A sauna is a bathroom, house or hut especially constructed so that someone can enjoy a steam bath. Generally, temperatures are more than 80 degrees C in these structures. Taking a sauna is a relaxing experience that leads to sweating, which has many health benefits. The word sauna is derived from Finnish "savuna ? that means "in smoke. ?

In the early days, saunas were huge holes in the ground that could accommodate entire communities or tribes. In the center, there was a pit for fire. The hole was covered with a roof to prevent rain, cold, and heat from entering. Saunas have been in use since 1700 when public bathhouses were equipped with sauna facilities.

Saunas are used in both hot and cold climates. Though sauna use is a national tradition in Finland, it is also popular in other countries under different names. These include bania/banya in Russia; thermae in Rome; hammam in Turkey and sweat lodge in North America. Today, saunas are common in public sports arenas and physical education complexes of universities and colleges in North America. Very low humidity levels in the Swedish and Finnish Saunas, combined with high temperatures make the heat bearable for us as our bodies can not withstand temperatures over 100 degrees C.

Saunas have many health benefits. Sweating releases toxins from the body. Heat promotes white blood cell generation and improves the immune system. But saunas could be harmful for people with high blood pressure. A cool shower after a sauna may increase blood pressure. Saunas could cause heat stroke. In America, the sauna industry is expected to grow with increase in health awareness.

Wood saunas of the past have generally been replaced by electric and gas saunas, which are more environmental friendly. Finland dominates the global sales of saunas.