Did you know that there are almost as many saunas in Finland as there are people? Or did you know that having a sauna at your home can increase the sale price of a home by 1.8%?
We collected fascinating facts about saunas, covering topics such as health, sauna culture, owning a sauna, and types of saunas.
So grab a towel and get ready to sweat as we explore the wonderful world of saunas.
Table of Contents show
Health & Wellness
- Saunas can help people relax and reduce stress levels. (Medical News Today
) - Saunas can improve cardiovascular health by increasing blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of stroke. (Medical News Today)
- Saunas can also benefit people with chronic conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and arthritis by easing symptoms and improving lung function. (Medical News Today)
- Saunas can help the body detoxify by sweating out toxins, metals, and chemicals. (Medical News Today)
- Saunas can boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells that fight infections. (Medical News Today)
- Saunas can enhance skin health by opening pores, cleansing the skin, and improving elasticity. (Medical News Today)
- Saunas can aid weight loss by increasing metabolism and burning calories. However, most of the weight loss is due to water loss and should be replenished by drinking fluids. (Medical News Today)
- Saunas can improve cognitive function and memory by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that enhances attention and focus. (Harvard Health Publishing)
- Saunas can reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by up to 65%, according to a long-term study of Finnish men. The researchers suggest that saunas may protect the brain from inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired blood flow. (Harvard Health Publishing)
- Saunas can help with muscle recovery and pain relief by increasing blood flow to the muscles and joints, reducing inflammation, and releasing endorphins. (Harvard Health Publishing)
Sauna Culture
- Saunas have been used for thousands of years in different cultures around the world, especially in Finland, where they are considered a part of national identity and lifestyle. (Medical News Today)
- There are an estimated 3 million saunas in Finland, for a population of 5.5 million. That means there is one sauna for every two people in the country. (This is Finland)
- The word “sauna” comes from the Finnish language and means “bathhouse” or “bath”. It is pronounced “sow-na”, not “saw-na”. (This is Finland)
- The Finnish sauna tradition involves taking off all clothes and sitting in a heated room with low humidity for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, followed by cooling off in cold water or fresh air. This cycle can be repeated several times for maximum benefit. (This is Finland)
- The Finnish sauna etiquette is simple: respect others, keep quiet, stay hydrated, and enjoy the experience. It is not considered rude or awkward to be naked in front of strangers or friends of the same or opposite sex in a sauna, as it is seen as a natural and healthy activity. (This is Finland)
- The Finnish sauna culture also includes using a vihta or vasta, which is a bundle of fresh birch branches that are dipped in water and gently whipped on the skin to stimulate circulation and release a pleasant aroma. (This is Finland)
- The Finnish sauna culture has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2020, as it reflects the values of community, well-being, harmony with nature, and hospitality in Finnish society. (UNESCO)
- The world’s largest sauna was built in Norway in 2016, measuring 40 meters long and accommodating up to 150 people at a time. It was part of a cultural project called SALT that aimed to celebrate the Arctic landscape and culture. (Architechtural Digest)
- The highest-altitude sauna in Europe is located at the mountain hut Rifugio Lagazuoi in the Dolomites, Italy. It is situated at an altitude of 2752 meters. This sauna is famous for its spectacular Dolomite panorama and offers a unique wellness experience immersed in nature. (Cortina Delicious)
However, a group of Finns installed a temporary sauna at the peak of Mt. Blanc in France, at an altitude of 4,810 meters above sea level. (Telegraph) - The world’s first sauna on wheels was created by a group of Finnish friends who converted an old fire truck into a mobile sauna that can travel up to 100 kilometers per hour. They have taken their sauna truck to various countries and events, such as the Glastonbury Festival in England and the European Sauna Marathon in Estonia. (BBC)
Owning a Sauna
- Owning a sauna can be a worthwhile investment for personal health and happiness, as well as adding value to a property. According to a survey by Zillow, a sauna can increase the sale price of a home by 1.8%, on average. (Zillow)
- The average cost of electricity for one 1-2 hour sauna session ranges from $1.4 to $2.6 (SaunaGenius)
- Owning a sauna can also save money on energy bills, as saunas are more efficient and eco-friendly than other heating systems. A typical electric sauna uses about 6 kilowatts of power per hour, which costs about 60 cents, depending on the electricity rate. A wood-burning sauna uses even less energy, as it only requires a small amount of firewood. (Sauna Talk)
- Owning a sauna can be easy and convenient, as there are many options and models available for different needs and preferences. Saunas can be installed indoors or outdoors, in a separate building or an existing space, and can be customized with various features and accessories. (Sauna Talk)
- Owning a sauna requires some maintenance and care, but not too much. The most important thing is to keep the sauna clean and dry, by wiping down the benches and floor after each use, airing out the sauna regularly, and washing the towels and mats frequently. (Sauna Talk)
- Owning a sauna also requires some safety precautions, such as avoiding alcohol before or during a sauna session, staying hydrated, limiting the time and temperature in the sauna, and consulting a doctor before using a sauna if one has any medical conditions or is pregnant. (Sauna Talk)
Types of Saunas
- There are four main types of saunas, based on how they are heated: wood-burning, electric, infrared, and steam. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on one’s personal preference and budget. (Sauna Talk)
- Wood-burning saunas are the oldest and most traditional type of saunas, using wood as the fuel to heat the sauna room and the rocks. Wood-burning saunas have a low humidity and a high temperature, ranging from 80 to 100 degrees Celsius. They also have a natural and authentic feel and smell, but they require more work and space to operate. (Sauna Talk)
- Electric saunas are the most common and modern type of saunas, using an electric heater to heat the sauna room and the rocks. Electric saunas have a similar humidity and temperature as wood-burning saunas, but they are more convenient and easy to use, as they can be controlled by a thermostat and a timer. They also require less space and maintenance, but they may lack some of the charm and character of wood-burning saunas. (Sauna Talk)
- Infrared saunas are the newest and most innovative type of saunas, using infrared lamps to heat the body directly, rather than the air or the rocks. Infrared saunas have a lower temperature than other saunas, usually around 60 degrees Celsius, but they can make one sweat as much or more than other saunas. They also have some health benefits that other saunas may not have, such as deeper penetration into the tissues and organs, better detoxification, and faster recovery. However, they may not provide the same relaxation and enjoyment as other saunas, as they do not have steam or löyly (the Finnish word for the steam that rises from the rocks when water is thrown on them). (Sauna Talk)
- Steam saunas are also known as Turkish baths or hammams, using steam to create a hot and humid environment in the sauna room. Steam saunas have a very high humidity and a lower temperature than other saunas, usually around 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. They are good for cleansing the skin, clearing the sinuses, and relaxing the muscles, but they may not be suitable for people who have trouble breathing in moist air or who are prone to infections. (Sauna Talk)
- Infrared saunas can help people with chronic fatigue syndrome by reducing pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety, according to a small study of 10 patients who used an infrared sauna as part of their treatment. (Medical News Today)
- Infrared saunas can also help athletes recover from muscle soreness and improve their performance, according to another small study of 10 participants who used an infrared sauna after a strength-training session. (Medical News Today)
- Infrared saunas may lower blood pressure and improve heart function by increasing blood flow and reducing stress hormones, according to several studies that compared infrared sauna users with non-users. (Medical News Today)
- Infrared saunas use far-infrared radiation (FIR), which is a type of electromagnetic wave that can penetrate up to 4 centimeters into the skin and tissues. FIR stimulates cellular repair and regeneration while helping cells produce more energy. (Sauna Advisors)
- Infrared saunas also use mid-infrared radiation (MIR), which is another type of electromagnetic wave that can improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels. MIR also increases metabolism and heart rate, which helps cells get more oxygen. (Sauna Advisors)
- Infrared saunas can help with weight loss by burning calories and fat while relaxing in the sauna. One study found that 30 minutes of infrared sauna use could burn up to 600 calories, depending on the individual’s weight and metabolism. (Sauna Advisors)
- Infrared saunas can improve skin health by removing impurities, dead cells, and bacteria from the pores, as well as increasing collagen production and skin elasticity. One study found that infrared sauna use improved skin appearance and texture in patients with mild to moderate acne. (Sauna Advisors)
- Infrared saunas can reduce inflammation and pain by stimulating the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins in the body. One study found that infrared sauna use reduced pain intensity and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. (Sauna Advisors)
- Infrared saunas can boost immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells and natural killer cells, which fight infections and cancer cells. One study found that infrared sauna use increased the number and activity of these cells in healthy volunteers. (Sauna Advisors)
- Steam saunas can help with respiratory problems by loosening mucus, clearing the airways, and reducing inflammation. One study found that steam sauna use improved lung function and reduced symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (Medical News Today)
- Steam saunas can also help with sinusitis by relieving nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain. One study found that steam sauna use improved nasal patency and quality of life in patients with chronic sinusitis. (Medical News Today)
- Steam saunas can enhance mood and mental health by releasing endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that regulate emotions, pleasure, and motivation. One study found that steam sauna use reduced depression and anxiety in patients with fibromyalgia. (Medical News Today)
- Steam saunas can improve sleep quality and quantity by relaxing the body and mind, as well as regulating the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. One study found that steam sauna use improved sleep efficiency and duration in healthy adults. (Medical News Today)
- Steam saunas can help with wound healing by increasing blood flow, oxygen delivery, and growth factors to the injured tissues. One study found that steam sauna use accelerated wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. (Medical News Today)
- Wood-burning saunas can provide a more authentic and natural sauna experience, as they create a soft and gentle heat and a pleasant aroma of wood smoke. Many sauna enthusiasts prefer wood-burning saunas over other types of saunas, as they believe they offer more benefits for the body and soul. (Sauna Talk)
- Wood-burning saunas can also be more environmentally friendly than other types of saunas, as they use renewable and carbon-neutral energy sources, such as firewood or pellets. They also do not emit any electromagnetic radiation or require any electricity to operate. (Sauna Talk)
- Wood-burning saunas can be more economical than other types of saunas, as they do not incur any electricity costs or maintenance fees. They also have a longer lifespan than other types of saunas, as they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. (Sauna Talk)
- Electric saunas are the most convenient and easy to use type of saunas, as they can be controlled by a thermostat and a timer, allowing one to adjust the temperature and duration of the sauna session according to one’s preference and comfort level. They also heat up faster than wood-burning saunas, as they do not require any preparation or waiting time. (Sauna Talk)
- Electric saunas are also the most versatile and customizable type of saunas, as they can be installed in any indoor or outdoor space, regardless of the size or shape of the room. They also come in various models and designs, with different features and accessories, such as lights, speakers, aromatherapy, etc. (Sauna Talk)
- Electric saunas are the most popular and widely available type of saunas, as they can be found in many homes, gyms, spas, hotels, etc. They also have a large market and a wide range of prices, making them affordable and accessible for many people. (Sauna Talk)
