Far Infrared Saunas – What is Infrared?, Evolution, and History
The health advantages of saunas are not a contemporary discovery. Historical confirmation and reports show that the Finns constructed the first wooden saunas over 2000 years ago. The primitive or first saunas were dug into a hill or mound. As tools and methods progressed, they were constructed above ground utilizing wooden logs. Rocks were heated in a stone fireplace with a wood fire. The smoke from the fire encompassed the room as the air warmed. As soon as the temperature reached preferred intensity, the smoke was permitted to clear and the patrons entered. The wood smoke scent still remained and was part of the healing ritual. This particular form of traditional smoke sauna was referred to as a savu, which translates into, smoke in Finnish.
In time, the sauna developed where it utilized a metal woodstove, or kiuas (ke-wus), with a chimney. The temperature within the sauna was around 180 degrees Fahrenheit, but frequently surpassed 200 degrees in a traditional Finnish sauna. Steam vapor, also referred to as loyly (lou-lu), was generated by splashing water on the heated rocks.
The steam and high heat triggered the users to perspire, therefore eliminating impurities and toxins from |