Bathrooms: The Benefits of Saunas

10-Nov-2008

As bathroom technology expands in its sophistication, many homeowners are investing in an all-in-one shower, sauna and steam bath. But the concept of steaming or taking a sauna for health purposes is nothing new. Sweating has been used as a healing tool for centuries, in cultures as varied as the Northern Europeans and the Native Americans. Follow this brief history to getting sweaty and learn how you could benefit from having a sauna in your bathroom.

The Benefits of Sweating

Sweat baths have been used throughout history by people of different races and cultures to achieve the same purpose – good health. For centuries it has been believed that the sweat bath helps avoid disease by eliminating toxins, and now modern bathroom users are catching on.

The History of Sweat Baths

The first wooden saunas were built in Finland in the 5th Century, when Northern European tribes abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and settled down. The sweat bath became so common in Scandanavia in the Middle Ages that foreign visitors were impressed by even the peasantry's habit of taking regular baths. When plagues and epidemics began to spread, sharing bathing facilities didn't seem like such a good idea and their popularity understandably declined. Most of the sweat houses were closed down and by the end of the 19th Century the sweat bath had virtually disappeared in Scandavia.

Modern Saunas

The popularity of sweat baths increased when it was safe, and now Finland has 2 million saunas – more than the number of cars in the country. There are even saunas in Parliament! In Finland saunas are used for every occClick and Clean. The lower wheels and panels can be released to expose the for thorough cleaning. Panel then easily clicks back into position to ensure a water tight seal.asion, from relaxation to business meetings. Due to its social nature, the Finns believe the sauna is an excellent place for discussion and negotiation – unlike a normal Western bathroom!

Alternative bathrooms: The Sauna Tradition

In Europe the sauna is used for rites of passage, including childbirth and a purification ritual for women before they marry. In ancient times they were linked to spiritual and religious ceremonies. There are basic etiquette rules in saunas, such as keeping children quiet. And don't be surprised to walk into a sauna and find everyone naked. The Finns consider it unnatural and unhygienic to wear a swimsuit and compare it to having a shower with your socks on!

Bathroom Benefits of a Sauna

Now that we have the opportunity to install saunas into our own modern bathrooms, we should seriously consider the benefits. A daily session of sweating helps to release toxins, purify your body and bring a glow to your skin. It can also help release the stress of a busy day, making it the perfect addition bathrooms of busy executives. There's no better time to get sweaty!

Ideal Standard is Europe's leading contemporary brand, using award-winning designers to create bathrooms that blend style and luxury with functionality. We also provide bathroom accClick and Clean. The lower wheels and panels can be released to expose the for thorough cleaning. Panel then easily clicks back into position to ensure a water tight seal.essories, taps, mixers and furniture. To find out more, choose a design, or find your nearest showroom, just browse our website. Click CLICK technology. The single lever basin mixer and bidet mixer incorporate a CLICK feature that encourages water saving – the user lifts the handle until they feel a slight resistance. This resistance informs the user that the fitting is delivering only 50% of its maximum flow potential. Lifting the handle further enables the fitting to deliver maximum flow. CLICK technology is available on Idyll Two, Ceramix, Ceraplan and Melange.on the Contact Us page for our hotline numbers to order a brochure, or do email us with any enquiry you might have.