Pozitivne lastnosti savne

The Finnish sauna is a traditional way of sweating, which has been practiced for centuries due to its positive health effects:
- in wooden rooms where the temperature reaches up to 100 degrees, Finns first sweat well and then jump into the snow or cold sea,
- its positive properties have been enjoyed by Finns for more than 1,000 years, since they discovered that it is possible to become healthier, more beautiful and more successful with the help of a sauna.

What do we mean by sauna?

Sauna is a term that refers to a wooden cabin with benches in which the air is heated by a stove full of granite stones. The air temperature is between 85 and 90 degrees C (the temperature is lower at the bottom and up to 100 degrees C at the top), and the humidity is between 10 and 30%, which means that the air in the sauna is hot and dry. The optimal time in the sauna is between 8 and 15 minutes, followed by cooling in a cold shower or in a pool with cold water. This cycle can be repeated three times, paying attention to rest and only then repeat the procedure.

Turkish (steam) sauna

All steam baths work similarly: the room is hot and so humid that it’s quite blurry. The steam is formed from water, which is poured directly on hot stones or in a boiler, where it evaporates. The steam bath is not as strenuous as a dry sauna, but it is very useful especially for the respiratory tract, especially if there are essential oils in the steam. During the sauna, do not forget about skin care. The steam enhances the effect of care creams, masks and also hair wraps. After the sauna, you need to return moisture to the skin, moisturizing creams are recommended (they should contain up to 80 percent water).

The impact of sauna on health

The action of hot air and the exchange of hot and cold environment has a positive effect on our health:
- is a good prevention against colds and flu,
- sauna promotes blood flow,
- increases blood flow to the skin, joints and internal organs,
- cleans pores and firms the skin.

The sauna also has a positive effect on an individual's mental well-being and mood, which is also confirmed by an old Finnish proverb: In a sauna, anger evaporates and anger dries up. Visiting the sauna is ideal in the evening, especially after a strenuous workout, as it represents an effective relaxation. After the sauna, we are exhausted and tired, so rest and sleep are recommended.

In order to increase the positive properties on our health and especially on the respiratory tract, in the sauna we pour hot stones with aromatic oils of various medicinal herbs mixed in water.

Positive effects of sauna on health

With regular visits to the sauna, we can do a lot for our health, and in cases of illness, we must consult our doctor before visiting the sauna:

1. Sauna increases the body's resistance, as due to the increased temperature it accelerates the excretion of defense substances into the blood. These substances protect the body from various viruses and bacteria. The body's resistance is also strengthened due to the body's accustoming to the shock of exchanging hot and cold air (eg the possibility of a cold as a consequence of the transition from heated rooms to a colder environment). So we can conclude that regular visits to the sauna help a lot to prevent colds and flu. However, it is not recommended to visit the sauna if we already have a cold or are sick. We have to wait until complete recovery.

2. The sauna has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels and speeds up blood circulation. As the blood circulates faster, the heart is better supplied with oxygen and nutrients. However, people with varicose veins and people with high or low blood pressure should be careful and follow special instructions.

3. Sauna has a proven effect on metabolism in the body. Eg. in 10 minutes of sauna, the body excretes an average of 0.5 to 1.2 liters of sweat. In this way, the pores are cleansed and harmful substances are eliminated from the body. For this reason, the sauna is very effective for problematic skin (acne), because it cleanses the pores and promotes blood circulation, but it is not recommended for various inflammations on the skin.

4. In the case of kidney stones, the sauna can also speed up the excretion of harmful substances, but it is not recommended for acute kidney disease.

5. The sauna improves blood circulation in the respiratory tract, which is an extremely effective preventive measure against coughs, colds and flu. The bronchi relax in the sauna, making it easier for people with asthma to breathe. However, in case of acute asthmatic problems, a sauna is not recommended.

The effect of the sauna on the beauty and slender line

With regular visits to the sauna, we can do a lot for our health and the beautiful appearance of our skin, face and body as a whole:

Sauna has positive effects in eliminating cellulite, as it has a strong effect on blood circulation. The sauna is also very successful in the fight against acne and oily skin, because sweating accelerates blood circulation, excretion and cleansing of various impurities, excess fat and bacteria, and also accelerates the formation of new skin cells, making the skin softer and gentler.

Metabolism in the sauna is accelerated 2 to 3 times, the pores expand, harmful substances are excreted through them, old skin cells peel off, so the skin becomes brighter and firmer.

It has always been an ingrained belief among many people that the sauna is also a successful means of losing weight. The idea that the extra pounds will just melt away is, of course, wrong. The scale after the sauna actually shows lower body weight, but only due to the loss of water, which was eliminated by sweating. Such water loss is easily compensated with the next meal or drink. It is clear that we will not be slimmer just because of the sauna, but with the right diet and regular training it can help us, as it speeds up metabolism and blood circulation, and thus the breakdown of harmful substances, especially excess fat.

Sauna tips

1. You need to take enough time for the sauna, at least two hours, stay in the sauna for 10 minutes, then cool down and repeat the procedure (three times).

2. Never enter the sauna wet, always wipe carefully after showering, and warm cold feet first (in warm water). The sauna also does not include problems that may bother you. Try to leave them in front of the door, the sauna is a place to relax, enjoy, calm down and meditate.

3. It is recommended that you visit the sauna no more than once a week.

4. Do not come to the sauna with a completely empty or full stomach.

5. A shower with cold water removes the remnants of sweat on the skin. Always shower your head last. Under no circumstances should you wash with soap or even in a warm shower. This destroys the skin’s natural acidic mantle and puts a strain on the bloodstream.

6. Experts recommend sauna to athletes, friends of active recreation and also to those who are losing weight.

7. The elderly, rheumatics and diabetics, who sit on the lower and middle shelves and cool off with lukewarm and not cold water, can also go to the sauna for a short time.

8. Children are not allowed in the sauna until the age of four.

9. If there is a fear of sauna, it is necessary to consult a doctor, because patients with circulatory disorders, heart defects, diseases or inflammation of the skin do not belong to the sauna.