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 area with mulberry leaves, cedar leaves, peach leaves, bran, and wheat chaff to about the thickness of a hand. Place a mat on top, and have the patient lie down on it. Cover them with blankets, and after some time, they will begin to sweat.”
Benefits of a Korean Sauna
A Korean sauna can improve health by promoting perspiration, which can unblock meridians and expel external pathogens. Meridians serve as channels for the flow of qi and blood, and blockages typically manifest as pain, which is often described in TCM as “pain due to obstruction.” When the meridians are unblocked and the flow of qi and blood becomes smooth, the pain naturally subsides. The Book of Medical Principles states, “When there is a headache, fever, chills, stiffness in the neck and back, body aches, tightness, facial redness, itching, and a floating taut or floating rapid pulse without sweating, these symptoms indicate an exterior syndrome. Treatment should focus on inducing sweating. If you are in a remote mountainous area with no access to medication, you can still use sweat therapy. Once the entire body, including the soles of the feet, starts sweating, recovery is imminent.” Therefore, a Korean sauna can help alleviate joint pain caused by wind-cold or cold-dampness. Additionally, it can promote the circulation of qi and blood, aiding in the removal of blood stasis.
From a Western medical perspective, during a Korean sauna session, the increased temperature causes the body's capillaries to dilate, improving microcirculation and enhancing tissue oxygenation. It also accelerates lymphatic circulation, regulates metabolism, and enhances the immune system.
Korean Saunas Are Not Suitable for Everyone
While a Korean sauna is generally suitable for most people as a form of relaxation and health maintenance, especially those with low basal metabolic rates, cold extremities, difficulty sweating, joint pain, lower back and neck pain, muscle stiffness, and general fatigue, it is not appropriate for everyone. Here are a few groups who should avoid using a Korean sauna:
First, individuals prone to bleeding or women during menstruation. Menstrual periods involve the shedding of the uterine lining and the rupture of local capillaries, leading to bleeding. If a woman undergoes a Korean sauna during her period, the high temperature can increase blood circulation, potentially exacerbating blood loss and causing anemia. Second, patients with severe cardiovascular disease, active pulmonary tuberculosis, advanced cancer, or pacemakers implanted. Third, individuals with contagious skin diseases, open wounds, ulcers, inflammation, or burns. Fourth, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and infants should exercise caution when using a Korean sauna and should be monitored.
Four “No's” to Remember When Using a Korean Sauna
No Overdoing It: A Korean sauna session should ideally last around 30 minutes, adjusted according to personal tolerance. Excessive or frequent use can lead to significant fluid loss, resulting in decreased blood volume, electrolyte imbalances, and possibly hypotension, dizziness, and fainting. Avoid frequent and excessive sessions, and make sure to rehydrate after using the sauna. If you experience dizziness or discomfort during the session, stop immediately and drink a moderate amount of warm water.
No Cooling Down Too Quickly: As stated in the Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Chamber, “When the whole body aches and there is a fever that worsens in the late afternoon, it is called rheumatism. This condition is caused by exposure to wind after sweating or prolonged exposure to cold.” After a Korean sauna session, the pores are open, making it easier for cold, dampness, and wind pathogens to enter the body. Focus on staying warm. Do not shower immediately after a sauna session; instead, dry your body with a towel. Avoid drinking cold beverages or coming into direct contact with cold water.
No Rushing: Do not use a Korean sauna immediately after eating. During a sauna session, blood vessels dilate, and circulation accelerates, diverting blood to the skin and away from the digestive organs, which can lead to indigestion.
No Laziness: Individuals wearing makeup should remove it before entering the sauna. During a Korean sauna session, the pores open, and if the skin is covered with a thick layer of foundation, impurities cannot be expelled easily, potentially causing folliculitis.
Editor: Zhang Zhiyuan