A sauna is a small room that is heated to very high temperatures with controlled humidity for relaxation, recreational and therapeutic purposes. Saunas are often constructed from aromatic wood that releases a pleasant aroma when heated. Electric saunas mostly use hot fragrant rocks that are splashed with cold water to release the aroma. Sometimes water mixed with essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus oil is also used to aid muscle relaxation and to kill germs.
Globally, the Finnish sauna is one of the most popular types of sauna. Constructing the sauna involves digging a hole in the ground and lighting a fire at its centre. This type of sauna has an insulating roof. The traditional sweat lodge sauna, used by North Americans, either has a hole with a fire similar to the Finnish sauna, or heated stones from outside are brought into the sweat lodge. The desert saunas have high humidity levels and lower temperatures.
The different types of saunas include wet, dry, smoke, steam and infrared saunas. The heat source in a sauna includes wood, electricity, gas and solar power. Woodstove saunas use heated rocks; electric heaters use a timer to control the temperature; and gas stoves use propane or natural gas. A sauna’s heater is located inside the sauna, whether it is a traditional sauna heater or an infrared heating system.
Wet saunas are very similar to steam rooms where the temperature is usually maintained at about 37–46 degrees Celsius to prevent scalding. In comparison, dry saunas are heated up to about 121 degrees Celsius with zero ambient moisture. Each of these saunas has their own specific pros and cons. Saunas have two main types of stoves: continuous heating and heat storage. Continuously heating stoves come with less heat capacity whereas a heat storage stove comes with a greater heat capacity and takes much longer to heat up.
Saunas are supposed to have health and therapeutic benefits. Besides being a great way to relax with friends and family, saunas temporarily lower the blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. Saunas are also found in public places such as swimming pools, gyms and health spas. A wide variety of saunas and related products such as heaters can be purchased from various online sites.
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