In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, it's often easy to forget to take time out for ourselves. As the season gets colder, let's take a moment to savour the benefits of heat, recharge our batteries and regain our energy – with two iconic wellness experiences that have stood the test of time.
Deep roots
The sauna has its origins in ancient Scandinavia, particularly in Finland, where it has been an integral part of the culture for thousands of years.
The hammam, also known as the Turkish bath, can also be tracked back to antiquity, present both in the Roman world and in the traditions of the Byzantine Empire. However, it was in the time of the Ottoman Empire, which stretched over much of the Middle East, that the hammam reached the peak of its popularity.
These two time-honoured traditions are a staple of wellbeing regimens everywhere, to this day: the sauna, with its high temperatures and dry heat, and the hammam, with its more moderate temperatures and humid atmosphere. The reason for this is simple: they are shown to provide a myriad of physical and mental benefits.
Effective wellness
Fans of the sauna and the hammam will describe the feeling you get during a session as that of a warm, soothing cocoon – enabling your body to gently relax and release all tension. If that wasn’t enough, here are some lesser-known benefits:
- Muscle recovery
The sauna and hammam are great post-workout recovery options, aiding against muscle soreness thanks to their positive effect on blood circulation and muscle relaxation. - Flexibility and joint mobility
The heat relaxes the joints, encouraging greater range of movement. - Skin cleansing
The heat and humidity help open the pores, facilitating the elimination of impurities and toxins. - Improved blood circulation
Heat dilates blood vessels – and when combined with cold, this promotes better blood circulation, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and tissue regeneration. - Improved sleep
The soothing effect of heat, and the gradual cooling off can be conducive to restful sleep.
With both services available at Aspria Royal La Rasante, it’s easy to take time out and enjoy the enveloping benefits of heat on a regular basis - whether as part of your training recovery, or simply after a particularly stressful week.