Overview
The word “sauna” is Finnish for bath house or bath. A sauna is a type of heated room that uses either wet or dry heat to produce a rise in a person’s body temperature. Most people use saunas as a way to detox their body of toxins and impurities; however, you must use a sauna with caution and follow instructions properly with every use.
Types
A wet sauna uses steam that is generated and released into the air, causing an atmosphere very similar to a steamy shower. Abby’s Guide states that with a dry sauna, the humidity is very low, usually around 20 percent, giving it a dry, arid feel. Most dry saunas have heated rocks that you can pour water over to add a small amount of humidity to the air, if needed.
Construction
Kiln-dried western red cedar is the most popular wood used for sauna construction because it stays cool to the touch. According to HomeTips.com, traditional Finnish saunas are built of Nordic white spruce. A sauna should have a seating area that consists of benches to sprawl out on and relax. There are generally no windows in a sauna, as the heat is to be contained for maximum benefits.
Health Benefits
A sauna is sought after by many because of its health benefits, which includes relaxing muscles and relieving stress. Saunas generate heat and induce sweating, which cleans toxins from the body. This opens up pores and can help people with acne or dry skin. An artificial fever is created in the body that stimulates the immune system and white blood cells. A sauna can also increase the production of antiviral proteins that are used to fight cancer.
Warning
Harvard Health Publications states that you can lose a pint or more of body fluids during one sauna session. This can quickly lead to dehydration, allowing you to lose vitamins and electrolytes. If you have hypertension, an abnormal heart rhythm or underlying heart disease, the heat from the sauna can cause internal heat to rise, making your cardiovascular system work twice as hard. This places a strain on your heart. It’s best to seek medical advice before your first sauna session. Always make sure to limit your visits to 15 minutes or less to prevent overheating.
Considerations
Temperatures inside a sauna can reach upward of 190 degrees F, according to the North American Sauna Society. So wherever a sauna placed, it needs proper ventilation to remove excess steam as the unit cools down. Permanently constructed saunas are generally placed outdoors, away from a home or main building. Portable models offer a quick tear-down method and are a good choice for apartment dwellers or traveling spa shows.
About this Author
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
