The use of the sauna has become widespread as more and more people have become conscious of their health. The sauna’s existence has been observed in various places such as Finland, Russia, Estonia, Japan, Korea, Turkey and North America. The sauna for them has various purposes which may or may not be similar to the ones currently practiced.

In the olden times, the sauna was a place where one went for cleansing and purification. There are spiritual aspects to the use of sauna. Important milestones such as giving birth, washing of the dead and healing procedures were often conducted. It was considered a sacred place.

Now saunas are places where one can sweat and experience its therapeutic benefits. These are like steam rooms where an individual can stay for a certain period of time. Usually the temperatures are between forty-three to forty-six degrees centigrade. It produces steam which leads a person to sweat and rejuvenate.

In most cases a small room is provided for a sauna. It has a very high temperature but the humidity is controlled. It has two types – the dry and the wet. The wet one is the steam room where the temperature is lower to keep the steam from scorching the skin. For the most part saunas are made of wood which emit a pleasing scent when heated.

Sauna Etiquette

In some places the rooms for men are different from those for women. Sauna etiquette differs from one place to another. There are saunas where one has to be fully clothed while there are those where one just uses a towel to wrap around the torso.

The sauna serves to relax a person. It has a tremendous effect on the person’s circulatory system. During the course of the sauna there is more oxygen supply to the various cells and tissues. The heat coming from the steam promotes enhanced blood supply and the level of white blood cells goes up. The improved blood circulation makes it possible for the person to boost his immune system.

Detoxification

It also detoxifies the body. The toxins are flushed out when a person sweats. In addition, approximately four hundred to six hundred calories are burned in a sauna session. Some people can achieve a high level of relaxation in a sauna thus alleviating their stress and tension.

The use of the sauna is also beneficial for people who are suffering from various ailments. Those with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from the therapeutic effects of the sauna which is then followed by a cold shower. It is also good for those who feel lethargic and often feel tired. Chronic pain can also be eased with regular sauna experience.

Respiratory system

The respiratory system is also benefited because regular visits to the sauna can improve the conditions of those with bronchial asthma and bronchitis. Diseases caused by one’s lifestyle can also be dealt with at varying levels by the use of sauna. These conditions might include obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis and hypertension. Sweating in the sauna burns more calories which might then have an effect on those ailments.

Risks

There are also some risks when using the sauna. It should never be used when one has imbibed alcohol because it might cause the intoxicated person to faint. There are also heart conditions which are not suited to the use of sauna, so for those who have trouble with the heart, it is advised that they consult with their doctors.