So What Should You Know About The Sauna?
Mar 25th, 2009 by admin
By Mike Hirn
Although the origins of the sauna are somewhat uncertain, it does have a recent history of about a thousand years or so. The Finland nomadic culture used a primitive sauna created by building a fire inside of a structure much like a tent. People would make their entrance to bathe after building the heat while allowing the fire to die down. The American Indian sweat lodge is very similar to this example.
A smoking sauna evolved from these types of structures. They are a small building with an interior stone fireplace. Smoke escapes through a small hole, however before entering the structure the fire had to go out. Up until the 1920′’s this style was very common. However, these were replaced by the modern version as we know them today. However, Finland has seen a recent comeback of the smoke sauna. Many individuals agree that for them it is the best type for bathing.
A new style of stove made its appearance in the 1930′’s. Using this stove, rocks were heated without being directly placed in a flaming fire. The unit was in use while the fire burned. Wood was used for fuel with the earlier stoves however, many modern units are powered electrically.
Steam bathes are available in various styles and shapes. You can install them in your apartment or home or you can choose to have them in a separate building. Traditionally they are functional and beautiful wooden structures.
Ingenious new designs have been introduced since they are so popular all over the world. Portable units which can be folded and used just about everywhere are one of the most unusual. They are just big enough so that you can sit down in it. You place your head through a hole and your hands through slits. You can talk on the telephone or read while sitting in one.
The barrel shape is another unique design. Barrel making techniques are utilized for making a small cabin that holds up to six to eight individuals. You can install it in or outside your home and heat it with either an electric or wood burning stove.
The 1960′’s saw the first infrared sauna with an infrared heater as its source of heat. Infrared heaters work by heating objects and people but not the air, unlike traditional heaters. Infrared heaters use an infrared light and those who use it agree to the superior benefits of health compared with traditional heating methods.
Wood is the main component of nearly every type of structure. Cedar or hemlocks are some of the types of wood used for the floors, benches, walls and ceilings. The stove and the rocks it heats are the only non-wood materials.
A dry heat of around 70 Celcius to 100 Celcius is produced by a typical unit. You can toss some water on the rocks on the stove every now and again. A cloud of steam is produced influencing an immediate rise of temperature.
You can heat your sauna with either a wood or electric stove. The majority of urban facilities use an electric heater while countryside units often use the traditional wood stove for heating purposes.
About The Author
Mike Hirn is a longtime steam enthusiast. His website supplies a wealth of information about the construction, use and health benefits of home saunas and steam showers.
http://www.the-home-sauna-center.com