On saunas

Lucy Edge explores this refuge from life’s chills and challenges

Entering a traditional sauna can feel akin to a nurturing, warm hug. The earthy aroma of timber, the whisper of steam as cold water meets hot coal, and the all-enveloping warmth take you to a different place – a haven for restoring the mind and body.

Saunas have long been a refuge for those wanting relief from life’s chills and challenges. They originated in the cold landscapes of northern Europe, notably Finland, where they started as earth-dug pits or wooden cabins where water was thrown onto hot rocks to produce steam, increasing the room’s temperature. 

Over time, this experience became an integral part of Finnish culture. So much so that, according to some sources, there are now more saunas than cars in Finland.

Fast forward to today, and saunas have metamorphosed into a cultural touchstone and global wellness phenomenon. There are several types available, each offering varied health benefits and experiences. 

A traditional or dry sauna is characterised by its wooden interiors and use of hot coals. As the coals heat up, they warm the environment, and when water is introduced, typically ladled onto the hot coals, it quickly turns to steam, elevating the room’s temperature and humidity. This combination of heat and steam opens pores, induces sweating and provides a host of potential health benefits.

Infrared saunas were first seen in the 1970s but gained traction at the turn of the century. They use the luminous heat from infrared lamps to warm the body directly, which can help penetrate deeper into the skin. This promotes detoxification and improves blood flow, skin rejuvenation and muscle relaxation. It is a gentle, radiant heat that many people report as both comfortable and healing.

The health benefits of both types of sauna are well documented.

·      The intense heat improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure, boosts the immune system (increasing the number of white blood cells), and helps remove toxins from the body, including heavy metals (lead and mercury).

·      The heat cleanses and purifies the skin, enriching it with essential nutrients.

·      The warmth encourages relaxation, which can lower cortisol levels, reduce stress and anxiety and release feelgood endorphins. Perhaps because it’s so relaxing, many people report sleeping better after a sauna.

One of the more fascinating cultural additions to the sauna experience is the larger saunas that host dance displays or ceremonies, like the northern European Aufguss. In this mesmerising ritual, blending wellness, purification and entertainment, an “Aufgussmeister” or “Sauna Meister” ceremoniously pours water - infused with essential oils - onto hot stones, circulating the fragrant steam with towels in rhythm to the music. The act is both therapeutic and entertaining, creating a captivating multisensory experience.

Many spas and retreats elevate the sauna experience by infusing the steam with aromatic and medicinal herbs. Whether it’s eucalyptus to clear sinuses, lavender to calm the mind, or rosemary to invigorate the senses, these herbal infusions enhance the benefits and experiences of a traditional sauna, turning them into aromatic havens of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Saunas come in various shapes and sizes, from barrel shapes for one or two people to expansive modern architectural designs. Some of the best attached to retreats have panoramic views, so you can gaze at a surf-tossed beach, a snow-capped mountain range or a glorious forest, enveloped by warmth.

Saunas are not for everyone. Ensure you seek medical advice if you are pregnant, have low blood pressure, have a respiratory or cardiovascular condition, are post-surgery or have general heat sensitivity. It’s also not advisable for children to use a sauna as their ability to deal with temperature extremes is not as well developed as adults.

As with any therapeutic practice, it’s essential to use saunas wisely. Hydration is paramount; listening to your body and knowing when to step out and cool down is crucial. Taking breaks, showering, and plunging into a cold pool, the sea, or a lake afterwards can elevate the sauna experience, offering a revitalising contrast to the intense heat.

Retreat organisers have long promoted the holistic benefits of saunas, as they complement activities like meditation, massage, wild swimming and yoga, and nowadays you’re likely to find one even at the smallest retreat centres. Immersed in the gentle embrace of a sauna – no matter how humble the sauna may be – guests share a sense of rejuvenation, clarity, connection, and enhanced wellbeing.

RETREATS WITH SAUNAS

Retreats around the world, from mountain hideaways to beachfront sanctuaries, feature saunas as a cornerstone of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it’s basking in the 24,000 sq. ft spa at the heart of India’s Ananda in the Himalayas with its luxurious sauna and steam, gazing out from the six-floor Sauna Tower at Italy’s Preidlhof with 360° views, or diving into the lake after a sauna at The Original FX Mayr in Austria, there’s a sauna experience waiting to embrace you.