One can safely say that saunas existed way before gyms ever did. These natural saunas could be found near hot springs and deep caves ever since the Earth decided to stop raining meteors on itself. Somehow, humans have decided that these intimidating steam pits were perfect places of relaxation. 

Who could blame them? It was a way to beat the cold back then. Now, we have internal heating in our very homes, and yet we still seek the sauna after the gym. Why is that? Today, let's discuss the history of the sauna and the benefits (and risks) that go with using them.

What are Saunas?

Saunas, or sweat houses, are sanitized rooms that are filled to the ceiling with either dry heat or hot steam. As the name "sweat house" implies, it's meant to make a person sweat. While natural hot springs were the precursor to saunas, it wasn't until the Aztecs that humans started building specific rooms and buildings dedicated to these hot areas. 

Kinds of Saunas

1. Wood Burning

The traditional form of sauna in most parts of Asia, especially in cold countries such as Japan, involves burning wood and sauna rocks. They are low in humidity but high on temperature. If you've seen any movie that involved the infamous Yakuza, you've definitely seen these rooms before.

2. Electrical Heat

Basically the same concept as a wood sauna (dry and high heat), but this time, the heat comes from a heater instead of wood and rocks. These saunas are preferred by those who have problems with the strong, wooden smells that wood saunas emit.

3. Infrared Heat

Infrared pads are placed around the room and are targeted specifically towards the people using it, as opposed to just heating up the entire room.

4. Steam Saunas

These are not technically saunas in the traditional sense, but they perform the same function. It involves high temperatures and humid heat.

Benefits of Saunas

Before we get into the real benefits, it must be understood that saunas do NOT burn fat. When people swear they have "lost weight" after using the sauna, what they just lost was not really fat, but water. Water weight is simply excess water, and the weight you just lost will likely come back after you drink a glass or two of water.

What are the true benefits of saunas?

1. Circulation

First of all, blood flows easier while you are in a sauna. This serves to ease the soreness in your muscles as the blood can bring the muscles what they need faster.

2. Glowing Skin

Saunas also accelerate your skin's metabolism. In turn, this will lead to your skin cells changing old skin cells faster, leading to healthier-looking skin. At the same time, this will also help fading scars fade a bit faster.

3. Slimming

While saunas do not truly make you lose fat, water weight does tend to make you feel more bloated and puffy than you really are. Saunas can get rid of them quickly so you can start seeing your true weight.

4. Relaxing

Lastly, it's relaxing! Saunas are the perfect "cool down" after an intense workout. Sweat it out and feel the stress and adrenaline slowly fade away.

Sauna Safety Tips

If you have any fevers, physical conditions, or are currently intoxicated, avoid saunas at all costs. The shifts in temperature and air might be extremely harmful to your body. Always consult a doctor if it's safe for you to enter a sauna.