There are a number of advantages to visiting the sauna. First of all, it is a time to relax and unwind. When we sweat, we empty our heads and do something good for our health. Because the “sauna” stimulates blood circulation, frees the airways and cleanses the body of toxins. It also strengthens the immune system and prevents colds.
Sweating also has a deep cleansing effect that leaves the skin shiny afterwards. Tensions are released, you feel more balanced, the body finds a state of rest and better sleep is encouraged.
However, since there are several different types of saunas, it’s easy to lose track when it comes to wellness. Which sauna should you go to now? We offer an overview.
baby sauna
If you want to be a master, practice early: in saunas specially designed for young children, puppies can already enjoy the benefits. The temperature there is a maximum of 70 degrees and the humidity is as low as 15 percent. No infusion. However, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor beforehand and start when you are only four months old.
banya
Banya is a traditional Russian type of sauna. The temperatures here are between 50 and 70 degrees and the humidity is very high. What makes it special: beer is often used for brewing. There are also birch branches ready for sauna visitors to rub on their bodies from time to time to further stimulate blood circulation. In addition to the sweat room, there is also a toilet. The original idea was to clean yourself there before entering.
bio sauna
Bio sauna is a slightly lighter type of sauna. Here you sweat between 50 and 60 degrees and you can stay a little longer. Humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. Fragrant essential oils and light infusions create a pleasant atmosphere. The lightweight version of saunas is therefore particularly suitable for heat-sensitive persons or sauna-goers with high blood pressure.
steam bath
Unlike a sauna, you can enjoy very low temperatures (about 50 degrees) in the steam bath, but very high humidity (almost 100 percent) produced with the help of a steam boiler. The biggest advantage of steam baths: High humidity opens the pores and blood circulation is gently stimulated. Even in steam baths a distinction is made between different variants:
- Caldarium: The history of this type of steam bath dates back to the Romans. What makes it different from others? This is where essential oils come into play. Various herbs, roots or other substances obtained from nature are used.
- Tepidarium: The Romans also invented the tepidarium. Visiting such a steam room is particularly relaxing as it is equipped with benches and sun loungers. Only low temperatures and low humidity prevail in the room. This makes the tepidarium a good place for the elderly and people with poor circulation.
- Hamam: This bathing ritual originally comes from Turkey. The hamam is an oriental steam bath where the main focus is purification. A traditional hammam consists of different rooms separated by temperature differences.
- Irish steam bath: The Irish steam bath also has several rooms. And here, too, temperatures tend to be lower, around 50 degrees. Since there is a supply of fresh air in the room, very dense steam cannot form.
earth sauna
There is something very unusual about this type of sauna: you get the sauna directly on the floor. This is made possible by a bathtub embedded in the floor that forms the basis of the sauna. The earthen sauna comes from the tradition of the northern peoples and probably produces the highest temperature in a sauna. The temperature here is between 110 and 130 degrees and the humidity is low thanks to the wood burning stove inside.
Finnish sauna
The Finnish sauna is basically the classic sauna that comes to mind when many people think of sauna. The interior of the sauna is completely furnished with solid wood; As a heat source, there is a stone oven that provides heat between 90 and 100 degrees.
infrared sauna
In the infrared sauna, heat is not produced from the outside – the body is heated from the inside due to infrared rays. A pleasant deep heat is created. Between 40 and 50 degrees, the temperatures here are quite low. Infrared sauna also has positive effects: Internal heat supports the immune system, circulation and metabolism. This type of sauna is especially suitable for beginners.