Ceremonial bathing has existed for thousands of years and has many forms, one of which is the sauna. The Finns have perfected the steam bath, or sauna, which may be taken, usually in an enclosed room, by pouring water over hot rocks or as a dry heat bath.
The earliest saunas were probably, underground caves heated by a fire that naturally filled with smoke as chimney making was unknown at that time. A fire kept in a fire-pit would heat the rock walls of the cave.
A few people today say that the smoke sauna, ''savusauna'', is the only true sauna experience and that all saunas should have at least a background odor(4wk)or smoke. Today most saunas use electric stoves, although gas and wood-burning stoves are available .
Saunas are relaxing and stress relieving. Those with muscle aches or arthritis (关节) may find that the heat relaxes muscles and relieves pain. Asthma(哮喘)patients find that the heat enlarges air passageways of the lung and facilitates breathing. Saunas do not cure the common cold but they may help to speed recovery time.
Sauna is good for your skin as the blood flow to the skin increases and sweating occurs. Adults sweat about 2 lbs of water per hour on average in a sauna. a good sweat removes dirt from pores and gives the skin a healthy glow. The loss in water weight is temporary as the body's physiological mechanisms will quickly restore proper volumes The cardiovascular (心血管) system gets a work out as the heart must pump harder and faster to move blood to the surface for heat exchange. Heart rate may increase from 72 beats per minute on average to 100-150 beats per minute .
A.An extra-large sauna and steam room can be used for players to relax in |
B.A normal heart can handle these stresses but those with heart trouble wishing to begin to use a sauna should seek a doctor's advice |
C.The Japanese, Greeks, Turks and Russians as well as Native Americans have forms of the sweat bath in their bathing rituals. |
D.The body's core temperature usually rises 1-2 degrees while in the sauna, thus imitating a slight fever |
E.After reaching full heat, the smoke was let out of the cave and the stones would retain heat for several hours |
F.Some people prefer taking a warm shower beforehand to speed up perspiration (流汗) in the sauna. |