“A day in the sauna is a day you do not age.” – Old Eastern European adage
Sauna and heat-bathing is one of the fastest growing health trends – and for good reason. Public sauna-ing is one of the most holistic well-being practices because:
… of its great physiological health benefits
… it is a collective, social experience
… of its ability to relieve stress
… it just feels great!
Physiological Health Benefits: The more you do it, the more benefits you reap!
pain relief
increased blood circulation
heart health
headache and migraine relief
skin health
immune system boosting
chronic pain reduction
helps with respiratory diseases and reduces symptoms of asthma
helps sore muscles after workout and speeds post-work out recovery
may help you look younger and make your hair shine 🙂
lowers blood pressure
helps flush body of excess sodium, lactic acid, and uric acid
clears congestion
blood sugar level reduction
heavy metal detoxification – lead, mercury, arsenic are better excreted through the skin than in urine or blood
may aid in weight loss
lowers cholesterol
incorporates cold water therapy thereby activating the body’s natural healing process
Learn More:
Saunas Are A Hot Trend, And They Might Even Help Your Health – NPR
Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence – Mayo Clinic
Benefits of Sauna: 8 Ways It Makes You Healthier and Happier – Lifehack
Health Benefits of Using a Sauna – Health Status
Saunas Might Actually Be Really Good For You – Here’s Why – Women’s Health Magazine
Why Saunas Are Ridiculously Good for You – Time
Are Saunas and Steam Rooms Good for Your Health? – Very Well Health
Sociality:
– Heat-seekers have no demographic –
re-enforces connections with family and friends (and new friends)
encourages casual conversation
forces digital detox
facilitates inter-generational connection
enhances memory and may lower risk of dementia
mitigates winter depression
Learn more:
I highly recommend the documentary “Steam of Life”: Trailer Link
After thousands of years the sauna is still the best social network – Medium
Relieves stress:
with extended and frequent use, sauna may reduce cortisol levels
energizing and rejuvenating
provides space for a personal retreat
mind relaxation and meditation
helps promote a good night’s sleep
Learn more:
13 Proven Ways Sauna Can Improve Your Mental Health – Optimal Living Dynamics
It just feels great:
the after sauna glow
releases endorphins
reduces risk of depression
the feeling of heating up then cooling in a cold shower is incomparable!!!
Learn more:
The Way of the Wolf: Saunas, coffee and canoeing in Finland – Explore Magazine
Our Sauna Story – Saunatimes
Testimonials of people who sweat at The Lost Faucet
Want to learn more?
Sweating History
Wondering where this all comes from? Why is sweating such a prevalent part of culture in northern climates?
Check out these articles below:
Banya:
Banya of Russia and history of steambathing – Mr. Steam Blog
Book: Without the Banya We Would Perish
Sauna:
Finland’s quirky love of saunas – This is Finland
The history of the sauna – Tylo Life
A new sauna culture: Re-imagining the bathhouse as a community space – The Globe and Mail
Book: The Joy of Sweat
The German Aufguss:
Aufguss sauna ritual – Wander Magazine
German aufguss: When tradition turns trendy – Tylo Helo
Germany’s sauna obsession – Spiegel Online
What to Expect in a Germany Sauna – Trip Savvy
What is Aufguss – Aufguss: the ritual in sauna
Nudity in German saunas:
Nudity in Germany: Here’s the naked truth – CNN Travel
Germany: Nude spas not for the faint of heart – Go NOMAD
Sweat lodge:
What I learned from participating in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony – HuffPost Blog