Saunas have always been a part of the human experience. Originating from Finland, the word ‘sauna’ in Finnish translates to ‘bathhouse’ or ‘sweat-bath’. It is deeply rooted in their culture and traditions, with most Finnish households having at least one sauna. However, as the world has modernized, so have the sauna traditions. The most modern sauna offer a luxurious escape from the daily hustle and bustle. This blog will take you on a journey of the evolution of saunas.
Traditional Saunas:
The traditional saunas originated from Finland hundreds of years ago. They are heated with wood fires and use hot rocks to generate heat. These saunas use dry heat to raise the body’s temperature resulting in sweating. When water is thrown on the hot rocks to create steam, it is known as ‘loyly’, which is Finnish for the steam found in a sauna. Traditional saunas provide immense health benefits, and are believed to help with stress relief, easing muscle pain, and relaxing the mind.
Modern Infrared Saunas:
The advancement in technology also birthed modern infrared saunas. It incorporates heating elements that emit infrared radiation directly to the body. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas produce a mild heat and operate at a lower temperature. They also have faster heating times and consume less electricity. Additionally, infrared saunas are less humid, making it easier to breathe, and allowing it to maintain the warmth for a long period.
Mobile Saunas:
Mobile saunas are the newest addition to the sauna family. They are a portable and customizable version of traditional saunas that can transform any location into an instant sauna experience. They can be found in trucks, trailers, and even on bicycles. The mobile sauna concept originated from Finland and has now spread worldwide.
Combination Saunas:
Combination saunas are those hybrid-type saunas that combine a traditional dry heat sauna with a less-humid infrared sauna. Combination saunas are the perfect fit for those who want the best of both worlds. They are designed to perform optimally as a traditional sauna while also providing the benefits of an infrared sauna.
Steam Rooms:
Steam rooms have originated from the Roman Era and were known as ‘caldarium’. They are generally much smaller, more humid and have lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas. Steam rooms provide a more soothing and calming experience as the steam moisturizes the skin and loosens mucus in the chest, making it easier to breathe.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the birth of technology has impacted the development and evolution of saunas to create a variety of options that cater to people’s needs. From the traditional wood-fired saunas that originated from Finland, to modern infrared saunas that use radiation to heat the body, to mobile saunas that can be taken anywhere and even steam rooms used in ancient Roman times. The evolution of saunas reflects peoples’ desire for innovation and change, without losing touch with traditional values and benefits. Regardless of the type of sauna, their health benefits are numerous. We hope this blog helps you discover the type of sauna that best fits your personal needs.
