Diet and Sweating are thus a Species of universal Medicine, capable of preserving our Bodies, and to acquire a long Life.– Long Livers 1722
The sauna dates back over 2000 years, with equivalents in every culture. From sweat lodges to hot baths, thermal springs to sun bathing and hot houses. We have been heating ourselves for health as long as we can remember. Interestingly, modern science has recently proven that these methods of heating yourself are more or less equivalent to studies actually showing that hot baths are as effective as saunas .
Long Livers (1722), which was translated and a manual of Health advice for Freemasons from a French text written by Harcouet de Longeville.
So what does it advise, and what health benefits does it suggest we can receive?
Long Livers suggest that you need to have a good sweat three times a year in Autumn, Winter and Spring.
To do this, they suggest you lie between two mattresses in a heated room for as long as possible.
In addition, a small mini sweat should take place using heated cloths once a week.
This will do the following
- Diet and Sweating are thus a Species of universal Medicine, capable of preserving our Bodies, and to acquire a long Life.
- Sweating disperses ill Humours, and eases Obstructions, whence proceed all our Distempers.
- This excess of nutritive Juices pushing with violence the Blood to the Brain, causes there a heaviness, which oftentimes is the fore-runner of the apoplexy; the most tender branches of the veins break, and this juice, in flowing about, causes particles in the brain.
- Protects against the palpitation of the nerves: a Distemper is cured likewise
This is interesting in that it’s rather accurate in terms of what modern science has proven
- Longevity: Some long-term studies, particularly from Finland, have found that frequent sauna use may be associated with a longer lifespan and a period of life spent in good health. This is probably due to heat shock proteins repairing the cells of the body and keeping you young. Indeed, some studies show that two or three saunas a week can lead to up to a 40% decrease in all-cause mortality.
- Cardiovascular Health: On reading Long Livers I found myself wondering if “excess nutritive juices” would be “high cholesterol” in our modern terminology? Studies show that sauna reduces cholesterol and is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. The heat causes your heart rate to increase and blood vessels to widen, which improves circulation and mimics the effects of moderate exercise. Some research suggests that combining a sauna session with regular exercise can have a more significant positive effect on blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness than exercise alone.
- Stress Relief and Mental Well-being: palpitation of the nerves? The heat and quiet environment of a sauna can promote a state of relaxation. Research indicates that sauna use can help reduce stress levels and may contribute to a feeling of mental clarity and positive emotions. The relaxing effects of a sauna can lead to better sleep. The release of endorphins and the reduction of stress and anxiety can help regulate circadian rhythms.
I wonder, if this advice was for Freemasons, did they use to practise their ritual during the Sauna?
Long Livers has been reproduced by Lewis Masonic 
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