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A pleasant suffering. At 90 ° C, Finns (and others addicted to extreme high temperatures ) enjoy sweating. They are faithful to their sauna session , almost daily. An easy practice to follow, without rules or clothing, which is mandatory if you visit the happiest country in the world.
In Finland there are 1.6 million saunas for a population of around five million, according to figures from Saunaseura, the Finnish Sauna Society. That is, one for every three inhabitants. There are private and public: in houses, communal in a block of flats, in companies, in summer cottages , laptops (a trailer that is attached to the car) and centenarians still at full capacity, such as those of Kotiharju and Arla. The most unusual, in a cabin of the ferris wheel of Helsinki, the SkyWheel.
The cult of heat is directly related to well-being. «It is a beneficial practice for health, which allows relaxation and rest. In addition, the steam and the high temperature reached between the four walls encourage the elimination of toxins, ”explains Katja Pantzar, author of Sisu. The Finnish secret to a happy lifestyle (in Spanish, Roca Editorial).
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She is addicted to these " temples of rest , relaxation and energy recharge par excellence", key in her happiness. Of his and that of all his countrymen, because Finland repeats for the second consecutive year as the happiest country in the world according to the 2019 World Happiness Report of the United Nations Organization. And, although the study takes into account objective parameters such as GDP, social assistance, life expectancy, freedom or corruption, Finns point to this practice as the crux of their personal satisfaction.
In the cold months, the author usually goes five to six times a week. In summer, reduce appointments and go to heat for three to four days. The high temperatures inside the cabin are achieved with an electric stove that heats some stones that are sprayed with water to increase humidity, extreme thermal sensation in the room and, therefore, sweating.
Before settling in the wooden structure of the sauna, Pantzar recommends not to overeat or drink alcohol, but to access well hydrated. And shower, for hygiene. « Entering naked is the best way to enjoy the experience, but if someone feels uncomfortable, it can be covered with a towel». She prefers with nothing.
Many saunas have a aren clock that controls the time inside. But there are also no rules in this regard: «There are no established minutes. You can spend three, 10 or 20 if you are comfortable, ”he explains before entering Sauna & Swimming at Allas Sea Pool, in Helsinki Bay. At 10 minutes he leaves and swims in the Baltic Sea, freezing except in the central summer months. A local custom that teaches and repeats three times in a row.
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With data from Saunaseura, the author details the benefits of health practice: «Relax and soften tired muscles, relieve tension and fatigue , both physical and mental; improves circulation and lowers blood pressure, achieves a more restful sleep, increases resistance to disease and keeps skin clean and healthy by eliminating toxins and impurities at home ».
The practice is also beneficial for the skin "from a vascular and cleaning point of view," says Dr. Elia Roo, a member of the Group of Aesthetic and Therapeutic Dermatology of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). Whenever the skin is healthy, remember. But 10 minutes inside the sauna sweating are not enough for the full toilet. "It would also be necessary to exfoliate the skin and then use a non-soapy solution ," he recalls. At high temperatures, "the pore opens and favors the subsequent treatment" that is applied.
After the sauna, the dermatologist advises a cold shower. If you are in Finland, it is done in the local style: a bath - of seconds, with a wool hat and without stopping to swim or splash in fright - in the Baltic Sea or in one of its frozen lakes about nine months a year.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
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How to get. Finnair operates daily flights to Helsinki from Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga from 220 euros the round trip ticket.
Where to sleep. St. George is a new hotel with 148 rooms, five suites and sauna in the center of Helsinki. From 184 euros per night.
In Imatra, the Scandic Imatran, where Tsar Nicholas II had his own suite. From 134 euros.
Where to go Sauna and outdoor baths in Sauna & Swimming At Allas Sea Pool , from 14 euros. In the cabin of the SkyWheel ferris wheel , from 240 euros.
More information On the Visit Finland website: www.visitfinland.com
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