Finnish Sauna Traditions For Your Next Outdoor Sauna Session

Sauna use is a massive part of Finnish culture. In fact, research indicates that saunas actually originated in Finland. Given this, it may be wise to turn to traditional Finnish sauna practices in order to optimize sauna use and benefits. If you own an outdoor sauna kit, try adopting some authentic sauna practices in your next session to see if you feel a difference. At SaunaFin, we believe that quality saunas made with durable wood will make any sauna session feel rejuvenating. If you are looking to invest in a home sauna for your health, contact SaunaFin to learn more about our sauna heaters and custom sauna kits. 

The Significance of Sauna Use in Finnish Culture

Saunas originated thousands of years ago in Finland and were thought to be used to help citizens stay warm during harsh winters. Original saunas were actually pits that were dug into the ground, but as the years progressed, saunas eventually became small, house-like boxes above ground. 

Nowadays, sauna use is a part of everyday life in Finland. The sauna is used as a space to recover from the stresses of life, and many Finnish individuals feel that this practice is intrinsic to their health and lives. In order to maximize your sauna sessions, it may be wise to take the advice of the sauna experts. 

Pre Sauna Rituals

Before stepping into your outdoor sauna, consider adopting some traditional Finnish pre-sauna rituals. In Finland, the sauna is seen as a place of sanctuary, so you should be prepared to keep socializing to a minimum when you are in the sauna with multiple people. Additionally, sauna goers in Finland typically like to shower prior to sauna use. In North America, it is rather common to use the sauna after exercise and to shower after a session; however, showering prior is essential to Finnish culture. Additionally, it is typical for the Finnish to use their sauna with little to no clothing. A towel or swimsuit is the usual dress code.  

Traditional Sauna Temperatures

In Finland, the sauna temperature is usually set somewhere between 80 and 110 degrees Celsius. Contrastingly, the standard North American sauna temperature sits between 65 and 80 degrees Celsius. This is quite a disparity between the two cultures. If you want a sauna like the Finnish one, consider turning up the temperature on your sauna heater. If you are a beginner sauna user, keep the temperature lower so that you can build up a tolerance. Experienced sauna users can attempt to go up to the temperature to achieve an authentic experience. This temperature increase could potentially amplify the health benefits associated with heat exposure. 

The Role of Steam

In Finnish saunas, steam is absolutely essential to the experience. In Finnish culture, it is common for sauna users to pour some water over sauna rocks or wood in order to generate steam. This will allow you to reap the benefits of dry heat and moist steam. Prepare your sauna heater with sauna rocks and utilize a bucket and ladle to gently pour small amounts of water over the rocks to produce steam. 

Adopt Finnish Sauna Practices with SaunaFin Saunas

Overall, learning from the Finnish can help sauna owners improve their sauna experience. If you own an outdoor sauna kit, adopting Finnish sauna practices can help boost the health benefits of sauna use and improve relaxation. Learning from the most experienced sauna culture in the world can only help improve your practice. If you are interested in investing in a sauna, reach out to SaunaFin. We offer a wide range of prefab saunas and sauna heaters to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Contact us today for a free quote!

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