Saunas have been with us since the late 19th Century, when Pasteur and Lister were working hard to get Europe to improve hygiene conditions.
Although Sweat Bathing has taken on several formsthe Turkish Hamman, the American Indian Sweatlodge, and the Russian Bania, it is the Finnish Sauna that is most prevalent throughout Europe.
Most of us are aware that saunas are good for us, but the health benefits go way beyond the feel-good factor we have when we emerge from the steam.
Much has been written about the physiology of perspiration, how it purifies the body by ridding it of wastes, invigorates the skin, and regulates our body temperature.
To the uninitiated, sitting in a room full of steam may not seem like a particularly healthy activity.
After all, you're just sitting there, how can that be considered 'vigorous'? Yet, that is exactly what it is.
The heat from the steam sends a signal to the organs in our bodies, urging them into action, just as much as a short jog around the park would.
Since the 1950's we have been aware of the importance of the effect that ions have on our bodies and our well-being.
The amount of negative ions produced in a steam room when splashing water on extremely hot rocks has a tremendous impact.
A lack of negative ions, or more importantly an imbalance of positive ions has been attributed to anxiety, insomnia, migraines, and even heart attacks.
The importance of sweating to our health and well-being was recognized and prescribed as long ago as 568 BC in the Ayurveda, the oldest known medical document.
The capillaries dilate allowing an increased flow of blood to the skin in order to draw heat from the surface and disperse it around the body.
The heart beats faster to keep up with the additional demands for blood.
Impurities in the liver, kidneys, stomach, muscles, brain, and most other organs are flushed through.
The skin and kidneys filter the impurities, excreting them in sweat.
Many enthusiasts claim that regular saunas help prevent colds, headaches, and arthritis among other things.
Medical evidence certainly backs up the fact that bathing in temperatures of 90 degrees Celsius (192 degrees Fahrenheit) does have a profound effect.
Some doctors suggest that people with a heart condition or high blood pressure should avoid using saunas, although this is open to debate and the Finns would certainly disagree.
Modern lifestyles discourage the natural process of sweating, encouraging us to block our skin pores with antiperspirants and cosmetics.
Regular use of a sauna can restore the natural balance.
Although there are a considerable number of public saunas around Britain, many people prefer the privacy and convenience of having their own sauna at home.
Since the popularity of domestic saunas has increased, we have seen prices fall considerably, making them accessible to a much wider audience.
There are several UK sauna manufacturers and suppliers, offering a wide range of saunas in all shapes and sizes to fit any budget.
What better way to spend those long winter evenings?
Although Sweat Bathing has taken on several formsthe Turkish Hamman, the American Indian Sweatlodge, and the Russian Bania, it is the Finnish Sauna that is most prevalent throughout Europe.
Most of us are aware that saunas are good for us, but the health benefits go way beyond the feel-good factor we have when we emerge from the steam.
Much has been written about the physiology of perspiration, how it purifies the body by ridding it of wastes, invigorates the skin, and regulates our body temperature.
To the uninitiated, sitting in a room full of steam may not seem like a particularly healthy activity.
After all, you're just sitting there, how can that be considered 'vigorous'? Yet, that is exactly what it is.
The heat from the steam sends a signal to the organs in our bodies, urging them into action, just as much as a short jog around the park would.
Since the 1950's we have been aware of the importance of the effect that ions have on our bodies and our well-being.
The amount of negative ions produced in a steam room when splashing water on extremely hot rocks has a tremendous impact.
A lack of negative ions, or more importantly an imbalance of positive ions has been attributed to anxiety, insomnia, migraines, and even heart attacks.
The importance of sweating to our health and well-being was recognized and prescribed as long ago as 568 BC in the Ayurveda, the oldest known medical document.
The capillaries dilate allowing an increased flow of blood to the skin in order to draw heat from the surface and disperse it around the body.
The heart beats faster to keep up with the additional demands for blood.
Impurities in the liver, kidneys, stomach, muscles, brain, and most other organs are flushed through.
The skin and kidneys filter the impurities, excreting them in sweat.
Many enthusiasts claim that regular saunas help prevent colds, headaches, and arthritis among other things.
Medical evidence certainly backs up the fact that bathing in temperatures of 90 degrees Celsius (192 degrees Fahrenheit) does have a profound effect.
Some doctors suggest that people with a heart condition or high blood pressure should avoid using saunas, although this is open to debate and the Finns would certainly disagree.
Modern lifestyles discourage the natural process of sweating, encouraging us to block our skin pores with antiperspirants and cosmetics.
Regular use of a sauna can restore the natural balance.
Although there are a considerable number of public saunas around Britain, many people prefer the privacy and convenience of having their own sauna at home.
Since the popularity of domestic saunas has increased, we have seen prices fall considerably, making them accessible to a much wider audience.
There are several UK sauna manufacturers and suppliers, offering a wide range of saunas in all shapes and sizes to fit any budget.
What better way to spend those long winter evenings?
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