Sauna Customs of Finnish Friends
In Finland, birthplace of the Sauna, there are more Saunas than automobiles. Not just at the lakeside cottages that dot the countryside, but in nearly every house, apartment, and most offices you will find a Sauna. Friends and families gather in Saunas, at least every Wednesday and Saturday, the traditional days for Sauna, but it's not uncommon for Finns to Sauna even more regularly than that. Business deals are struck in Saunas, and many many people still alive today were born in the Sauna (a few may have even been conceived there too, though sex in the Sauna is not a common practice by Finns and is not endorsed for obvious safety reasons--ie. hot stove, hot rocks, and overheating!)
In America, the Sauna was often the first structure built by Finnish immigrants on their homesteads in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Canada and other parts of the country where Finns arrived in great numbers in the late 1800's and early 1900's. While most Saunas in America are constructed of cedar as the primary wood, the custom in Finland is to use Nordic White Spruce and other similar wood, as is the practice today of North America's largest Sauna producer Finnleo® Sauna & Steam.
The Sauna should be a place of relaxation. To truly enjoy a Sauna, one should be naked. It's no fun to sweat with anything on, really is it? A Sauna bath can last anywhere from a half hour to several hours depending on the time you have. Longer is better, much better. A typical three course Finnish Sauna goes something like this:
Course #1:
-Shower, washing with soap before entering the Sauna.
-Rest and relax in the Sauna either sitting or laying on the benches until you are sweating.
-Dip in the lake, river, or shower to cool down completely. Drink, snack, rest.
Course #2:
-Return to the Sauna and sweat again, a little longer if you can.
-Cool off again. Even a stroll under the moon and stars will suffice if it's cold enough.
Course #3:
-Return to the Sauna for your final session, sweat thoroughly to flush toxins.
-Shower, bathe from a water barrel, or jump in a frozen lake to cool down and cleanse.
-Dry yourself, rest, relax. Then, eat a nice hearty meal.
You will burn anywhere from 300 to 800 calories in a typical three course Sauna. Your skin will be rejuvenated, your glands will help flush toxins from your organs, and you will feel renewed. Your eyes will feel sleepy, your sore muscles will be relaxed. You will be happy.
So, what are you waiting for? Sauna often, Finnish Friends!
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