Sauna use around the world
Saunas are a global phenomenon cherished around the world for their unrivalled relaxation and rejuvenation benefits.
In some regions they are a huge part of the cultural history, in others they are a relatively new wellbeing tool that has quickly grown in popularity.
From the Roman baths to the Finnish saunas of old, the history of saunas is long and unique. Whilst every region of the world now uses saunas to some extent, the traditions and practices used in each area vary hugely. In this article we will examine how saunas are used in different places across the world. Who knows, it might give you some ideas for things to try in your very own home sauna or consider home sauna installations.
Finland
It is only right to start our world tour in Finland, the home of the sauna. Whilst there were variations of steam bathing and heat treatments in other areas of the world, Finland is widely considered as the birthplace of the sauna as we know it today. Saunas are a huge part of Scandinavian culture and no home in Finland is complete without its very own home sauna.
In Finland, the sauna experience is very much a social one, with friends and family regularly gathering together to chat and relax. Sometimes business owners will even meet up to talk shop in this steamy environment! The traditional sauna experience in Finland involves pouring water over hot stones to create steam, and the practice is often followed by a dip in a nearby lake.
Turkey
When people think of bathhouses, they probably think of the Romans, but the Turkish Hamman is fundamental to the development of saunas as we know them today. The Hamman experience involved both hot and cold baths, exfoliation, and massaging and is world renowned for its therapeutic qualities. In Turkey, the act of attending a Hamman is a big part of the culture and is enjoyed with friends and family.
Japan
Unlike in Finland and Japan, sauna etiquette in Japan generally involves complete silence with these spaces seen as places for quiet contemplation.
There are two main types of sauna in Japan. Onsen which is natural hot springs and Sento which are communal bathhouses.
UK
Saunas are a more recent addition to the culture here in the UK than in any of the other nations mentioned on this list. Traditionally they have been located in spas rather than people’s homes but this has changed somewhat over recent years.
The UK sauna experience tends to be focussed upon the many health benefits that these rooms offer, rather than socialisation, and one man saunas are not unusual. One of the benefits of the late arrival to the sauna scene is that the UK has no one sauna style that dominates the scene. There are steam rooms, saunas, and infrared saunas sold and installed every single day and the market tends to follow global market trends, giving you plenty of choice if you want your very own sauna.
