If I have a cold or the flu, I feel much better than before, I sleep better than before, my mind is clearer and I can concentrate more easily.
At fifty I took up open sea swimming – it didn’t change my life, although I can say that everything changed when I started open air swimming.
This has created a passion for wellness, particularly cold and heat therapy, which involves immersion in ice water followed by a visit to a steam sauna.
For a long time, my sauna experience was limited to dry and stuffy saunas in public gyms and spas. The dry heat in the sauna was unbearable, it was more like an oven than a place to relax. The whole environment was uncomfortable.
There was no sense of peace or tranquility here as it was often crowded and it was difficult to find a place to feel comfortable.
I tried a traditional Baltic sauna for the first time and immediately felt the difference. The temperature in the Baltic sauna reaches 70-100 degrees Celsius – higher than in other saunas.
A sauna is heated using a stove (usually wood or electric) and hot rocks. Water is sprayed onto the rocks, creating steam that fills the room with moisture and gentle warmth.
The typical humidity level in a Finnish sauna ranges from 40–60%, and its warmth and humidity distinguish it from other types of saunas.
I felt a deep sense of relaxation and clarity that I had never experienced before. It was then that I realized the potential of the sauna as a means of healing and decided to explore this world further.
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What struck me most about the Baltic sauna was the emphasis on tradition and ritual. The slow and gentle heating process, usually using wood, creates a unique and intoxicating atmosphere.
When I go to the sauna, it is truly relaxing and allows me to completely escape from the stress of everyday life. Visiting a sauna is a useful holistic therapy that involves getting out of your comfort zone, especially with the use of contrast therapy for maximum immersion in the process.
I have also come to appreciate the age-old customs that have been passed down for hundreds of years that enrich the experience. For example, using a birch or oak whisk to improve circulation and exfoliate. I now go on retreats several times a year and continue to learn the folklore behind sauna use and return to that culture as much as possible.
I now understand that the sauna helps to strengthen the sense of unity within the community. It is not just a place to relax or unwind after a workout, but a place to truly experience the culture. I often hold meetings in my home sauna – you will find that it really helps to break down barriers!
I may be 58 years old, but I have never felt better and I truly believe that visiting the sauna has had a huge positive impact on my health.
The sauna after a workout has completely changed my recovery process. The heat increases blood flow, delivering important nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, speeding up their recovery and reducing inflammation.
This significantly reduced post-workout soreness and fatigue. Additionally, sauna can help flush out accumulated lactic acid, prevent muscle stiffness, and improve muscle function. It was like a deep tissue massage of my body from the inside out.
Regular sauna use has improved my immunity significantly. The heat of the sauna causes a mild feverish reaction, stimulating the production of white blood cells, which are needed to fight infection.
Saunas also help release heat shock proteins, which play an important role in cellular repair and overall immune recovery. I have definitely noticed a reduction in the frequency and severity of colds and flu.
Regular sauna use has changed my sleep. The heat of the sauna helps regulate my body temperature, giving me the perfect feeling of relaxation when my body temperature drops after the sauna. It’s like hitting a “reset button” on your body.
The sauna is my escape from the stress of the day. It’s hard to say for sure, but I think it even helped me regulate my sleep cycle. Overall, it has become my favorite place to relax and unwind.
The increased blood flow to the brain due to the heat seemed to improve my thinking abilities. It helped me improve my concentration, and I found that I could process information more quickly. Plus, the sauna is a great place to relieve stress, which we all know is crucial for brain health.
After learning about the benefits of saunas, I quickly turned this hobby into a business. In 2021, my partner and I founded Wildhut, a company that designs custom luxury saunas that people can enjoy in their gardens or homes. I am fortunate to have created my own wellness retreat in my back garden, complete with sauna and cold plunge pool.
My best Sunday routine is to take a dip in the morning and warm up the sauna, so that when I return I can dive right in and enjoy all the benefits of contrast therapy. The heat and cold cycles improve circulation, promote muscle recovery, and boost my mental health. Trust me, it’s the best way to start the day.
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