While the sauna is thought to originate
in Finland it has become very popular in different cultures all over
the world. They are used not only for their health benefits but also
for ceremonial and religious reasons.
The native Americans have a version of
the sauna and refer to it as a sweat lodge. This lodge is typically
dome shaped and made of all natural materials.
These buildings were prompted by
European influences, and its corrupting effects on the native
culture. With the European introduction of alcohol, and the inhumane
treatment of the natives the need to re-purify and find their way
back to the traditional ways became very important.
Now with the help of medicine men and
woman, and the healing powers of the sweat lodge, they believed they
could repair the damage done to their health as well as their mind.
The sweat lodge was a place for
spiritual guidance, a place to get answers and needed wisdom from the
creator and mother earth.
Different cultures use saunas for many
reasons, be it religious, spiritual or healing of body and mind. The
one thing that never changes is the health benefits of sauna use.
As far back as Roman times bathing has
always been important. In fact the ancient Romans bathed every day in
the hot steamy baths built over natural hot springs.
If fact many of these such baths were
built and the public used them for a nominal fee. Some of the larger
baths could accommodate up to 3000 people.
Then the Roman method of bathing spread
with the expansion of their vast empire. And as it spread it began to
change, evolve and grow. Now saunas are used all around the world and
the list of their benefits continue to grow.
With the addition of the infrared
saunas and the fact they have become portable, anyone and everyone
can now own a personal sauna and reap all the marvelous benefits
they have to offer.
Read more interesting facts about the history of sauna here: http://saunarevolution.net/sauna-history/
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