Saunas and Turkish Baths

The historical roots of hydrothermotherapy are geographically and culturally very distant from each other: pre-Columbian civilizations of Central America, Egyptians, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Arab and Baltic peoples. Its birth and diffusion is associated with functions such as religious rites, purification, facilitation of childbirth, socializing meeting or simple relaxation.

Among the therapeutic virtues are the detoxification of body and mind, a newfound brightness and resistance of the skin, the increase in elasticity of the tissues and the reduction of cellulite. It does not cause weight loss, because the lost liquids must be reintegrated at the end of the treatment, but it certainly contributes to improving metabolism and metabolism, as well as blood and lymphatic circulation. It also promotes healthy sleep and the release of anxiety and tension. The entire organism is positively affected by these effects, which make it more energetic and active .

The Finnish sauna

Also called dry sauna.

Today, the term "sauna" tends to be used in a generic sense, to indicate the modern declinations of hydrothermal therapy practices and traditions that are also very different from each other. It also describes the physical environment and commercial establishments such as spas and beauty farms, which offer diversified aesthetic or wellness treatments.

In ancient Finnish the word meant "winter dwelling" or "bath" and referred to a specific custom, perfected and widespread up to the present day. It is precisely a bath of hot and dry air, to be carried out in a closed environment equipped for heating and dehumidification. The temperature can reach 80-100°C, while the humidity generally does not exceed 10-20%.

"All men are created equal; but no place more than in sauna."
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The Turkish bath, or Hammam

Also called wet sauna.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arabs revived the tradition of heated baths , reducing the phases and places of treatment: an intermediate room (tepidarium), a hot room (sıcaklık , hararet or caldarium) and a cool room (soğukluk or frigidarium). In the hottest area, the relative humidity reaches 100%, while the temperature varies from 20 to 50°C and is stratified : it increases from the bottom to the top. The experience often includes massages, scrubs, hair removal and other body care treatments. Then as now, the hammam takes on an important social function , being an ideal meeting place to meet, spend time pleasantly and possibly conclude profitable deals.