Nordic Sauna
The people of Finland have been taking saunas for a thousand years. Try one once and you will understand why! You just stretch out in the desert-dry temperature and let the heat do the work.
How it works:
Temperatures in the sauna are usually kept between 70 and 100 degrees Celsius. The air in the sauna is heated using a stove and stones that radiate heat. To increase the heat level in the sauna, you only have to pour a small amount of water on to the stones, which will evaporate and spread heat throughout the room. Since hot air rises, sitting on the higher bench will expose you to greater heat.
The dry, high heat causes you to perspire, which cleanses and de-toxes your skin better than any soap or commercial cleanser. In addition to being good for your skin, the benefits associated with saunas include improved physical endurance, better circulation and increased metabolism. Muscles relax when warm blood carries the heat into them, easing tension and pain. And for those of us watching our waistlines, sitting in the sauna burns calories!
Many people find that just being in this environment creates a sense of peace, as well as physical renewal. The sauna is a peaceful mental haven, not just a physical therapy.
Suggested use of the sauna and steam room:
We recommend, in order to experience the full benefits of the sauna and steam room, that you alternate their use with a cool shower. This increases circulation by cooling the skin, forcing the blood to move to the surface to warm the skin. When you return to the sauna or steam room, the process will reverse. As for how long to stay in the sauna, the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management recommends up to 15 minutes, according to your personal preference. Do check for further guidelines and contraindications, which are listed on a poster on the outside wall of the sauna.
Please take care in using the sauna and steam room. While the heat can be very beneficial, be aware of your own limits!
And do read the contraindications notice before you use the sauna and steam room.
