Embrace the benefits of the humble sauna

The word sauna is Finnish meaning ‘a small building for bathing’, with Finland being the place that is often credited for the origin of this detoxifying experience. Dating back to the Ice Age and looking like underground hot pits lined with animal skins, this 5000-year-old practise was known as a spiritual cleansing and gradually expanded into a place of socialising, relaxation and warmth against the freezing temperatures. Later, it was realised there was more to the ‘sauna’ when it came to our health.

Nowadays you can find versions of ‘bathhouses’ all over the world, with the heart of the sauna experience focused on improved  well-being, but also socialising. From Japan to Italy, public saunas are a popular pastime, with temperatures ranging from 60 degrees to over 100 degrees, depending on cultural preferences.  In the UK we tend to adopt the traditional sauna experience of Finland, with temperatures allowing us to indulge in short bursts of intense heat up to 100 degrees, while being surrounded by wooden benches and hot stones.

What are the benefits of a sauna?

With confirmation from experts, relaxing in a sauna at 80 degrees for 10 minutes provides the following benefits:

• Detoxification – sweating out toxins is one of the body’s natural ways to cleanse, helping you flush out impurities and revitalise the skin.
• Improved circulation – once your blood vessels dilate due to the heat, your blood flow increases and can help with muscle recovery and overall cardiovascular health.
• Stress relief – soothing heat promotes relaxation, especially when it’s a quiet environment encouraging mindfulness.
• Improved sleep – with relaxation and stress reduction brought on by intense heat, as your body cools you begin to feel sleepy, placing you in a headspace ready for bed.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, better health, or a moment of peace, the sauna provides a place of warmth and healing. If you are visiting us here at Ragdale Hall Spa, be sure to explore our Thermal Spa, which offers two sauna experiences along with other heat and water rooms to help you completely unwind and restore your body and mind. Embrace the tradition and its benefits for yourself!

To book your Ragdale Hall Spa experience and to see the latest offers and packages, visit our Offers page. With every spa package at Ragdale you will be able to enjoy all spa facilities, fitness classes and workshops plus a nourishing meal too.