The little Sauna handbook

Transcription

1 The little Sauna handbook Advice & information

2 The history of sauna As long ago as the Stone Age humans discovered the possibility of heating their dwelling places with hot stones, realizing that the increase in temperature would lead to intense sweating. Towards the end of the Middle Ages however, this ritual fell into disuse, apart from in Finland and in parts of Russia. But in the more southerly regions treatments with hot air developed, such as the culture of Roman baths and Turkish baths in the Orient. It was from Asia, the true birthplace of the sauna, that roughly 2000 years ago the Finns imported this practice into Europe, the primitive form of which consisted of a pit dug into the earth (Ground sauna). An evolution lasting centuries then followed, finally reaching the modern sauna as we know it today. In the past saunas were created in tents, pits dug in the ground or in barns. At the beginning of the 19th century these smoke houses were replaced with wooden cabins equipped with stoves and a chimney. Only after 1945 was the mid-european sauna culture to make a comeback, rapidly spreading to many different countries. Today, all variants and forms of saunas exist in private, public and hotel structures. If in the past it was somewhere to get warm during the winter, today it has been transformed into a cultural meeting point, a small place for relaxation in both summer and winter. The sauna and health Can viruses be eliminated through sweating? The sauna is the best way of preventing colds. But can it also help with viruses? Unfortunately not! Doctors agree: those who regularly visit a sauna do not easily catch colds, because the changes in temperature which the body undergoes inside the sauna reinforce the immune system with a protective action that normally lasts a week. The sauna is not effective however in combating colds or influenza already contracted. A newly contracted infection and the sauna are not compatible! The extreme temperature swings only exacerbate the illness, subjecting the body to considerable stress. It is therefore preferable to start attending sauna sessions again once the symptoms of the illness (e.g. high temperature) have disappeared, so that the after effects are eliminated as well. The sauna is the ideal way to take care of your body, also because sweating and the various infusions, on the one hand, have a purifying effect on the skin and,

3 on the other hand, as well as bringing out and eliminating keratin-filled cells from the surface cutaneous layers, they dissolve particles of dirt, bacteria, grease residue and blackheads. At the same time they encourage the renewal of cells, giving the skin a soft and velvety appearance. It is no coincidence that beauticians recommend periodic sauna sessions for deep skin cleansing. The heat stimulates the heart and blood circulation The sauna reinforces the whole cardio-circulatory system and, although during the warming phase the rapid evaporation of sweat has a cooling effect on the skin, the internal body temperature rises by 1, making the epidermis also rise by 10 and causing the blood vessels to dilate which, consequently empty. The amount of blood circulating increases as does the speed of the flow, while the heartbeat increases by 50%: this is indispensable for a sufficient supply of blood to the sweat glands. Sauna and sport Exercise for the circulatory system and relief for the muscles! Anyone who treats themselves to a sauna session after doing sport does their body a favour, also because it promotes the relaxation of tired muscles. But beware: the circulatory system could become overtaxed! The sauna has a relaxing effect on the musculoskeletal system and on the muscles, together with stimulation of the blood vessels useful for adapting blood circulation and heart economy. At the same time the sauna promotes the elimination of metabolic waste products (a process also know as detoxification), consequently giving rise to a strengthening of the sports physique. Useful information: sauna sessions are good for lesions caused by sport, precisely because this acceleration of the metabolism encourages relief from muscular lesions and tension. Nevertheless, where a haemorrhage is present, even only inside the tissue, it is preferable to avoid the sauna until the blood vessel has closed completely. Instead those who sweat profusely following sports activities should reintegrate the loss of liquids before embarking upon a sauna session in order to provide the body with the necessary mineral salts. The Aufguss: the highlight of the sauna Löyly is the Finnish name for the steam or vapour created by throwing water on the stones of the stove. For most guests it is a ritual almost not to be missed even if its absence does not diminish the effects of the actual sauna itself.

4 However, it is necessary to clear up one misconception: the Aufguss does not increase sweating, as many people believe. The beads of water which run down the body after the Aufguss are made up of condensation which quickly evaporates. The etheric oils contained in it can instead promote relaxation and well being. During the Aufguss cold water or ice crystals enriched with etheric oils are poured on the hot stones of the stove, creating a vapour which the Saunameister or steam master will diffuse throughout the room by a specific tool or using a towel. The art of pouring the water on the stones has also undergone a kind of modern age revolution: combined with music, costumes and often a specific theme, the various techniques now offer an infinite assortment of Aufguss ranging from the traditional to the meditative and on to the mystical, transforming this event into the highlight of the sauna ritual. Rules of sauna Suitable shower shoes must be worn in the sauna area For hygiene and safety reasons No footwear or bath towels are allowed in the Roman steam bath The humidity in the Roman steam bath encourages the transmission of bacteria and unpleasant odours. For this reason in this area no footwear of any kind is permitted and instead of a towel the use of simple rubber mats is allowed, which are more hygienic and can be washed. No footwear allowed in the sauna, bath towels only Footwear: rubber materials can disintegrate and footwear used can give off unpleasant odours due to the heat. Towel: for hygiene reasons, or rather to ensure that sweat is not deposited on the wood.

5 No swimwear in the sauna The dispersion of heat in the sauna cabin must reach the skin without any barriers and, in addition, the sweat must be allowed to evaporate freely. Apart from anything else, it is neither pleasant nor hygienic to sweat with a swimming costume on, probably made of synthetic fibre. To preserve your intimacy in the sauna it is recommended that a cotton towel be used. Bathrobe and woollen socks help the warming up phase After being cooled in cold water the body must warm up again, in order to avoid colds. Time: haste and pressing engagements are the sworn enemies of the sauna Important advices Never enter the sauna when you are hungry, but neither on a full stomach. Take a shower before coming into the sauna and dry yourself well. Dry skin sweats better. Come into the sauna while your body is still warm: a hot footbath promotes sweating. Stay in the sauna for minutes, according to your sensitivity. Short intense sessions are preferable to long and lukewarm ones. The cooling down phase should last as long as the heating up phase. Cooling down phase: first of all cool down the airways. Take a cold-water shower starting from the arms and legs and continue with the back and upper body, i.e. from the extremities towards the heart. Lastly, wet your head to avoid headache. Then, sink into the tub or in the Kneipp baths, until you start to shiver slightly. At this point warm up your body again with hot footbaths up to the ankles and cover up well with woollen socks and a bathrobe. The relaxation phase should last at least half an hour, to allow the body to revive itself. 2-3 sessions in the sauna are more than enough. Continuity is what matters: 1-2 times a week, even in summer, are good for the health and have a positive effect on the body. To prevent unwanted reactions on the circulation, after the sauna any sports activity is ill advised, while massages are instead ideal.

6 The sauna at Cron4 Indoor area, ground floor: 2 roman steam baths, finnish humid sauna, Kneipp step pool, Kneipp arm bath, cold water pool, various style showers, saline graduation tower with footbaths, lounge. Indoor area, first floor: 3 differently equipped relaxation rooms with Vital bar and large sun terrace. Outdoor sauna area: Large Finnish sauna for Aufguss (Blocksauna 90 C) able to accommodate 65 people Alpine sauna (Finnish 85 C) with fresh hay aroma Viking sauna (Finnish 100 C) with throne Tre Cime sauna (Finnish 90 C) with wood burning stove Earth sauna with stone wall (80 C partly soil) Herbal sauna (Finnish 75 C) 4 small warmness houses with infrared radiation Large garden with sunloungers Different relaxation rooms Large cold water pool, Kneipp step pool, Kneipp arm bath Women s sauna area A separate area, reserved for ladies only with Roman steam bath and herbal sauna, a choice of different showers and relaxation room. Finnish 90 C sauna and open-air garden.

7 Aufguss: Aufguss program every day, hourly in the large finnish Aufguss sauna, others in the Viking Sauna, in the Earth sauna and the steam bath. Types of Aufguss: Traditional Cron4 style Aufguss with tea, with honey, fruit, meditative, with ice cream tasting or salt. Special Aufguss with mud, birch branches, shaman, Viking and other theme-based Aufguss. Aufguss on request for special occasions such as birthdays etc. Special and highlight Aufguss can be seen on our Website. The quality of our Aufguss is marked by this logo in program:

8 Evolution 3 This concept describes the evolution in the wellness industry, as created and defined in the Cron4 Centre. Evolution3 is the ultimate refinement of the idea of wellness : a holistic lifestyle that focuses on the human being and on his interaction with the social context. This concept finds its utter and complete fulfilment in our sauna area, aiming at achieving a positive attitude of body and spirit. In the past, sauna enthusiasts would only take winter sessions to keep the body warm, whereas today s comprehensive offer makes it possible to enjoy sauna baths the whole year round. Beside the various types of sauna and the variations in the cooling down process, both outdoors and indoors, Cron4 offers an Aufguss program that changes every day, and closes with various snacks, professional advice, introduction to the correct approach to sauna and hydrotherapy according to the Kneipp method, and massage: all of which is set in the breathtaking natural scenery of Riscone, Italy. The different Aufguss variations are performed using 100% ethereal oils and exclusively by certified sauna professionals and Aufguss masters. The goal is to achieve a quality Aufguss, so as to ensure the guest s well-being: total relaxation of body and mind, stimulation by sound and smell, experiencing new sensations. In short, a sort of well-being that involves all senses. Cron4 invites you to experience and enjoy this unique feeling. Massage After the sauna a massage is particularly beneficial, precisely because the muscle system is already warmed up and loose, increasing the deep penetrating effects of the treatment and stimulating the blood supply as well as the lymphatic flow. Small blows, rubbing and manipulation are used to promote sweating which encourages the elimination of waste products. Following this treatment a relaxing pause is recommended. Information & contact Cron4 indoor pool: Reipertinger Sportanlagen GmbH Sports area Im Gelände 26, Bruneck Reischach Tel Fax info@cron4.it Follow us on: