Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Sauna, as a form of relaxation, is not unique to modern times. Ancient Greek records describe similar baths8217;. Though essentially a western concept, facilities such as this and steam bath are gaining popularity in our country. However, being relatively new to it, we often do not have a complete knowledge of its benefits, or of the precautions to be taken.
Historically, the sauna has been most closely identified with the Finnish people, who made it a national tradition. The Finns built wooden enclosures near the edge of lakes and fjords. Inside were shelf like rows of flat stones that had fire space underneath, where wood was burned to beat the stones. When they were very hot, bathers threw cold water on them to create steam. The present day saunas throughout the world are mere modifications of these.
How often should one indulge oneself in a sauna? Vaze feels that India being a hot country, for people who wish to be regular sauna users, twice to thrice a week should be adequate. Also how much time one should stay inside depends squarely upon the body8217;s ability to withstand heat. The sauna heat is absolutely dry heat upto as high as about 90 degree centigrade or 200F, so for beginners even a minute inside may be adequate to start with. It is best to begin with short sessions of, say, three to five minutes each and gradually increase the duration. Once the body gets used to withstanding heat for longer periods, a fifteen minute stay can be very relaxing.
One should have a chilled shower immediately before and after a sauna bath. Experts advise numerous sessions of shorter duration each instead of one long one. Thus a few minutes inside the sauna followed with a quick shower and back into the sauna seems to work best. Also, one must keep consuming some water during the breaks. Of prime importance is a rest of about 30 minutes or so in the end to let the body attain its natural temperature.
What then, besides relaxation, are the benefits of a sauna? Dr S K Mirjankar, head of the physiotherapy department at Ruby Hall Clinic, warns that 8220;it cannot be use as a blanket treatment for all.8221; While most people seem to benefit from it, a very sudden loss of water from the body may lead to instant complications for some, notably for elderly people, diabetic patients, pregnant women, patients with blood pressure problems, and the ones with cardiac and valvular problems. For them, taking their doctors8217; advice before starting sauna sessions is imperative. Vaze points out that only those for whom these problems are under control should be encouraged to go inside the sauna. Even for the ones who are fit and healthy, experts advise a thorough medical check-up before the first time they enter a sauna bath.
A few minutes of sauna can work wonders for the skin. It is best for people with oily skin. Steam bath is thought to work best for those with dry skin. Besides improving blood circulation, sauna helps in eliminating certain toxins from the skin, leaving the skin clear and acne free. And if that isn8217;t great enough, when used in conjunction with a workout and a massage, it is probably the best treat one can offer to one8217;s body. Hair, however, needs to be protected as dry heat is not conducive for it. Hence, it is best to wrap the hair in a towel.
As for what8217;s best for wearing inside the bath, the lesser worn, the better. For maximum benefits, try exposing maximum portions of the body to the heat. Hence, it is the one place where one should leave all inhibitions behind and relax.
