In ancient Rome, the Laconium sauna was originally created to relax the tired muscles of weary soldiers returning from war. Today, the Laconium sauna, which is also known as the thermarium laconium, has become a favorite therapy among spa guests worldwide. Like traditional Finnish or Tyrolean saunas, the Laconium sauna induces profuse sweating and a healthy fever. However, it does so at a much gentler pace, allowing sauna guests to languish in the mild heat for longer, less intensive sessions.
What to Expect
The Laconium sauna is a dry heat form of thermotherapy employing lower temperatures (140 degrees F or 55-65 degrees C) than the Finnish or Swedish sauna (175 degrees F or 75-80 degrees C). A low humidity of 15-40 percent makes the heat, which radiates from the walls and benches rather than from a stove, seem less intense and more tolerable than more humid saunas. A center area of cool water, a cooling hose or a spray of chilled water is provided for guests to cool the ankles, refresh the body, and stimulate the circulation.
The Laconium sauna room is generally made of ceramic or marble tile with heated ceramic couches or ergonomically curved benches that guests can lounge on. Light, sound, color therapy, and fragrances are sometimes added to enhance the Laconium’s indulgent atmosphere. Based on traditional healing concepts, light and color patterns in the Laconium sauna are designed to aid meditation, creativity, energy, calming, harmony or chakra balancing.
Guests to the Laconium sauna generally enjoy sessions lasting 20-30 minutes, although it is acceptable for guests to enjoy the Laconium for as long as one hour. The Laconium experience is often followed by cooling sessions, featuring ice chips, icy sprays, or chilled showers.
Benefits
The Laconium sauna detoxifies and rejuvenates the body, relaxes the joints and muscles, improves the circulation, improves breathing, strengthens the immune system, purifies the skin, reduces stress, and soothes the spirit without challenging the body. For some people, the laconium is a stepping stone where they can relax and prepare the body for more intensive sauna therapies such as the Tyrolean sauna.
Because the Laconium sauna is less intense, its Roman bath-like atmosphere is more conducive to mild socialization.
Precautions
Contraindications for using a laconium include open skin wounds, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, pregnancy, high or low blood pressure, fever and epilepsy. Guests should be encouraged to drink water, herbal tea or fruit juices; they should avoid alcohol for an hour or two before and after enjoying a Laconium sauna.
