Getting Heated Up in The Netherlands — Sauna Culture #2

USA Citizens are Aghast…!

Sauna “Culture” is a real thing in many places. From Finland’s traditional Saunas, to “Temescals” (“Sweat Lodges”) in Mexican Indigenous Life, or the commonality of Personal Saunas in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

— People use Heat for Healing.

Folks adhere to their Sweating Schedules to beat Winter, and in order to garner the best health outcomes possible.

The “Laukkonen Study” out of Finland followed people’s Health Patterns for Thirty (30) years. A very comprehensive, Peer-Reviewed Study, the researchers accounted for other factors like smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

It was determined that utilizing a Classic Finnish Dry Sauna at a frequency of 2x per week (174 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) for Fifteen (15) to Twenty (20) minutes, lessened All-Cause Mortality by 27%.

Four (4) or more sessions per week resulted in a decrease of at least 47% of inflammation-related mortal ailments.

This could not be more significant, as inflammation is the cause for most of our Late-Age Diseases.

Sauna is worth pursuing, as a Health Practice. To Aid Longevity.

USA Society has taken to the Regimen, largely through Gyms and Health Clubs.

Frequenting a Sauna Facility is essentially the same, regardless of location worldwide — Cultural differences do exist, however.

TMI Alert…>! Naked Bodies, Rut Roh..

Witnessing a Dutch Facility, can be a bit of a Shocker for some —

Especially Most USA Citizens.

There are those of Us, like Your Humble Author, who spent decades in Hippie Locations.

We spent happy Times Nude-Bathing with up to 30 people at a Swimming Hole in NorCal Pot Country (the first time was weird).

Or Hundreds of Strangers, in the Flesh, at a Nude Beach, like Muir in Marin County.

Even Diving off Waterfalls in Hawaii, where it’s OK to do as One wishes (We wore Clothes for jumping.)

Perhaps, Folks have frequented other Nude Beaches, such as Baker and the “Cove” beach south of Pacifica, in the SF Bay Area.

With Practice, We learn to use our Eyes to communicate, not to investigate.

Simple. Like anything else it takes “Muscle Memory,” AND, in this case, Emotional Maturity.

For Most, our USA Society is Prudish and Precocious simultaneously — which creates a crazy dialectic in our minds. We are appalled and attracted like moths to a flame. Most people do not do well in such a Cultural conflict.

Oh, My “Mores” Hurt. TMI Once Again…!

The Changing Rooms in The Netherlands are not Gender Specific. A Person is changing clothes next to Someone’s Grandma. Someone’s Grandma is changing Clothes next to You.

The Sauna Rooms themselves REQUIRE no clothing be worn.

Indeed, It is considered toxic to bring textiles into the Sauna.

A Shower is required before entering the Sauna, no explanation needed.

In the USA — no such stipulation.

One Day a Week is reserved for “The Reserved.”

Some Folks may be participants in a Religion that eschews Nudity.

Perhaps, there is a Psychological Issue, making nakedness a problem.

For those Individuals, One day per week is usually set aside where All are clothed. One will see Zero (0) “Willies” on that day.

It is Indeed a BIG World.

Don’t Sweat it. (sorry, couldn’t resist)

Any Ideas..? Please leave a comment, as it helps the Algorithm, and keeps Authors Going.

https://ko-fi.com/kennaaron — I would be happy to accept a “tip” for an Herbal Rooibos Tea..

Kenn Aaron USA 10272023