– **History of Sauna**
– Ancient stone structures in Orkney islands used steam for bathing around 4000 B.C.E.
– Similar sauna structures found in archaeological sites in Greenland, Newfoundland, and Scandinavian farm saunas.
– Traditional Korean sauna, hanjeungmak, mentioned in 15th-century Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.
– Hanjeungmak clinics by Buddhist monks in the 15th century for treating illnesses.
– Western saunas originated in Finland, with the oldest saunas made from pits in the ground.
– **Evolution of Sauna**
– Finnish saunas evolved from pits to wood-burning metal stoves with rocks on top.
– Introduction of kiuas, a wood-burning metal stove with rocks, during the Industrial Revolution.
– Electric sauna stove introduced in 1938 by Metos Ltd in Vaasa.
– Sauna culture spread globally with Finnish migration, leading to diverse sauna designs.
– Sauna culture deeply rooted in Finnish, Estonian, and Baltic traditions.
– **Sauna Design**
– Finnish saunas initially operated with smoke saunas, heated by burning wood for 6-8 hours.
– Löyly, a Finnish term, refers to both the steam and heat in a sauna.
– Properly heated savusauna can yield heat for up to 12 hours.
– Saunas featured a fireplace for water to produce steam, with temperatures ranging from 75-110°C.
– **Cultural Significance of Sauna**
– Sauna culture deeply ingrained in Finnish and Estonian traditions.
– Sauna culture valued in Baltic countries.
– Sauna traditions maintained and cherished in Finland, Baltic countries, Scandinavia, and German-speaking regions.
– Finnish migration spread sauna designs and traditions globally.
– **Health Benefits of Sauna**
– Korean sauna, hanjeungmak, touted for health benefits in the 15th century.
– Saunas historically used to treat illnesses and believed to have health benefits.
– Sauna sessions induce perspiration through steam and high heat.
– Infrared therapy differs from traditional sauna practices and is not recognized as such.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2022) |
A sauna (/ˈsɔːnə, ˈsaʊnə/, Finnish: [ˈsɑu̯nɑ], Estonian: [ˈsɑu̯n]) is a room or building designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one or more of these facilities. The steam and high heat make the bathers perspire. A thermometer in a sauna is typically used to measure temperature; a hygrometer can be used to measure levels of humidity or steam. Infrared therapy is often referred to as a type of sauna, but according to the Finnish sauna organisations, infrared is not a sauna.
Definition from ChatGPT:
Sauna:
A sauna is a small room or building designed to experience dry or wet heat sessions, typically with temperatures ranging from 70°C to 100°C (158°F to 212°F). Saunas are commonly used for relaxation, promoting sweating, and improving overall well-being.