The sauna itself has been around for over 2000 years. In the past the sauna was used in northern climates for bathing and cleansing. As time progressed so did peoples use of the sauna as they began to see the health benefits it provided as well. It became used also as a place to take the sick and for women to give birth.
Today’s rock saunas get their roots in Finland where the first saunas built on the principle of air flow were built. Because of the cold climate in Finland it was necessary for them to build a place to bathe that would allow them to stay warm during the winter months. Saunas have also been built by the Russians, Turkish and American Indians.
In the beginning, saunas were built underground, mostly dug into hillsides for the insulating effect of the earth. Rocks were then carefully placed above a wood fireplace that was used to heat them. The room would fill with smoke and heat as the fire heated the rocks and once the room came to the proper temperature the smoke would be aired out and the people could then enter.
So, that tells us about the traditional rock sauna, but when did the infrared sauna come about?
As technology improved so did the materials used to heat the sauna. Going from wood to metal to ceramic improved the efficiency of the sauna. The use of electricity brought about the electric sauna where the heating could be more controlled and not long after the infrared sauna was born. The infrared sauna uses energy beams to heat and is much more efficient than traditional types of saunas.
The infrared sauna is set up as a wooden box, much like a traditional sauna. In the infrared sauna though, the heat comes from radiant energy, similar to the radiant energy from the sun. Depending on the size of the sauna up to 10 infrared heaters can be placed to ensure even heating.
Some people think that these infrared saunas are not only more efficient, but also offer significant health benefits over traditional saunas. They base this on the fact that the wavelength of infrared light is similar to the wavelength of a water molecule. Since the body is mostly made from water the idea is that the waves help rid your body of water soluble toxins through your sweat. There’s no doubt that after a spending time in a sauna your body will be covered with a grimy sweat, just check next time by wiping a cool damp cloth over your skin.
So, is it possible that the sauna can help you to remain healthy and keep away disease? Researchers won’t commit to that, however we do know that sweating is a good way for the body to rid itself of toxins. Spending 20 minutes in a sauna several days a week could be a good way to cleanse and detoxify your body and may provide other benefits as well.
Claims have been made that saunas can help in the following ways:
· Boosts the immune system
· Helps in weight loss
· Treatment for cellulite
· Helps to heal skin related disease such as acne and psoriasis
· Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
· Relieves stress
· Provides a boost in energy and strength
· Treats asthma and bronchitis
· Relieves joint and muscle pain
Even if it only provides some benefit for the above disorders the sauna is definitely a great way to relax and unwind after a busy stressful day. As research continues I’m sure we’ll find even more healthful benefits to the use of saunas in our everyday lives.
