The Sauna

My favorite form of self-care and relaxation❤️

Saunas have been a traditional part of many cultures for centuries — from Turkish baths and Native American sweat lodges to Russian banyas. In Finland, where saunas are a regular part of the culture, there are 2 million saunas for the 5 million people who live there.

A typical sauna is a wood-filled room that’s heated, usually anywhere from 176°F to 212°F (80°C to 100°C). You can also add humidity by pouring water on hot rocks inside the sauna. But typically it’s a dry heat (less than 20% humidity), which is very different from a steam room. And a newer type of sauna — an infrared sauna — is becoming increasingly popular. These directly heat the body with infrared light, and so are able to operate at a lower temperature (122°F to 149°F or 50°C to 65°C).

If you’ve ever used a sauna, you know that things can get quite sweaty in there. Your heart starts pumping, your skin gets sticky, and you may even feel like you’re exercising without moving your body. And like exercise, there’s a lot of research to suggest long-lasting health benefits from regular sauna use. Sauna use is safe for most people, and can have benefits like improved heart and mental health, as well as relaxation. (Credit: GoodRx)

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