Visiting the sauna is both healthy and fun. But which sauna is right for you? What are the characteristics of the various steam rooms?

A few thousand years ago, the Finns—like other prehistoric humans—lived in holes in the ground. These holes were covered with tarps for insulation. Nevertheless, given the severe Scandinavian winter, the Finns were very cold. The fire at the entrance provided pleasant warmth; however, it was somewhat dangerous and very smoky—particularly at night. This led the Finns to a clever idea: During the day they laid big stones in the fire. After the last embers died, the stones remained hot for several hours and provided reliable warmth for their shelter. It was thus out of necessity that the Finns invented the sauna. They soon discovered that they could temporarily increase the temperature by throwing water on the stones. Today, we can enjoy the Finns’ invention for relaxation, meditation, beauty, well-being and, of course, good health.

Best for the skin…

is the Turkish hamam. The hamam ritual can last up to an hour: Visitors first relax in a room set at normal room temperature. This is followed by a steam bath for about twenty minutes, where the damp heat takes effect. The subsequent massage is a must, in which the tellak, or bath attendant, uses a glove made of goat hair. This stimulates circulation and thoroughly scrubs the skin. The Egyptian rhassoul is also a “fountain of youth” for the skin. Various types of natural clay are rubbed on the skin of the sauna visitor before he or she enters the steam bath. Then the mud is softly massaged into the skin. This cleanses the skin particularly gently.

Best for your health…

is the Turkish hamam. The hamam ritual can last up to an hour: Visitors first relax in a room set at normal room temperature. This is followed by a steam bath for about twenty minutes, where the damp heat takes effect. The subsequent massage is a must, in which the tellak, or bath attendant, uses a glove made of goat hair. This stimulates circulation and thoroughly scrubs the skin. The Egyptian rhassoul is also a “fountain of youth” for the skin. Various types of natural clay are rubbed on the skin of the sauna visitor before he or she enters the steam bath. Then the mud is softly massaged into the skin. This cleanses the skin particularly gently.

Best for the musculature…

is the Irish steam bath. Temperatures range between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius. The humidity is, however, extremely high and reaches almost 100 percent. This warm, humid climate is easy to endure and relaxes muscles and joints. The Russian banja is also great for relaxing muscles. At around 70 degrees, with high humidity, it allows one to perspire in comfortable conditions. Traditionally, sauna goers slap each other with dampened birch switches. Finally, some rub themselves with ice or even take a refreshing dip in an icy lake.

Naturally, today the Finns no longer freeze without their fire or hot stones; they too enjoy the pleasures of modern heating and other amenities. Therefore, we should almost be thankful that the freezing Finns so long ago—due to a little frostbite—came up with such a brilliant idea!