Saunas have been an essential part of Finnish culture for centuries, and their popularity has been spreading worldwide in recent years. The traditional Finnish sauna is a wooden room that is heated to 70-100°C by burning wood or using electric stoves. However, the saunas available today come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. This blog post will explore the evolution of sauna and how they have become modernized while preserving their traditional roots.
The first saunas in Finland were dugouts or small huts heated with stones and a wood fire. Over time, Finnish sauna builders began to develop the pits that formed the basis of the saunas, building them above ground and covering them with roofs. Today, traditional Finnish saunas are still widely used and are the standard type of sauna worldwide.
Sauna enthusiasts have developed new and modern innovations on the Finnish sauna, one of which is the infrared sauna. In contrast to traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared heaters that heat your body directly. The heat penetrates deep into your skin, leading to various health benefits, such as detoxification, relaxation, and improved circulation.
Another trend in modern saunas is the wet sauna. Unlike the traditional Finnish sauna, a wet sauna has higher humidity levels as water is poured over the hot rocks on the stove, creating steam. The steam is believed to have therapeutic benefits and is often used to moisturize the skin and alleviate respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis.
The newest addition to the sauna market is the mobile sauna. This sauna is portable and can be moved from one location to another, allowing for easy access to a sauna experience no matter where you are. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. They are easy to set up, with some even allowing you to set them up in your own backyard.
Conclusion:
Saunas are an excellent way to relax, relieve stress and gain some health benefits. While traditional Finnish saunas may still be the most popular sauna on the market, the evolution of saunas shows how saunas have become modernized while keeping the core tradition intact. With the introduction of new technologies and innovation, the choices of the sauna experience are endless. It is essential to remember that despite the different ways modern saunas heat us, all saunas offer a unique way to find calm and clarity in our busy lives. Whether it is a traditional Finnish sauna, an infrared sauna, a wet sauna, or a mobile sauna, there is always a perfect sauna for everyone.
