I already come from a warm country. When I moved to Finland, I heard my friends telling me, “You should go to the sauna sometimes”. I was like,” What is that thing?”
Eventually I figured out that Saunas are deeply ingrained in Finnish culture.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything about Saunas. What is it, what’s the hype of it, and why should you try it too? I will also tell you more about my first sauna experience. Do not laugh in that section, please!!
The Origins and History of Sauna
The word “sauna” is a Finnish word that refers to both the bathhouse itself and the bath experience. Saunas have been around for over 2,000 years, starting with simple pits dug into slopes and heated with stone stoves.
But they weren’t just places to bathe. They were communal spaces where Finns could cook, eat, and even give birth! How cool is that?
As time went on, saunas became more advanced. In the Middle Ages, people started building saunas from logs and using a central stove called a “kiuas”, which was heated with wood.
When water was thrown on the hot stones, it created a burst of steam known as löyly. This steam is a vital part of the sauna experience, as it opens up pores, relaxes muscles, and gives a deep sense of relaxation.
Modern Take on Finnish Sauna
Nowadays, Finnish saunas come in all different types, from traditional wood-burning ones to modern electric versions. But the basic principles remain the same.
During a sauna session, the room is heated to temperatures between 60 and 100 degrees Celsius (148 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit), and people alternate between the hot room and cooling off, sometimes by jumping into a nearby lake or rolling in the snow during winter or in a shower.
Part of the sauna experience is following sauna etiquette. It’s expected to be naked in the sauna, as it’s seen as a way to leave behind status and appearance. However, you can also wear some cloths in public saunas if you feel uncomfortable being naked. People also stay quiet and meditate, although some have small talk.
The Cultural Significance of Sauna in Finland
In Finland, the sauna is more than just a place to sweat. It’s a sanctuary for physical and mental well-being, offering a peaceful escape from the stresses of daily life.
What’s more, saunas are a social hub in Finland. They bring families together, friends gather, and even business deals are discussed. The communal aspect of saunas is deeply rooted in Finnish culture.
Health Benefits of Sauna
Using the sauna regularly has many documented health benefits. The intense heat makes you sweat, helping to detoxify your body by flushing out toxins.
It improves circulation, relaxes muscles, and eases chronic pain like arthritis. The relaxing environment of the sauna can significantly reduce stress, leading to better sleep and improved mental health.
Recent studies have shown that regular sauna use can enhance cardiovascular health and longevity.
Research conducted in Finland revealed that frequent sauna-goers had a lower risk of heart disease and lived longer compared to those who didn’t use saunas often.
These findings have piqued global interest in Finnish saunas, with people worldwide eager to enjoy their benefits.
The Global Appeal of the Finnish Sauna
While saunas are undeniably a significant part of Finnish culture, their appeal has spread far beyond Finland’s borders. Saunas are popular worldwide; people are now making it a part of their wellness routines.
This global fascination with saunas highlights their universal appeal as places of relaxation, health, and social connection.
Sauna, cool off, sauna and continue.
My first sauna experience
As I said, I have never heard of a Sauna before moving to Finland. But I thought of giving it a shot. I was living in a student apartment so it had to be reserved for an hour beforehand.
So I went there and saw a bucket and these benches in the sauna. I did not know what to do. So I stayed in the sauna for almost 40 minutes and I was sweating like anything. Then I came out and had a cold shower. I felt so refreshed but my friends laughed at me.
Because I was NOT supposed to stay in the sauna for 40 minutes at a stretch. I was supposed to get warm and cool multiple times. It means you get sweaty, then take a cold shower and then again go sweat. If you feel like the temperature in the Sauna is not warm enough, you can put some water from the bucket directly onto the stones of the sauna to heat it up.
Now as I shared everything, you know what to do in a Sauna. Trust me, it is super refreshing. I try to go to the sauna at least once a week now.
Conclusion
For the Finns, saunas are more than just a hot room. It’s part of the Finnish heritage. It’s so fascinating to see one invention provide so much impact. It’s truly amazing.
If you’re visiting Finland, add Saunas to your bucket list! Hopefully, as you break a sweat, you’ll blend in the beautiful cultural aura Saunas provides. Thank you for reading!