Sauna

The purpose of going to a sauna is relaxation and pleasure, but sitting in a sauna also has a variety of positive effects on our health. Using sauna increases the body's resilience to colds and strengthens the whole immune system, speeds up circulation, helps the nervous system, purifies the body of toxins, strengthens the heart, reduces blood pressure, improves digestion, helps with chronic bronchitis, rheumatoid conditions, arthrosis and stiff joints. Sauna is the best method of detoxification achieved by eliminating toxins through sweating and by increasing internal excretion through kidneys and lungs. Sitting in a sauna eliminates physical and mental stress. Pain and muscle tension are reduced because the heat has a relaxing and softening effect on the muscles. The Finnish sauna is a closed, wood-panelled room. In one corner there is a furnace with rocks that are regulary sprinkled with water, into which etherical oils can be added, which increases the air temperature. The air temperature in a Finnish sauna can vary between 60°C and 100°C, and the air humidity is around 15%. Due to a high temperature the recommended stay in a sauna is between 8 and 15 minutes, depending on the person. After using the sauna it is obligatory to shower with cold water to cool down the body and then rest for about 20 to 30 minutes. The whole process can be repeated three times.