Finland is a small country of just 5.3 million people, but over three million saunas(桑拿浴). Finns have a sauna at least once a week. Saunas can be found all over Finland: in offices, factories, sports centres and hotel, and 2/3 of the people have one in their house.
Some of the basic rules for using the sauna include not eating or drinking. Also, you can't wear any clothes or swimsuits in the sauna. Men and women visit the sauna separately, unless they're members of the same family.
Saunas have existed for hundreds of years in Finland. In the past, Finns dug holes in the ground and put heated stones in them. When water was thrown on the hot stones, they gave off a vapour.
Traditional type is the smoke sauna. We find smoke saunas mostly in rural areas. They're heated with burning wood. Once the room is hot enough, the fire is allowed to die and the room is ventilated (使通风) by letting the smoke out through a hole in the ceiling. With these, you simply turn on an electric stove an hour before you want to go in. This is seen as the safest and easiest way to heat the room.
Many think that they're important for your wellbeing (幸福). Finns believe that the sauna can treat a number of diseases. Having a sauna is also seen as a good way to relieve stress and tension.
A. Now there are several types of sauna.
B. That is to say, you have to go naked.
C. Why are saunas so popular in Finland?
D. Saunas play an important role in Finnish life.
E. Since then, saunas have been introduced to Asia.
F. However, the most common type is the electric sauna.
G. If you ever visit Finland, don't forget to have a nice, relaxing sauna.
