Despite the centuries-old tradition of the sauna, science still allows for discovering new benefits of having dry or wet steam sessions. When used properly, sauna bathing helps to relax muscles and soothe pains, relieve stress, flush toxins and cleanse the skin, improve cardiovascular performance, strengthen the immune system and burn calories. The latest scientific reports confirm that regular sauna sessions can contribute to protecting our health. In December last year, Age and Ageing journal published new findings of research carried out on a group of men by scientists from the University of Eastern Finland. The study results indicate that men who use sauna regularly (4-6 times a week) are 50% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or heart failure.
“At the sauna our heart rate increases and we start to sweat, just like during exercise,” says Jari Laukkanen, professor of clinical medicine, “Sauna may lower blood pressure, and blood pressure is a factor in memory diseases and cardiovascular diseases.” The research will surely continue, and the scientists suggest it should be even more extensive, however, data collected so far has already shown that sauna bathing is beneficial both for the heart and the brain.
One of the latest trends in spa is organizing special, professionally managed dry sauna sessions conducted by sauna masters accompanied by interesting and enjoyable rituals. Dr Irena Eris Krynica Zdrój SPA Hotel also organizes such meetings which in local jargon are referred to as “steam blowing” or Aufguss. Inside the sauna room, which for this type of rituals is prepared earlier, water enriched with natural essential oils is poured onto the sizzling hot stones, releasing the vapor with health enhancing properties. The sauna master uses a towel to agitate and move the hot air and aroma throughout the room, making the participants experience waves of intense heat. Afterwards, they cleanse their skin with coarse sea salt body scrub or with crushed ice. Each of these rituals lasts for 10-15 minutes and is accompanied with stories about the effects and benefits of sauna bathing. It ends with a cold shower and time for fluid replenishment. Next ritual begins after a quick rest at the relaxation zone. The entire sauna bathing routine is repeated up to three times. For people who are sensitive to high temperatures other forms of sauna bathing are recommended, such as caldarium, herbarium, or a Roman bath.
“Sauna bathing sessions organized at our hotel, apart from providing health benefits, also increase knowledge on how to use the sauna safely and what to remember about. I also tell our guests many interesting facts concerning the tradition of sauna bathing,” says Adrian Migacz, Sauna Master at Dr Irena Eris Krynica Zdrój SPA Hotel.
