The sauna – what is it all about?

Saunas can be found all over the world, with a strong tradition dating back many centuries (or perhaps even longer) and the word itself is universal in most languages. But what is the sauna and why is it such an attractive and special part of life for so many?

The basic principle of the sauna is heating stones to a high temperature, with water poured onto the stones to produce steam and a feeling of increased heat. Most people respond positively when they think of saunas - with their numerous health benefits and the pleasant feeling that comes from a warm environment, they can be found in hotels, gyms, and spas around the world.

Although Finland is largely credited with inventing the sauna, there are many other countries with an equally strong and long-standing cultural tradition of saunas and similar structures. 

So why use a sauna?
The sauna has many benefits for mental and physical well-being and is also seen as a place to socialize. Many claim that because users generally do not wear clothing and the heat helps them feel relaxed, the sauna breaks down social barriers, allowing conversation to flow more freely and accelerating the process of people getting to know each other. For this reason, the sauna is often seen as an ideal place to gather with family and friends, and some even hold business meetings there.

Because of the heat, saunas are generally considered clean and hygienic places - even as late as the 1940s, they were often used for childbirth. Although it will not completely cure any disease, some recorded health benefits of the sauna include; a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved sleep, healthier skin, and increased circulation. The sauna is also said to relieve muscle pain and provide a sense of mental relaxation.

Different types of saunas
The earliest recorded saunas were dug into the ground, with an open fireplace that heated the stones. Until recently, the most common type of sauna was a smoke sauna, where the stones were heated for several hours before the smoke escaped and the sauna was ready for use. Several smoke saunas are still available for public use in Finland and Estonia.

The smoke sauna model was largely replaced by a version with a wood-burning stove, where the user could stay inside while the stones were still being heated because the smoke exited through a chimney. This allowed the sauna to be used faster after it was lit and could be kept in use for as long as desired by adding more wood to the fire. Today, many saunas come with an electric heater.

Relatively recently, a new type of sauna has also entered the market: the infrared sauna uses an infrared heater to warm the user's skin. Invented in Japan in the 1960s, they have become increasingly popular over the last 10-15 years. Although many would argue that they are not traditional saunas because they do not use steam, many people claim they offer a range of health benefits, including relief from muscle pain and joint stiffness, increased metabolism, increased immunity, detoxification, and stress relief.

Auroom Saunas from Estonia
In Estonia, they have a deep connection to the sauna that goes far back in their history and continues to play an important role in their culture to this day. The most traditional type of sauna here is the South Estonian smoke sauna, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and was common until the beginning of the 20th century - and if you look around, you will find many different saunas. Another sauna tradition that is popular in Estonia is "whisking," where you gently tap the skin with a bundle of birch leaves to promote circulation by bringing blood to the surface.

The sauna in Estonia has fulfilled many functions - traditionally, people were often born in the sauna, brides were washed there before they got married, and it was traditional to use the sauna on New Year's Eve for a cleansing ritual in preparation for the coming year. In ancient times, many Estonians believed that saunas were inhabited by spirits. The traditional types of wood used in the construction of saunas have remained consistent, with softwood for the walls and hardwood for the platforms and other parts.