The Blissful Fusion of Saunas and Scents
Saunas and essential oils have long been celebrated for their therapeutic benefits. Combining these two creates an experience thatās not just relaxing but also incredibly invigorating. This blog post explores the history and benefits of saunas, the wonders of essential oils, and how a sauna spray made from these oils can transform your wellness routine.
The History of Saunas
Evidence of the tradition of steam bathing across the ancient Asian continent, particularly in the colder parts, dates back at least 5,000 to 7,000 years! The famous and much enjoyed Finnish style sauna, with its tradition of heating stones to high temperatures and pouring water over them to create cleansing steam bath originated over 2,000 years ago.
Saunas have always been more than just a method of staying warm in harsh winters. Theyāve been social hubs, places for relaxation, rejuvenation, and even spiritual reflection.
The Wonderful Benefits of Saunas
Detoxification: Sweating in a sauna helps flush toxins from the body.
Improved Circulation: Heat exposure boosts blood flow, improving cardiovascular health.
Stress Relief: Saunas are known to reduce stress by promoting the release of endorphins.
Muscle Relaxation: The heat helps soothe sore muscles and alleviate pain.
Skin Health: Saunas can improve skin health by unclogging pores and boosting blood flow to the skin.
The practice spread across the globe, each culture adding its unique twist, but the core benefits remained constant.
The Magic of Essential Oils
Essential oils, distilled from plants, have been used for centuries for their healing properties. Each oil offers unique benefits, making them perfect for a variety of health and wellness applications, with for body. mind and mood.
Ancient art & records tell the story of how natural elements & the importance & use of plant fragrances in creating a healing and relaxing environment in sweat baths, lodges and saunas has been a common practice across various cultures. Ancient peoples have always enjoyed the aroma of specific plants in their bathing rituals too, allowing the heat of the water & steam to release the aromas and therapeutic benefits into the vapours.
Egyptian Tradition
In ancient Egypt, hammams,or traditional bathhouses,were filled with aromatic herbs: Myrrh, frankincense & Lavender, believed to purify the body and spirit.
Indian Tradition
The ancient Ayurveda system of healing includes steam baths with herbs: Turmeric, Neem, and delightful Sandalwood, commonly used, to enhance their therapeutic effects.
Japanese Tradition
Ancient Japan enjoyed fragrant baths with Sakura (Cherry blossom) petals, Yuzu (Citrus) peels, and Hinoki (Cypress wood all of which release soothing fragrances when heated.