Combining practicality with elegance and style can be a surefire winner in any bathroom!
Tips for Choosing Log Furniture
If you just love that rustic look, and are finally ready to finally buy log furniture for your home, there are a number of "rules of thumb" that can help you in making good choices.
Planning Permision Tips UK - 6 Common Design Mistakes When Extending a Residential Property
Don't you just love the design of some of these alpine chalets??!!**??
The $27,000 Toilet Seat - Funny DIY Story
This story was told to me by a plumber I know and it brings home the reason why there are times to call a professional.
Add Value to Your House - Interior Remodelling
Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look and value of a house. I would definitely recommend getting professionals to do the job for you unless your good at renovation yourself. Here is some advice on how the get the most bang for your buck when remodeling.
Improving Your Bathrooms Appearance can be as Simple as Changing Your Bathroom Cabinets
Your choice of bathroom cabinet can affect the look and feel of your entire room. If your bathroom could benefit from a fresh new look, then consider replacing your old storage cabinets with stylish new ones. This is a relatively easy way of giving your bathroom a facelift, compared to the work involved to install a new shower stall or bathtub. Cabinets can easily be fitted to your wall without the need for messing about with your plumbing!
Everything - Plus The Kitchen Sink
Looking to do some remodeling in your kitchen sink area or maybe the whole kitchen? There are many options out there for any idea you may have. Kitchen appliances on down to kitchen tables, and kitchen sinks are available at your finger tips online. So, whether you are repairing or remodeling, take a minute to notice all of your options.
Finishing Your Basement Can be Very Rewarding
Transforming your home's basement into a finished space can prove to be very rewarding. Frequently the additional living space is used for a variety of entertainment functions including: Recreation Rooms, Bars, Gyms, Billiard Rooms, Home Theatres and Family Rooms. In addition, Bedrooms and Bathrooms are also incorporated into the floor space. Typically the square foot cost of finishing a basement is significantly lower than other floors within the home.
Rodent Proofing Your Home
It's that time of year where rats and mice are apt to enter our homes. Lets talk a bit about their abilities and senses first.
Types of Table Saws
A table saw is one of the most popular pieces of machinery used for woodworking. It consists of a circular saw powered by an electric motor that is mounted onto a table. In order to cut, material is pushed through the saw on the top of the table. It is used mostly for large wood projects such as fences, tables, book shelves, etc. When selecting a table saw it is important to know the different types and the pros and cons of each. The following are the four basic types of table saws and what they have to offer.
Bathroom Interior Design
Any advice or guide on the interior design of a bathroom should be based around one simple concept: keep it simple. Rooms inside of a home should have functional aspects, and if one room is designed for very specific functions, it is the bathroom. There have always been many jokes about the "throne" of a home, but the honest fact is that creating a visibly appealing and comfortable bathroom will inspire positive feelings to its users.
Deck Building Ledger - The Secrets to Successful Deck Construction
The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to
successful deck construction because it is the essential
piece of wood that connects your deck to your home and
from which all other measurements are taken.
Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)
Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't know why? Maybe you need to let the light shine! Add new light to your rooms for an instant uplift.
Refrigerators Electric Consumption - Lower It In 15 Minutes
I recently had a customer ask for my advise about cleaning her refrigerator.
Rustic Stone House Signs
You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is perfect from every angle. The outside of the house is designed to demand a second look from anyone passing by. So it's important that people know the name of the particularly well-constructed house. Also anyone visiting the house should easily be able to locate it hence putting up your house name or street address in a legible and presentable manner is of utmost importance.
Colors: Their Connotations and Perceived Meanings
Throughout the ages, colors have been used to evoke certain emotions, and an examination of the history of color offers fascinating insights into the human condition, as well as showing how different cultures have developed different attitudes about color. Here are a few examples of what various colors have come to represent over the years:
Log Homes - Whats Different About Log Homes?
Newcomers to the world of log homes will notice that log homes look different than conventional "stick-built" homes. But are log homes really different, other than in appearance? If so, how?
Buying The Right Bed Sheets For Your Bed
You spend a lot of your life in your bed sleeping and rejuvenating for the next day's activity. Sleeping is a process that takes up roughly about about a third of the average person's life. So it makes sense that you would want to make your bed comfortable and a pleasure to be in. It also is a nice bonus if the bedding you choose enhances the overall decor of your home and is pleasing to the eye.
What Are Light Fixtures Used For?
Light fixtures are something not many of us think about. But, the way we light a room can cause us to feel a certain way or enhance what we want to accomplish in that room. There are many types of light fixtures for all areas of the home and even outdoor lighting fixtures for landscaping designs.
|
