Saunas are an essential part of Finish culture. This is also shown by the impressive number of 3.3 million saunas in Finland versus 5.5 million inhabitants in the country. Almost every family has their own sauna. It is also popular to have a sauna in the weekend cottage. In many cases the cottages are near a lake. A jump in to the lake (also in winter) after a session in the sauna is very healthy. I also made this experience. It was an exciting feeling and it felt like being newly born. Saunas actually come from the north of East Asia. The first saunas were wholes in the ground with a cover of animal skins. These primitive saunas existed even in the Stone Age.The modern equivalent today are tent saunas.How do the people use the sauna?In public saunas either you go separated by gender and naked or you have to wear bathing clothes. In your own sauna you go in as you like. A sauna is a hot room with dry air that is between 80 and 100 degrees. While the people are in the sauna they put water over the very hot oven stones. They do this very frequently. In Germany these infusions are done by the sauna master and only a particular number of going to the sauna provides physical health and balance. For example it stimulates the metabolism, Strengthens the immune system and improves the blood circulation. So regular visits to the sauna protect you from many diseases and it is also good for the soul and the mind.There is a rule in Finlands saunas that says: there is no rule. You only have to enjoy it.
By Elias