Many people in the Nordics spend their free time in saunas, spaces designed to produce high levels of wet or dry heat that make bathers perspire. Imagine: the heat hits you the moment you step in. Your shoulders drop, your breathing slows, and within minutes, your body is doing what it was always designed to do: let go.
This special type of bathing has been around for centuries. The word “sauna” itself is believed to be an ancient Finnish word, which is no surprise given the popularity of sauna culture in the country. A journal article by Keast and Adamo states that, “The 2000-year-old sauna bathing tradition is more popular in Finland than anywhere else in the world. There are 1.4 million saunas in regular weekly use in Finland, and almost every family has one.”
But why do the Finns value their saunas so much? Well, because it’s more than just a place to sit and sweat. Trips to the sauna also have proven health benefits, as well as an entire culture that has brought people together for hundreds of years. The BBC wrote in an article that…
The Nordic countries believe that having saunas is essential for physical and emotional wellbeing.”
And they might be right!
Whether you’re looking for an excuse to put down your phone for a bit or you need something to help you destress and better your health, the sauna might be the perfect place for you.
But what exactly is a sauna? What is the difference between a good sauna and a bad one? If you don’t know, there are several different kinds of saunas: wood-burning, electrically-heated, infrared, and steam. The so-called “traditional” Finnish sauna uses a stove to heat stones, creating a high, dry heat that fills the room when water is poured over the stones. Each type offers a unique experience but shares many of the same benefits, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
So what are the advantages of regularly using the sauna? Let’s get into it!
- Visiting the sauna regularly (at least once a week) can improve your physical health, including your longevity. During the past decade, there has been growing evidence that frequent sauna use can reduce the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases, as well as help treat painful conditions such as arthritis, headache, and flu.1
- Regular sauna use also reduces stress.2 Even just one visit brings your focus back to your health and away from your phone. In a world that has become increasingly fast-paced and full of distractions, it’s mindful to have a place where one can simply sit and be present in their body. Who doesn’t like a bit of peace and quiet?
- Because of its pain-relief and stress-reduction benefits, sauna use can also positively impact sleep! The article by Mayo Clinic Proceedings writes that, “The physiological responses produced by an ordinary sauna bath correspond to those produced by moderate or high-intensity physical activity such as walking.” Much like the good night’s rest you experience after an invigorating workout, the sauna has a similar effect, combined with its meditative qualities.
- Saunas fosters social connectivity… even when you are sitting in silence! In some saunas, people feel free to have conversations with their neighbours and chat to those around them. Often, it’s customary to say “good bye” or “thank you” to other bathers when leaving the sauna. However, other saunas prioritize a meditative experience and value connection through silence. There’s a healing element that comes from a room of strangers all sitting beside one another and reflecting in the quiet. Lamminmäki states in a BBC article that, “Sauna is a place for introverts – it’s okay if you don’t talk – it’s a place for lonely people to have company and it is a place to have me-time.” While the sauna is a great place to bring your friends, it’s also equally acceptable to come just as you are.
- Above all, sitting in the sauna allows you to engage in an ancient culture that values bettering the spirit and the body, no matter who you are. Whether you are using the sauna in a group or a private setting, Lamminmäki points out that one of the most important qualities of the sauna culture is that…
Sauna is a place of equality. We welcome all genders and sexualities, all kinds of bodies.”
Depending on where you are sauna-ing, you can end your session with a cold plunge or a cold shower for additional relaxation benefits and a boost of adrenaline. Sauna and cold therapy can be effective ways to improve your health, especially for those who struggle with traditional exercise methods.
Of course, you should always be careful when using a sauna, especially if it’s your first time. Make sure to stay well hydrated (always keep a bottle of water with you!) and don’t stay in the heat for too long. Most saunas will have signage posted regarding the duration of your time inside, but if not, 10-20 minute sessions are typically the best. Furthermore, people who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions should check with their doctor to make sure trips to the sauna are safe for them.
While it can be daunting to go to the sauna for the first time, especially if you’re embracing a new culture, rest assured that new experiences like this are great ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone and connect with the world around you. This shared experience can enhance your sense of belonging and provide insights into different customs and traditions. Ultimately, it’s through these moments of openness that we expand our horizons, enrich our lives, and build meaningful relationships with those around us.
So, take a deep breath, and remember that every new experience has the potential to be rewarding.
Footnotes
- Laukkanen, Jari A, et al. “Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence.” ↩︎
- Laukkanen, Jari A, et al. “Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence.” ↩︎
Sources
Dowdy, Clare. “The 10,000-Year-Old Origins of the Sauna – and Why It’s Still Going Strong.” BBC News, BBC, 25 Oct. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231024-the-10000-year-origins-of-the-sauna-and-why-its-still-going-strong
Keast, Marja Leena, and Kristi B Adamo. “The Finnish Sauna Bath and Its Use in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease.” Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation [United States], vol. 20, no. 4, July 2000, pp. 225–30, https://doi.org/10.1097/00008483-200007000-00002
Laukkanen, Jari A, et al. “Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings [England], vol. 93, no. 8, August 2018, pp. 1111–21, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.04.008
Kelsey Gatis
Kelsey is a writer and aspiring journalist with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. She is currently studying for her MA in English, with courses focusing on culture, society, and history.
