At first glance, the method smacks of madness: to begin, sit buck-naked in a hot wooden room (180º-200º F or 82º-93ºC) and sweat from every pore; next, plunge into a blue lake or roll in a snow bank; then, return to the hot box and do it all over again, smiling with bliss. Is this an audition for a reality show?
Welcome to sauna! Whether you pronounce it the Finnish way ("sow"-na as in "cow") or the American ("saw"-na), you'll love how the dry heat of this rigorous sweat bath provides a healthy glow and exquisite relaxation. The people of Finland have practiced it for centuries. When Finns immigrated to North America, they brought their Saturday night sauna, and the custom has spread across the continent. Today, saunas are found in health clubs, hotels, and homes around the globe.
The benefits of a great sauna reach well beyond the skin, and can help our bodies cope with stress. And what better time of year, then the holidays to enjoy a little stress relief!
The Scandinavians have practiced the traditional sauna for centuries and the rest of the world are now understanding the amazing benefits
The traditional sauna in which the body is exposed to intense heat, followed by an icy dip in water or a roll in the snow with a return to heat improves the stress response system of the body. The cold shifts the sympathetic nervous system into high gear, causing the system to quickly burn energy. The return to heat has a soothing effect, which allows the parasympathetic nervous system to replenish energy storage. The hot/cold/hot process allows the body to naturally build resistance to adversity and handle stress.
So the next time you skip the sauna at the gym, think again. It may be the answer to relieving stress any time of year.
Welcome to sauna! Whether you pronounce it the Finnish way ("sow"-na as in "cow") or the American ("saw"-na), you'll love how the dry heat of this rigorous sweat bath provides a healthy glow and exquisite relaxation. The people of Finland have practiced it for centuries. When Finns immigrated to North America, they brought their Saturday night sauna, and the custom has spread across the continent. Today, saunas are found in health clubs, hotels, and homes around the globe.
