Secrets
of the Sauna
Health benefits of the Sauna
As well as a place for relaxation and recovery, Saunas bring many health benefits such as….
Post exercise recovery
Saunas relax muscles and soothe aches and pains in both muscles and joints by eliminating lactic acid. The high-heat also allows the body to release endorphins which can minimise pain. As the body temperature rises in the heat of the sauna, blood vessels dilate allowing for increased blood circulation, which in turn speeds the body’s natural healing process.
Toxin flushing
Deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemicals - which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments.
Harnessing community
The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be a relaxing environment for socializing with family, friends and soon-to-be friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.
Improved cardiovascular system
A 25-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen revealed regular sauna use improved cardiovascular health and contributed to a healthier, stronger heart.
Improved immune system
German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza among study participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses. In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from colds or allergies.
Improved skin quality
Heat bathing is one of the oldest beauty and/or health strategies in terms of cleansing one’s skin. When the body begins to produce sweat via deep sweating, the skin is then cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced - keeping your skin in good working condition.
Stress relief
The heat in the sauna helps us to relax and regulates the level of cortisol in our blood. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when we’re stressed. Sauna bathing reduces the levels of cortisol in our blood, and instead it stimulates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is our “happy hormone” that makes us feel good.
Brain health
Dr. Jari Laukkanen’s study revealed regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 176 degrees F for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association includes sweating as an important way to improve brain health: https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain
Improved Sleep
Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use.
Sauna Folklore
Löyly
The Finnish word löyly is a multifaceted concept in Sauna practise. Physically it is embodied by the hot steam which rises from the stones after water has been cast on top of them. Spiritually, Löyly is the essence of the Sauna, which turns the hot and humid room into a liminal space, capable of slowly relaxing even the most tense muscles and worried minds.
Traditional Finnish beliefs credit löyly as being the life force of any living thing, and if it is lost, one ceases to live. In Finnish tradition, this idea of life force is anthropomorphically extended to Saunas. When water is poured onto stones, what rises up is the life force of Sauna itself; the healing löyly of gods, which is often called the "sweat of Väinämöinen”. Löyly is also said to have strong connections with the underworld.
At Sauna Craft we full understand the importance of löyly and all our Saunas are designed to create and harness the positive effects the löyly gives the sacred environment.
Saunatonttu
Particularly in Finnish, Baltic and Slavic cultures, Saunas are considered a sacred space, where spirits or Sauna “elves” are said to reside, called Saunatonttu. They protect the space and ensure respectful behaviour, providing a peaceful experience to those who are considerate of the environment, whilst also watching over the family of the Sauna or people who frequent.