History of the Sauna

The history of the sauna is fascinating and rich in tradition. The earliest evidence of this practice dates back over 2,000 years, in the cold regions of Northern Europe, particularly in Finland. The Finnish sauna is the most well-known and widely practiced variant of the sauna around the world. This practice is deeply rooted in Northern European culture and traditions.

The term "sauna" comes from the Finnish language and refers to a small room or cabin where one can experience dry heat, generated by a wood-burning or electric stove. The ancient Finns used the sauna not only for cleansing the body but also for healing rituals and social gatherings. Even today, the people of Northern Europe consider the sauna not only a means of relaxation and rejuvenation but also an important social and psychophysical wellness ritual.

Traditional saunas were built with wooden logs, and the heating was provided by a wood-burning stove, which heated stones placed inside it. Water was poured over the hot stones to create steam and increase the humidity in the environment. This process, known as "löyly" in Finnish, is one of the distinctive features of the Finnish sauna.

Over time, the sauna has evolved and spread across the world, taking on different forms and adapting to local cultures. Today, the sauna is widely appreciated for its health and wellness benefits. Modern saunas are mainly divided into three categories: the Finnish sauna, the biosauna, and the infrared sauna, although the latter is not considered a "traditional sauna." They are found in many gyms, spas, and wellness centers, offering an experience of relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind.