Sauna, << SAW nah or SOW nah, >> is a special kind of bath for cleansing and relaxation. It causes perspiration by means of dry heat. The word sauna also refers to the room or bathhouse in which people take such a bath. Sauna has been a tradition in Finland for more than 1,000 years. In the United States, it is a feature of many health clubs, hotels, resorts and apartment buildings, and some private homes.
In a sauna, stones are heated on top of a furnace. The temperature in the room ranges from 176 to 212 °F (80 to 100 °C). Bathers sit or lie on wooden benches and perspire freely. They may pour water on the rocks to produce vapor and make the sauna feel hotter. Next, the bathers take a cold shower or swim and then may repeat the entire process several times. Finally, they rest until their body temperature returns to normal.
The sauna process produces an invigorating feeling. But elderly people and people with a history of ill health should consult a physician before using a sauna.
No one knows when or where sauna was developed. The Finns may have brought it to northern Europe from their previous home in central Asia.
