The sauna also has many fans here

The sauna has a long tradition in northern Europe - even if the tradition of healthy sweating does not originate from Finland, as is often assumed, but from Mongolia. In the meantime, saunas have also found a large following here, with many public bathing establishments in this country offering a wellness area with a sauna.

Basically, the sauna trains the blood vessels in the skin and the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The blood vessels dilate in the heat - the temperature of the classic version is between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius - and later constrict again by cooling down: a cold shower or a cold immersion bath, cooling down in the fresh air or dousing the extremities with cold water. The blood flow to the nasal mucous membranes is also improved, thus strengthening the natural protection provided by anti-inflammatory substances in the mucous membrane.

Sauna against colds

This increases the production of antibodies in the blood. The increased body temperature in the sauna (plus 1 to 1.5 degrees) ensures that the metabolism produces more interferon - a substance that is important for fighting off infections. In short: going to the sauna prevents colds. But the sauna also activates the heart, circulation and blood flow, relaxes the muscles and improves the complexion. Make sure that the first session in the sauna does not last longer than 8 to 12 minutes, the second session can last up to 15 minutes. More than three sessions are not advisable.

The contribution of the sauna to the psyche should also not be underestimated: the sauna creates a feeling of comfort and warmth in the cold season, and the cooling afterwards provides not only physical but also mental refreshment.