The sauna is an integral part of Finnish life. With over 3 million saunas in the country, there are more saunas than households: almost every Finnish home has its own sauna! For thousands of years, Finns have enjoyed the sauna’s many benefits. It’s known to cleanse the mind, improve skin health, boost circulation and promote healthy lungs. In fact, it’s good for almost everything: body and mind alike.
The origins of the sauna in Finland
The sauna originated in Finland. Thousands of years ago, Finns lived in semi-underground huts. To heat these spaces, they placed hot stones inside, which had been heated in a fire. The stones slowly released heat, creating a warm environment. Soon, the Finns discovered that pouring water over the stones made it even hotter. And that’s how the sauna, as we know it today, was born.
Pouring water in the sauna, Löyly
Over the centuries, various types of saunas and sauna rituals have developed in Finland. However, the practice of pouring water over the hot stones is one tradition that has never been lost. When the water touches the hot stones, millions of hot water particles (steam) shoot into the air, landing on the skin of those in the sauna. The Finns call this steam Löyly, which is similar to what we know as infusion.
Whisking: an authentic sauna ritual
Sauna rituals often incorporate Löyly along with elements from nature. One such ritual is Whisking, an ancient tradition that was somewhat forgotten for a while. Recently, some masseurs have revived this practice, which uses different types of tree leaves. The leaves of the birch tree, which is common in Finland, are a favorite in Whisking treatments. The twigs are tied together and the leaves are soaked in water. When these leaves come into contact with the heat and steam after an infusion, certain substances and aromas are released. The leaves are then waved and tapped on the body, providing a therapeutic touch. The skin is essentially massaged by the tapping of the branches and this opens up energy pathways in the body. The pores are stimulated to open, which helps the body sweat more and expel toxins more effectively.
Aufguss, derived from Löyly
Aufguss is a sauna ritual that is particularly known from Germany, where it originated. In the Aufguss ritual, water is also poured over the hot stones. A person then uses a towel to make waving motions, spreading the heat throughout the room. Often, specific oils are added to the water before it is poured over the stones.
Many different types of saunas
Today, there are many different types of saunas. Saunas with high humidity tend to have a lower temperature. For example, the temperature in a steam sauna (Turkish bath) is only 50 degrees, but due to the 100% humidity, it feels very hot. Saunas with temperatures around 80-90 degrees usually have a humidity level no higher than 15%, making the heat more bearable for the body. Saunas differ not only in temperature and steam but also in the scents and lighting they feature.
Traditional Finnish smoke sauna
In Finland, the traditional Finnish smoke sauna is still very popular. This sauna is heated with wood, creating a smoky atmosphere inside. It takes at least 6 hours for the sauna to reach the right temperature and during this time, the smoke remains in the space. Once the sauna is hot enough, the smoke is removed. However, the smoke leaves a noticeable soot layer on all the wood inside the sauna. In a Finnish smoke sauna, you always bring a wooden plank to sit on so you don’t end up with black marks on your skin when you leave. During our stay in Lehmonkärki, we experienced the Finnish smoke sauna. It was a bit tricky to avoid getting blackened as we left!
The tent sauna in Finland
The tent sauna is also quite popular in Finland. Finns even take it into the wilderness for a unique experience in nature. While in Central Finland, we used a fixed tent sauna, which provided a completely different sauna experience compared to others.
Going to the sauna? Put on a hat!
Fun fact: In Finland, people often wear wet hats in the sauna. It might look a bit unusual, but it definitely serves a purpose. The wet hat helps prevent the heat from rising to your head too quickly. This is especially beneficial for those who tend to feel dizzy or get headaches in the sauna. The best type of hat to wear is made of wool. From personal experience, I can confirm that it really works! I’m one of those people who gets headaches quickly in the sauna, so I usually don’t stay in long. However, with a wet wool hat on in Finland, I was able to stay much longer and the headache stayed away.
A dip in an ice hole after the sauna
For your circulation, it’s beneficial to alternate between the sauna and a cold plunge or cold shower. Cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict, which helps train your vascular muscles, allowing blood to flow more quickly through your veins. Cold water also helps cool your body down after the heat of the sauna. Always start with your feet and gradually work your way up toward your heart, ending with your head. It’s not meant to be a dive into the ice hole or plunge pool; take your time to ease into the water.
If you find yourself sweating again after a cold dip or shower, your body hasn’t cooled down enough. Go for a second dip and don’t forget to drink plenty of water!
