Traditional Sauna: A Robust Guide to Understand (2022)

You are at the right place if you want to learn more about building your own conventional sauna at home. Maybe you're wondering what exactly will happen during the healing process. Your new purchase has the potential to be a powerful rejuvenating healing tool if cared for properly. Take pleasure in your newfound ability to lose weight and breathe easier thanks to steam therapy. In order to assist you on your path to health, we have compiled the following detailed guide on your traditional sauna.
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You might also want to read: Top 10 Sauna Benefits to Boost Your Health

​Traditional Sauna: a Brief Introduction

Traditional saunas are the saunas that were first made. To begin with, these sauna rooms are either small or medium in size (usually the former). An arena or dome would not work in this case.

The exterior of the sauna room is made from special durable wood. And inside, sauna rocks get hot when the sauna heaters start working. Finally, you pour water over the hot rocks to generate steam. Such steams are popularly known as "loyly" in the Finnish community.

Such a sauna uses either of the two - a wood-burning heater or an electric heater. Each session gets the temperature to go between 175 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Let's have a short introduction to a wood-burning and electric sauna heater.

Wood-burning Sauna Heater

One of the most well-liked features of saunas is the wood-burning heater. The relaxing atmosphere it creates, and the pleasant scent of wood make it ideal for use in a sauna. With this method, you'll need firewood if you want to heat your sauna. At first, you may find it challenging to keep the heat just right in your sauna. You will find it easier to use as you become more familiar with your sauna.

Electric Sauna Heater

A sauna heated by an electric heater is equally effective as one heated by wood. Electricity at 220 volts is used to heat the stones in your sauna. Make sure your sauna is wired into an accessible area if you use this type of heating. Unless you have prior electrical wiring experience, you should hire a professional.

Infrared Vs. Traditional Sauna: a Short Comparison

The most frequent type of sauna is the "traditional sauna," named for its origins in Finland.
Contrarily, "infrared sauna" describes a specific type of sauna that uses infrared heat waves. Commonly seen inside, it operates by beaming heat directly into the user. 
Some critical distinctions between the two are here:

Infrared Sauna
The infrared rays in this sauna are what generates the heat. Warmth is delivered directly to your body via these specialized heat rays. Thanks to them, you won't have to worry about overheating the room. Due to the absence of steam, relative humidity levels are typically much lower. Sessions like this are less taxing on the body, making them ideal for anyone with heat sensitivities. The typical range for the temperature is from 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the health advantages include cleansing the body and reducing excess fat.

Traditional Sauna
To achieve their desired effects, these saunas employ the same time-honored methods of steam therapy and sauna rituals as their forebears. You'll be able to take deeper breaths and expand your lung capacity due to the health benefits you reap. The eucalyptus wood sauna, for instance, is fantastic for soothing bronchial congestion. Your muscles and joints will feel better, and you will sleep better, too. You may set up this variety of saunas either indoors or out.

Next, there are two types of sauna with relation to infrared and traditional sauna, i.e., dry and wet sauna. So let's understand the benefit of each to know which one is a better pick for you.

You might also want to read: Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: What's the Difference

​Benefits of Dry Sauna

Detoxification
Detoxification is one of the many advantages of using a dry heat sauna. This action aids in the elimination of toxins that have become trapped in the body's fatty tissue. This method's assistance can also flush harsh chemicals out of the system. Mercury, lead, copper, zinc, and nickel are just a few toxins our systems absorb daily. In addition, everyday cosmetics and other beauty products are a major source of our exposure to these chemicals. Our regular activities do not cause us to sweat sufficiently. And that's why we need to find ways to work up a good sweat, whether through exercise or other means, as part of our detox routine. At least one-third of the toxins in your bloodstream will be flushed out during each session. So taking a break from rigorous physical activity is excellent for your kidneys.


Scientific research reveals that toxic chemicals release more in sweat than blood. A good sauna session can help eliminate organic chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, and many more. Dry sauna sessions will help you detox your body by helping clear the lymphatic system, assist in burning body fat, accelerate weight loss and increase energy levels.

Effective Workout and Better Recovery Time
Add some sauna time to your workout routine, and you'll see noticeable improvements. Increased efficiency in your respiratory system is a noticeable side effect. If you can maintain your deep breathing for longer, you'll feel better physically and mentally. As your lung capacity increases, you'll be able to work out for longer and with greater intensity. By relaxing the smooth muscle in your blood arteries, vasodilators help you feel less breathless. Because of this, your blood circulation improves. The metabolic rate is boosted in this procedure as well. Losing weight is a result of both of these processes. Overworked muscles are something most people experience after an exercise. Muscle tension and joint discomfort will melt away in your sauna. You can get back to the gym a lot sooner with this. Having your muscles mend will help you achieve your fitness objectives.

Water Weight Reduction
Extreme perspiration is common during dry sessions. You'll drop the weight quickly from the water weight loss. Those who are new to saunas may misinterpret this as a permanent condition. Water weight loss is only a temporary solution. It's possible to lose up to 5 pounds of water weight in a single session, though this won't happen every time. Remember that you'll quickly regain most of the weight lost after drinking water.
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You might also want to read: Types of Saunas and How to Choose the Right One for You

Benefits of Wet Sauna

Enhanced lung function
Improved lung function thanks to the sauna's steam. Your total capability will also rise. This facilitates longer, more profound breaths. The common cold, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are all helped by sauna use.

The following are some of how frequent sauna use might enhance your pulmonary health:

• Aid in combating and avoiding pneumonia
• Enhanced drainage of the lungs
• Reduced inflammation of the lungs
• Aid in combating and avoiding the common cold, flu, and other viruses

Increased Immunity
Enhanced immunity is yet another positive side effect of this sauna experience. Extreme temperatures are deadly to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. For this reason, going to the sauna can help you feel better while you're unwell. An individual's immune system responds to traditional sauna use in the following ways:

• The ambient temperature increases, making you feel warmer.
• Your system mistakes the heat for a fever. The body gets ready to fight against the illness.
• Third, there is a rise in the number of white blood cells.
• When these supercells are activated, they join forces to eliminate dangerous germs and viruses.

Your antibody levels may rise by as much as 2,000 percent. Another reason your sauna is so effective in warding off cold.
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However, along with the benefits, we must also understand the disadvantages of a sauna. Let's know them.

Disadvantages of Using Sauna

Potential benefits of your traditional sauna far outweigh any potential dangers. However, for your protection, you should still be aware of them. Some of the drawbacks you ought to avoid are:

Dehydration
As you unwind, you may sweat as much as a pint. To put it another way, this can make you thirsty. This happens if you don't restore the fluids you lose. Remember to hydrate with water or a sports drink before, during, and after your workout. Get out of the sauna immediately if you start to feel faint, lightheaded, or dehydrated.

Fertility and Related Problems​
According to the results of a scientific investigation, the sperm production of two males who participated in weekly 15-minute sessions for four months decreased significantly. Similar results have been seen in other research, however, the change is temporary. Don't use the sauna if you're experiencing any of these conditions or seek medical attention: Avoid using stimulants or tranquilizers if you are pregnant, have high or low blood pressure, asthma, breathing problems, heart disease, epilepsy, or any of these other conditions.
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You might also want to read: Infrared Saunas: What’s So Good About Them and Should You Get One?

Final Words

With this, we reach the final parts of the blog. Through this blog, we learned about traditional sauna, their types, their distinction from infrared saunas, and the benefits and limitations of a traditional sauna. If you are searching for a sauna installation service, you are at the right place.
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With decades of experience and top-notch customer service, Steam and Sauna Experts is an industry pioneer in steam sauna bath services. Our goal is to make your dream of having a steam room or sauna installation hassle-free, where we do all the work, keeping your needs a priority. You can get on a quick call with customer support specialists to discuss further any service you require.