The History of Saunas

The History of Saunas 

For nearly 10,000 years, people have been using heat for many reasons. From outdoor fires for cooking and warmth to indoor heating to boiling water and creating steam, every culture has definitive reasons why saunas are essential to the culture and belief system in the area. We talk about how various ethnic regions used bathhouses and steam rooms to fulfill social, health, and enlightening goals in this article. We will also touch on the newest treatments helping people detoxify and purify the body and soul.

In Finland, saunas are a necessity, not a commodity

The oldest use of saunas dates back to 7,000 years B.C. Finnish people are thought to be the first people to use these hot boxes. As the society grew, so did the use of steam rooms. Today, nearly 3 million saunas are in use around the country. Almost every house has a hot room.

For the Finnish, congregating in a steam room is an everyday activity. This country is a leader in dry heat therapy, along with steam saunas. People look to Finland for expertise and guidance regarding heat therapy and the healing benefits it poses for the average person.

Africans used saunas for healing

Because disease was rampant for so long in Africa, one of the only ways medicine men could treat people was to use heat. They would put ailing patients on a grate above an in-ground fire to get them to pour sweat. When the person was perspiring all over, the treatment was complete. The person would then be lifted out of the pit to continue healing. These structures were once the best attempts at getting rid of severe fevers and bacterial infections.

The Greeks and Romans purified the body while socializing

Traditionally, the Romans and Greeks would use saunas in much the same manner as the Finnish and African societies. While they started as a place to open up the pores and help cleanse the body of toxic chemicals, their purpose evolved in these regions. Greek leaders and Roman politicians would gather in these sweat rooms to talk more privately about the inner workings of governing the area. Officials would use saunas to meet with other leaders and discuss government business.

Native Americans, New Zealanders, and Australians believe sweat lodges connect the mental and physical worlds

In the Americas and Australia, individuals would use bathhouses or sweat lodges for other purposes. These tents or structures were useful in ceremonies. Indians and Native New Zealanders would use these lodges to pray and commune with the spirits. People would gather to sing and seek spiritual guidance.

Ten to fifteen people would gather in a clay and grass structure and pour water over hot coals while sitting in the dark. The purpose of these events was to open the body and mind to the spirits allowing them to mingle with the people in the lodge. A tribal elder or village leader was usually the person who began the prayers, hymns, or speakings encouraging others to join in the event.

The Turkish use hammams to purify the body and soul

The people of Turkey use a variety of heat treatments followed by a cold bath, massage, and other therapies to purify the body. They would begin with seating people in rooms where the temperature is hotter than the outside air. People would sit and relax in these areas before heading to a more intense, hot bath area. When the body opens up and sweat pours, the people would meet in cool swimming pools and baths to talk and laugh. After cleaning up, the person can leave the treatment area, but most would stay in the hammam for hair removal, massage therapy, and other health services making it an all-day affair.

In Japan, hot spring treatments are meant for purification and to promote good health

The Japanese would use heat therapy from hot springs to help the skin open up and release harmful chemicals, spirits, and thoughts. Older generations believed spending time in a sauna would help people maintain good health and keep the body in shape during aging. Some Japanese studies show an improvement in circulation for people who suffer from the early stages of heart failure.

Koreans use saunas with heated floors to intensify the experience

Jjimjibangs are the name Koreans use for hot air treatments using heated floors. People would use these areas to solidify the effects of massage and sauna use. Koreans combine therapies to give the person a full-body experience that includes detoxification.

Important things to remember before using a sauna, steam room, or hammam

• Do not drink alcohol before or directly after your treatment
• Hydration is necessary after each session - drinking at least 32 ounces of water following a treatment is recommended
• Sauna use when sick should be used at the discretion of your family physician
• Limit steam room use to 15 to 20 minutes per session
• Cooling down after the therapy should be a slow process
• Anyone feeling sick during treatment should always opt to leave the sauna until feeling well

Innovative ideas continue the healing effects of saunas through infrared saunas

Today holistic treatments include infrared sauna therapies. These treatments happen in modern facilities where the temperature and time are easily controlled. Health specialists use infrared sauna therapy to treat many ailments with specific wavelengths.

From teepees to caves and modern facilities, saunas have played a huge part in healing the body. People have been using steam and heat for thousands of years. This therapy is useful for opening up the pores, reducing stress, ridding the body of toxins, and for some, creating a spiritual connection. It is good advice to check with your family physician should you decide to start using sauna or heat therapy.

About the Author

Dr. Josh Kantor is a leading NYC Holistic Chiropractor and Applied Kinesiologist who opened Chill Space NYC, Manhattan's leading health spa. Learn more by visiting his website at ChillSpaceNYC.com