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Sauna

桑拿房

saunaSauna Room, originating fromFinnish"Sauna," meaning "steam bath," has a history of over 2,000 years. Today, saunas have expanded from Scandinavian homes to fitness centers, luxury villas, medical rehabilitation facilities, and even astronaut training bases worldwide.

According to a 2024 report by the International Sauna Society, the number of sauna rooms installed globally has exceeded [number missing].120 million roomsAnnual growth rate reached7.8%The Asia-Pacific region (especially China, Japan, and South Korea) contributed the most.42%New markets.

桑拿房
Sauna

The main function of sauna

The core principle of a sauna is throughhighWarmthwetChanges in temperature produce a series of physiological responses in the human body, thereby achieving multiple effects such as relaxation, health care, and beauty.

Physiological health care and healing effects

  1. Deep sweating promotes metabolism
    • In high-temperature environments, the body sweats profusely to regulate its temperature, which helps to expel dirt and metabolic waste accumulated in the pores.
    • Accelerated blood circulation allows oxygen and nutrients to be delivered more effectively to all parts of the body, boosting the overall metabolic rate.
  2. Relax muscles and relieve soreness
    • Heat can help soothe tense muscles and joints, and has a good relieving effect on muscle soreness after exercise, chronic strain or arthritis.
    • When the body is in a hot environment, it releases endorphins, a natural pain reliever that brings feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
  3. Strengthen cardiovascular function
    • High temperatures increase heart rate and dilate blood vessels, similar to a light aerobic exercise. Regular use can strengthen the cardiovascular system, improving its resilience and function.
    • Notice: Patients with high blood pressure or heart disease should consult a doctor first.
  4. Boost the immune system
    • When the body is dealing with the "stress" of high temperatures, it stimulates the proliferation of white blood cells, which may boost immunity and help the body fight off diseases such as colds.
  5. Deep cleansing of skin
    • Excessive sweating can remove deep-seated dirt and dead skin cells from pores, leaving the skin smooth and clean. After steaming, the skin usually appears rosy and radiant.

Psychological effects

  1. Deep relaxation and stress reduction
    • In a warm and quiet sauna, you can escape from external disturbances and completely relax your body and mind, which helps reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue.
  2. Improve sleep quality
    • The relaxation and temperature changes after a sauna can help induce deeper and more restful sleep.
桑拿房
Sauna

Common types of saunas

typeHeating principle and characteristicshumidityExperience
Finnish sauna (dry sauna)Heating stones with an electric furnace typically results in a temperature that...extremely high.LowThe air is dry and scorching, like in the desert, where sweat evaporates quickly.
Steam bath (wet steam)Saturated steam is produced using a steam generator at a relatively low temperature.extremely highThe air was humid and stuffy, like being in a tropical rainforest. You could feel the moisture when you breathed it in, and you were sweating profusely.
Infrared saunaIt uses an infrared heating element to emit far-infrared rays that penetrate directly into the skin.Heating from within the body.LowThe air temperature is not high, making it feel comfortable, but you will feel a deep warmth inside your body, and the sweating effect is significant.
桑拿房
Sauna

Precautions and procedures for using a sauna

To enjoy a sauna safely and effectively, please follow these steps:

  1. Before use:
    • Bathing: First, rinse your body and dry it.
    • Replenish fluids: Drink a glass of water to prevent dehydration.
    • Taboo: It is not advisable to use it after drinking alcohol, after a full meal, or when hungry.
  2. In use:
    • time: The duration of each stay is 10-15 minutes It is advisable for beginners to start with 5-8 minutes.
    • Location: Start by getting used to the lower benches; the higher you go, the warmer it gets.
    • Feelings: If you feel any discomfort (such as dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing), you shouldLeave immediately.
    • Relax: Sit or lie down and breathe evenly.
  3. After use:
    • cool down: Walk out slowly and rinse with warm or cold water to gradually cool down your body.
    • rest: Relax in the rest area and drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks to replenish fluids.
    • cycle: The "steam-bake-cool-rest" cycle can be repeated 2-3 times for best results.

A sauna is not just a heating device, but also a combination of...Detoxification, relaxation, health care, and social interactionA multifunctional health space. Using it correctly can bring great benefits to both body and mind.

桑拿房
Sauna

Historical Timeline: The Evolution of Saunas from 2000 onwards (with charts)

Time periodeventInfluence
2000 BCFinnish indigenous people use "savusauna": a pit dwelling with piles of burning wood and stones.The earliest prototype had no chimney; the walls were blackened by smoke.
1100 ADThe Finns invented the "wooden sauna" with a chimney.Improving air quality has become a standard feature in every household.
1936The Berlin Olympics featured a "sauna recovery room for athletes" for the first time.Pioneering the concept of "sports medicine sauna"
1950sElectric sauna heater (founded by HARVIA)From wood-burning to electricity, entering urban homes.
1970sJapan introduces "far-infrared sauna"Low-temperature deep heating opens up medical applications
2005Finnish sauna has been listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.Cultural certification accelerates global promotion
2015JAMA publishes study "Sauna reduces cardiac mortality by 54%"Scientific evidence ignites a surge in health investment.
2023NASA will use a "microgravity infrared sauna" for astronaut rehabilitation.A New Chapter in Space Medicine
2025AI-powered smart saunas launched (Chinese brand "Muyu")Heart rate monitoring + automatic temperature control: Entering the smart home
桑拿房
Sauna

Scientific Data: Quantitative Effects of Sauna on the Human Body

1. Cardiovascular health (Kuopio Study, Finland, 1984–2020)

Sauna frequency (weekly)The risk of death from heart disease has decreased.Stroke risk decreases
1 time↓22%↓14%
2–3 times↓39%↓31%
4–7 times↓54%↓62%

Source:JAMA Internal Medicine, 2015; Laukkanen et al.

2. Sweating and detoxification (heavy metal excretion)

heavy metalExcretion volume during a single sauna session (20 minutes)Daily urine output (control group)
Lead (Pb)128 μg3.2 μg
Cadmium (Cd)12 μg0.8 μg
Mercury (Hg)9 μg0.3 μg

Source:Environmental Health Perspectives, 2012

3. Heat shock protein (HSP) induction

Sauna temperatureHSP70 increase factorDuration
70°C×3.248 hours
80°C×6.872 hours
90°C×5.160 hours

Heat shock proteins can repair protein misfolding, a key to anti-aging.

桑拿房
Sauna

In-depth comparison of sauna room types

projectFinnish dry saunaSteam saunaInfrared sauna
temperature70–100°C40–55°C45–60°C
humidity10–20%Nearly 100%20–40%
Heating methodElectric heating stone/wood burningSteam generatorInfrared lights
Penetration depthskin surfaceMucosal respiratory tract3–5 cm subcutaneously
Suitable for ethnic groupsHeat tolerance, cardiovascular trainingRespiratory problems, skin sensitivityArthritis, elderly, beginners
Electricity consumption (2-person room)4.5–6kW3–4kW1.5–2.5kW
shortcomingOverheating riskMold growthWithout the traditional "löyly" steamy feel

Cause analysis:

  • Infrared sauna consumes less powerBecause it does not require heating the air, but only directly radiates heat to the human body, its thermal efficiency reaches [percentage missing].90%(Traditional sauna only 40%).
  • Steam saunas are prone to mold.High humidity environments require daily ultraviolet sterilization and ventilation.
桑拿房
Sauna

Usage guidelines and risk management (medical evidence)

Recommended safe time period

Experience LevelSingle session durationIntermittent coolingWeekly cap
beginner5–8 minutes10 minutes2 times
intermediate10–15 points8 minutes3–4 times
Advanced15–20 points5 minutes5–7 times

Contraindications (Reasons)

situationreasonsuggestion
3 months after acute myocardial infarctionVasodilation increases the workload on the heartban
12 weeks before pregnancyHigh temperature affects embryonic neural tube developmentban
After drinkingAlcohol + heatstroke risk ×10ban
Low blood pressure (<90/60)Dehydration exacerbates faintingLimited to 8 minutes
桑拿房
Sauna

Cultural Differences and Future Trends

Saunas are no longer a "Nordic luxury," but...Quantifiable, investable, and medically applicableSaunas are a vital part of human health. From smoke pits dating back to 2000 BC to AI-powered smart cabins in 2025, saunas have witnessed humanity's dedication to "thermotherapy."

Key data review:

  • Sauna 4 times a week = Heart disease risk ↓54%
  • Infrared sauna penetrates 5cm under the skin, suitable for arthritis.

Action recommendations:

  1. fromInfrared saunaBeginner (Low Risk)
  2. selectCanadian Hemlock + 4.5kW furnace
  3. weekly3 times x 15 minutesCombined with cold water bath
  4. Wear for people with abnormal heart rateSmart bracelet monitoring

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