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Finnish Smoke Sauna
The Finnish Smoke Sauna Is Precursor of All Others
Today’s modern saunas are actually descendants of the
traditional Finnish smoke sauna that is still commonly used in
Finland and several Baltic countries. These old-world versions of the sauna
could more properly be termed “sauna bath houses,” because they are detached
wooden structures and generally include a bathing or showering area to be
used on conjunction with the heated area.
A smoke sauna uses a log fire for heating the interior of the bath house.
The fire is made in a pit formed by placing stones in a circle. During sauna
bathing, the Finns repeatedly pour water over the hot stones to produce an
intensive steam effect to invigorate the skin and produce profuse sweat.
This repeated bathing in steam is referred to by the Finnish people as “loyly.”
The practice is often a social event as well, with neighbors or family using
the sauna house together. The Finns also stimulate the skin by gently brush
or “whisking” the surface with birch whisks while relaxing in the steam.
Earlier smoke-style saunas of the third through eighth centuries were so
called because they truly were smoky – the dome shaped stove where the rocks
were heated didn’t easily ventilate the smoke from the wood fires, and the
smoke in turn would add to the increase in the temperature of the sauna. As
time went on and better ventilation and chimneys eased the smokiness,
Finnish bath houses became less smoky, but many traditionalists still prefer
the old way, ensuring that these most traditional of saunas will continue to
be built and used.
For more information see:
Finnish Sauna Kits
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