Welfare

The sauna

The sauna and its benefits, among which, however, does not include weight loss

Sauna: history

Since ancient times our ancestors used hot water baths as a purifying rite.

The sauna itself was born in Finland, where it was already practiced in 1100, but it is believed to have even more ancient origins in various countries of the world.

Description

The sauna usually takes place inside a wooden box where

some resistors or burners carry the temperature between 80 and 100 degrees centigrade. Besides being very hot, the air inside the box is also dry because it contains a very low percentage of humidity (10-20%). The wood used to make the box is usually derived from spruce or poplar.

Our body reacts to the high temperature by dilating the pores of the epidermis and increasing sweating to favor the dispersion of heat towards the outside.

The sauna has several beneficial effects:

promotes circulation: the change in temperature improves the central and peripheral circulatory system. Heat causes the dilation of blood vessels and a rapid increase in heart rate

promotes a deep cleansing and purification of the skin: the elimination of toxins through sweating purifies the pores of the skin

it has a toning and relaxing effect and reduces stress: the increase in body temperature has beneficial effects on the muscles, which relaxes and reduces its tension. The sauna can also have psycho-therapeutic effects and combat pain, anxiety and depression by promoting a sense of relaxation and serenity. It has no effect on weight loss but the increase in blood circulation and the disposal of toxins can indirectly favor the reduction of adiposity especially in areas affected by cellulite. It should be remembered in this regard that the weight that is lost during the session is linked to the sole loss of fluids with sweat.

The sauna is contraindicated in the case of heart diseases, skin or venereal diseases, in the presence of wounds not yet healed, epilepsy etc.

The seat:

The time spent in the sauna can vary from 10 to 15 minutes, however before starting the session it is advisable to take a shower warm enough to previously dilate the pores and get used to the high temperatures of the box.

At the end of the session you dive into a tub full of cold water for 30 seconds, alternatively you can use a shower. It is then possible to repeat the route.

Advice and contraindications:

Never enter the cabin on a full stomach or after drinking coffee or other exciting drinks (tea, coca cola, etc.), because these cause an increase in the heart rate.

The practice of the sauna is not recommended:

in case of hypertension, in the presence of cardio-circulatory disorders, during febrile states, in case of inflammatory skin phenomena, during pregnancy and during the menstrual cycle.

At the end of the session, to rehabilitate the body to the room temperature, it is good to wear a bathrobe and dry the sweat with a towel.

Vasodilation causes a decrease in blood pressure. It is therefore advisable to stand up slowly and once out, lie down for a few minutes on a cot.

Finally it is advisable to replenish the mineral salts lost with sweat by taking drinks, fruit juices and vegetables.