Sauna

This winter, the biggest hit is undoubtedly the new internet sensation “Erbin” [Note: Erbin is a playful nickname for Harbin]. Not only have the southerners been awed by the snow-covered landscapes, but they've also flocked to the large bathhouses to bare it all, bringing Northeast China's bathing culture and Korean sauna into the public eye. So what are the rules of a Korean sauna, and is it suitable for everyone? Let’s find out.What is a Korean Sauna?As a branch of thermal therapy, the Korean sauna has a long history. It falls under the category of “sweat therapy” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Compendium of Materia Medica mentions that “fumigation, washing, cauterization, acupuncture, moxibustion, qigong, massage, and other methods that expel exterior pathogens are all categorized as sweat therapy.” The Essentials of Treating Febrile Diseases also provides a detailed description of how to use a Korean sauna to treat illness: “This method is used when a patient does not sweat after taking medicine. In cold weather, when sweating is difficult, this method should be employed. First, burn wood on the ground until it is very hot, then sweep away the ashes and pour boiling water over the spot. Cover the…