What is a Smoke Sauna?
Primitive saunas were dated back to the time of the early Nomads that settled in what is now called Finland. The Finnish are known to be the origin of the smoke sauna tradition. In a close area that seemed to be the chamber, the Nomads would dig holes in the ground and make an open fire in the hole. Then, they would cover the ground with tarpaulins and wait until the fire had died. The remains of the fire would be a hot, smoke-filled room ready for sauna bathing. This is where the smoke sauna originated. Smoke sauna is actually the most traditional among the modern forms of sauna.
A smoke sauna is similar to the oldest form of sauna known to man. In a chamber that has a fireplace but no chimney, the fire would heat up the stones. This room would take hours before warming up. Water is then sprinkled onto a hot stone to produce smoke or vapor. The smoke from the stones will leave the room through a small hole and go to another room where a person will enjoy it. The heat from a smoke sauna is very good. But it only became popular in the 1920’s. When new types of sauna emerged, smoke sauna almost disappeared. This is because of the fact that smoke sauna is very messy to maintain. Cleaning is required before each bath should be made because the soot is all over the area, especially on the benches. It is also dangerous and has a tendency to create fire. Open fireplace for heating the stones are not easy to control and can burn the room.
But smoke sauna has evolved. What was a chimneyless chamber before now uses a chamber to direct the smoke away from the room. This construction of saunas became popular. The type of sauna that was already forgotten made a comeback with better amenities to cater. They are modern in construction and appearance and provide running water and other forms of comfort to make the relaxation more enjoyable.
Modern electric heaters were now being used, but some people still use the traditional wood. Wood-heated saunas have a different effect to the body. It produces the best kind of heat that produces a more relaxed state in the user. The chamber has a metal casing and a chimney. Stones are still being used to keep the heat. Stones are good energy keepers. They only release heat when water is sprinkled onto them.
Many amenities may have changed with the smoke sauna but the relevance that it holds in the Finnish culture will remain. It is still their most sacred form of relaxation and body cleansing. Smoke sauna is very special to the Finnish. It is an experience not only for physical relaxation. It is also said to rejuvenate the soul. It not only cleanses the skin but heals the body. It has a lot of benefits to humans. It continues to become popular with the passing of time.