nah,” is the only Finnish word in the English dictionary; it means “bath” and “bathhouse.” Sauna has been a way of life in
Finland
, where it was invented, for over 2000 years. One of the first written descriptions of the Finnish Sauna was in 1112. The earliest Sauna was dug into an embankment in the ground.
Who invented the modern sauna?
The Sauna was invented by
the Finns
over 2000 years ago. The Saunas were originally designed and used as a form of a bath. The sauna was a place to cleanse the body and was considered a sterile environment. In fact, in Finland, women often gave birth in the sauna!
What country invented the sauna?
No one actually knows where the first saunas were built, but the tradition is thought to originate somewhere in
northern Europe
around 2,000 BC and has remained an important part of cultural life to this day in countries including Estonia, Latvia, and Russia, as well as Finland.
Why do Finnish people sauna?
Saunas were also
the place for purification rituals before marriage
, and the bodies of the dead were washed and prepared for burial on the wooden benches. For many Finns the sauna was the holiest room in the house and the one most closely associated with their wellbeing.
Why do saunas exist?
This
induces relaxation and promotes sweating
. The Finns use a bundle of birch twigs with fresh leaves (Finnish: vihta or vasta), to slap the skin and create further stimulation of the pores and cells. The sauna is an important part of daily life, and families bathe together in the home sauna.
Is sauna good for skin?
The heavy sweating induced in a sauna has a cleansing effect on pores and glands, flushing out toxins and impurities. The result is a
healthier skin
, less prone to acne, blackheads and pimples. You can read more here about skin and sauna.
Does sauna burn fat?
It is believed that sitting in a sauna can help you reduce excess fat. If you also believe in this, then you are absolutely incorrect.
A sauna does not help you to lose weight
; it temporarily removes easily replaceable water from the body. Excessive heat makes your body sweat and sweating can make you lose fluid.
Do saunas remove toxins?
In summary, numerous clinical studies have shown that utilizing an
infrared/steam sauna is able to remove many toxins through sweat
; these include but are not limited to, heavy metals, phthalates, flame retardants, Bisphenol A, pesticides and PCBs.
Which country has most saunas?
Finland
is heating up twice as fast as any other country in the world. Better for tourists. Published December 22, 2014 This article is more than 2 years old. Finns own more saunas per capita than anywhere else in the world—2 million, or about one per household.
Do Norwegians do saunas?
Norwegians have a lot of holiday cottages, but (unlike Finnish cottages)
they usually do not have a sauna
.
What should you not do in a sauna?
Drink at least one full glass of water before
and after using a sauna, to avoid dehydration. Don't drink alcohol before, during, or after sauna use. Don't use recreational drugs before, during, or after sauna use. Don't eat a large meal prior to using a sauna.
What do Finns often snack on during a sauna and why?
Finns gently beat their bodies with
fresh birch twigs
in the sauna to improve our circulation.
What do u wear in a sauna?
A
classic, oversized T-shirt, loose-fitting cotton wrap, and shorts
are always an excellent choice for the sauna. They will absorb excess heat and let your skin breathe freely. Always wear clean clothes, dressed on just before getting inside.
How long should you sit in a sauna?
The longer you stay in the sauna, the more you risk dehydration, so a general rule is to cap your time to
15 to 20 minutes
. The Finnish, who the word “sauna” comes from, may have an even simpler suggestion since the sauna is meant for relaxing, not ticking off minutes: Leave the sauna once you feel hot enough.
Are saunas bad for you?
Saunas appear safe for most people
. However, people with uncontrolled high blood pressure and heart disease should check with their doctors before taking a sauna. Here are some general precautions: Avoid alcohol and medications that may impair sweating and produce overheating before and after your sauna.
What is the Finnish word for sauna?
Called
löyly
in Finnish (for pronunciation, contact your host), the steam increases the feeling of heat and makes you sweat. Basic etiquette in the sauna is quite simple.
