Seven Castles

Sauna

                                      

March 30, 2008

 

The old-fashioned sauna, a bath in steam from water thrown on heated stones, is something of a rugged place compared with the electric-heated saunas of today. Known in ancient times in various places, saunas are most closely identified with the Finnish people, who made saunas a national tradition that dates back over two thousand years. The Finns attribute their endurance and longevity to the tradition of sauna. For many centuries that had been the custom in Finland, because the sauna was a place to get warm, relaxed and clean. Even in the midst of an arctic winter, you could take off your clothes and open your pores in a sauna. It was a haven even for cooking, childbirth, and care of the sick.

 

Now, a sauna is a small room or house designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one or more of these and auxiliary facilities. The word "sauna" is also used metaphorically to describe an unusually hot or humid environment. Sauna enthusiasts laud the health benefits of "sweat baths", attributing them with healing, preventative and cleansing properties.

 

Basically, what happens to the body during a sauna is quite simple - your metabolism and pulse rates increase, your blood vessels become much more flexible, and your extremities benefit from increased circulation. Physical fitness fans will recognize that some of these changes can also be achieved through strenuous exercise, not to say that a sauna would put you in excellent physical condition without moving a muscle, but that it brings about the same metabolic results as physical exercise.

 

The effects of the sauna are numerous and varied. Proponents of dry heat bath mention a feeling of psychological peace and contentment as well as physical rejuvenation. Many people claim that the sauna relieves the symptoms of minor illnesses such as colds, revives the muscles after tough physical exertion, and clears the complexion. The sauna experience will often leave you feeling very much alive. Your senses will be sharpened, and your tactile sensitivity heightened.

 

Another aspect of the sauna that needs to be considered is your mental state prior to taking one. Many people attest to the healing powers of the sauna concerning mental depression and anxiety. They say that after leaving the sauna, the mind is in a relaxed, lucid state, free of the worries of the everyday world. Also, when the body feels soothed and energized, the mind and emotions often follow suit.

 

Here are some basic tips before entering the sauna: Do not drink alcohol, as it works as a depressant, where the blood is moving slowly and the nerve endings are literally shutting down, and counteracts the benefits of the sauna. Older people need to avoid or limit their time in the sauna. People with heart ailments or respiratory diseases need to avoid the sauna, and anyone with chronic ailments needs to check first with his or her doctor. Do not eat prior to the sauna. Avoid drug use and the sauna - tranquilizers, stimulants and other prescribed drugs alter the body's metabolism and could produce dour effects in the heat. If you experience dizziness, problems with breathing, or a general feeling of ill health, leave the sauna immediately. If you do decide to use the sauna, start gradually. Stay in only as long as you are comfortable, increasing the time with each visit.

 

In many countries, "saunas" are a front for brothels, and sex clubs and gay bathhouses may have saunas in which patrons have sex.

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2008年03月30日 星期日 05:49】【注册】【打印】