Sauna as a way of promoting health and fighting various diseases is a custom of many nations. Research reveals that a rationally constructed bath procedure is akin to sports training. In a steam room, pressure on the cardiovascular system and other organs gradually increases. Sauna is especially helpful for those engaged in sedentary work, as the lack of movement is well compensated, with strength, endurance increase, coordination of movements improves.
After several visits, physiological properties of the skin improve, metabolism of fats normalizes, and blood circulation improves.
Sauna heat dilates and thoroughly cleanses the pores of the entire body, removes dirt, and removes dead cells from the top layer of the skin. Even the most effective cosmetic mask is not able to replace the bath. Excessive perspiration activates oxidative processes; proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and trace elements digest better contributing largely to weight loss.People were born in the bath, died in the bath, visiting it was a special ceremony. According to our ancestors’ philosophy, in addition to its basic function (cleansing the body), the bath is a unique combination of four natural elements: water, fire, earth (stones) and air (steam). Upon visiting the bath, one would absorb the strength and power of these elements and be born again.
In Western Europe, the 'Turkish bath' as a method of cleansing and relaxation became popular during the Victorian era. The process involved in taking a Turkish bath is similar to that of a sauna, but is more closely related to ancient Greek and ancient Roman bathing practices.A person taking a Turkish bath first relaxes in a room (known as the warm room) that is heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air allowing the bather to perspire freely. Bathers may then move to an even hotter room (known as the hot room) before splashing themselves with cold water. After performing a full body wash and receiving a massage, bathers finally retire to the cooling-room for a period of relaxation.
The beneficial effects of therapeutic sauna are both temporary and long term.Contraindications to sauna include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction and severe aortic stenosis. Sauna is safe, however, for most people with stable coronary heart disease. It is not harmful to the aged when used in moderation, is safe even for young infants over 3 months if limited to short (< 3 minutes) sessions, and does not affect wound healing. Sauna use may reduce the incidence of the common cold, and temporarily relieve the symptoms. It increases performance in endurance sport, increases plasma volume and red cell volume in athletes, decreased systolic blood pressure, significantly improved exercise tolerance, increased peak respiratory oxygen uptake, and enhanced anaerobic threshold in chronic conditions.
The Finnish sauna is recommended for people suffering from frequent colds, and to cleanse the body of toxins and impurities. It also very relaxing, so it is also recommended for those suffering from fatigue and stress.
