Sauna & Steam Skin Therapy

Do you recall that we discussed a different ancient skin therapy in a recent post? Just like mud skin therapy, the use of heat and water has been used for centuries to enhance, heal and beautify skin. Saunas are used for this type of therapy. A sauna is a small room or building that is designed to have sessions with dry or wet heat. The heat triggers the “bathers” to perspire.

Types of Saunas

1. Turkish Bath (Hamam) – If you ever get the privilege of traveling to Turkey you can experience the rich culture and beauty of a Turkish bath. It is like no other “bath” you’ve ever experienced before. If you don’t plan to visit Istanbul any time soon our traveling guru Rick Steves enjoys one for us to view here. Some of the baths are dated back to the 1400s! They are just so beautiful! And what a better place to get your skin beautified than in a Turkish bath. If you ever get the opportunity to take a Turkish bath, do it. It is unforgettable.
2. Wood Burning Sauna – These are the original Finnish Style saunas. The temperature is regulated by the amount of fire in the stove. Out of the five million inhabitants of Finland, over three million saunas are found there. They are viewed there as a necessity and not a luxury.
3. Electric Saunas – Since the 1950s most people use this type of sauna because it is easy to control and is efficient in its use.
4. Steam Sauna (Steam Room) – These are similar to Turkish-style saunas since the humidity level is 100% but the temperature is much lower than traditional saunas.
5. Infrared Saunas – This sauna is based on a person’s body heat. Water is not used in this type of therapy, which is good for toning muscles and relaxing your body.

“Doing a picture with Willie Wyler is like getting the works at a Turkish bath. You damn near drown, but you come out smelling like a rose.” – Charlton Heston

The Ultimate Goal

What is the ultimate goal when taking a bath, is it relaxation or cleansing? The answer is both, and! A bath offers unrivaled relaxation ability. But it also is good for your body. It’s a way to let it go in a cleansing ritual. You can read more about cleansing rituals here.

Saunas have the ability to cleanse into the depths of your pores and release toxins and other harmful, painful issues you may be experiencing. They work by opening up your pores, relaxing your limbs and releasing a cleansing wash of perspiration all over your body.

Additional Benefits of a Sauna

1. A new research study suggests that lowering your blood pressure may be a benefit of sauna bathers. It’s no shock that the study was conducted in Finland. They found that 1,600 middle aged men in Finland who took sauna baths four to seven times a week cut their risk of high blood pressure by nearly half, compared to once-a-week users.
2. Studies have shown that short periods of elevated body temperature can be an antidepressant.
3. Research also found that older adults who use a sauna might be less likely to suffer a stroke.
4. Saunas boost your ability to lose weight.
5. They also flush your toxins away.

Now that we’ve convinced you that you need to find a sauna bath a.s.a.p. we’d like to also suggest the perfect post-sauna refreshment. After your sauna you’ll want to replenish with key minerals and drink natural electrolytes.

Post-Sauna Replenish

Add 3 cups of purified coconut water, ½ cup freshly squeezed citrus juice, 1 tbsp. raw honey and ¼ tsp. quality Himalayan salt to a large mason jar. Sip on it during and after your sauna bath.

Les Belles NYC wants you to live a beautiful, relaxing, healthy and refreshing life. Why not book a sauna for your body and a cleaning appointment at our dental office as well. Experience life to the fullest!

“There must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.” – Sylvia Plath