Saunas have been a part of different cultures around the world in the past, and this tradition still continues today, with newer and more modern variations of saunas being developed. The traditional Finnish saunas, Russian banias, and Turkish hammams are some examples of the different types of saunas that have developed over centuries and continue to evolve. In this blog post, we will explore the history of sauna and how they have evolved from traditional to modern.
The traditional Finnish sauna is the most well-known type of sauna, which has been in use for hundreds of years. It is characterized by a small room made up of wood, which is heated by burning wood or electricity. The heat from the sauna is dry, and the temperature can reach up to 90°C (194°F). The user pours water on stones, which produces steam and increases humidity in the sauna. This type of sauna is thought to provide many health benefits, such as reducing stress levels, promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and reducing pain.
The Russian banya, on the other hand, is a wet sauna, which uses steam generated from boiling water and pouring it on to stones. Russian banias are traditionally heated by a wood-burning oven, which is located outside the sauna room. It can reach temperatures up to 120°C (248°F), which may be too hot for some people. The humidity in the banya is very high, and this type of sauna is believed to provide many health benefits such as improving the immune system, relieving stress and pain, and improving lung function.
The Turkish hammam is a wet sauna which uses hot steam generated from heated water, which is poured on to stones, in much the same way as the Finnish and Russian saunas. The hammam is different from other types of saunas because it involves the use of a soap massage. After sitting in the steam room for about 10-15 minutes, a member of the staff will scrub and massage the sweat and dirt off your body. This type of sauna is thought to provide many benefits for the skin, such as making it softer and healthier-looking.
Modern saunas have seen many changes and developments in both technology and design. Infrared saunas are the latest trend in the sauna world, which uses light waves to heat the body, rather than traditional heating methods. Infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature than traditional saunas, but still produce sweating and other benefits such as detoxification, stimulating the immune system, and relieving pain.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, saunas have evolved significantly from traditional to modern. Traditional saunas, such as Finnish, Russian and Turkish saunas have been joined by innovative new types of saunas such as infrared saunas and mobile saunas. The popularity of saunas has steadily increased in recent years, primarily due to their many health benefits, and the modern amenities that come with newer variations of it. Whether you prefer the traditional methods or modern designs, it is clear that the use of the sauna has come a long way since its inception.
