A sauna is a small room or space designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, historically originating as a deeply rooted cultural tradition in Finland. Today, saunas are used worldwide for relaxation, social gatherings, and various health benefits.
Saunas can be grouped into distinct types based on how they heat the room:
Uses dry heat created by wood or electric stoves heating up rocks. The humidity is low (around 10–20%), but users can pour water over the hot stones to create bursts of steam (löyly).
Uses light waves to heat your body directly rather than heating the air around you. These operate at lower temperatures, making them more tolerable for people who dislike intense heat.
Although technically different from a traditional sauna, Turkish Bath (Hammam) these use 100% humidity and wet heat, operating at lower temperatures but feeling incredibly hot due to the moisture.
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Cardiovascular Health: The intense heat increases your heart rate and dilates blood vessels, which improves circulation in a way similar to moderate exercise.
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Relaxation & Stress Relief: Time in a sauna promotes the release of endorphins, helping to reduce cortisol (stress hormones) and improve sleep quality.
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Muscle Recovery: Increased blood flow helps soothe sore muscles and reduce joint stiffness after workouts.