I’ve founded Saunologia to rescue people from bad saunas. As we’re living a time of a global health crisis, I think it is appropriate to remind my readers that Finnish saunas provide amazing health benefits BUT you can only achieve them if your sauna is a good one!
Here’s the three reasons why:
- You can’t spend enough time inside a bad sauna
- You won’t go to a bad sauna frequently enough
- Finnish sauna has a high temperature that kills viruses
and one more extra - Your mind won’t be at ease in a bad sauna, you might get more stressed
These guidelines are based on the research by Finnish professor Jari Laukkanen, MD whose research group has repeatedly demonstrated that the health benefits of sauna can be only harvested by frequent and prolonged sauna sessions. The third reason is that viruses don’t survive long in sauna temperatures, making saunas safe and sterile places to visit. And finally, if entering the sauna makes you suspicious whether you or sauna is at fault for your discomfort, your overall wellbeing is at risk.
I’m currently working on an English version of my sauna design book to help people around the world get the best of Finnish sauna.
If you are anxious of flues and viruses, go to a sauna and relax. If you are already feeling sick, stay away from both your own sauna and especially shared saunas. However, in shared facilities, pay attention to all surfaces outside the sauna which may not be equally clean.
Keep healthy, keep in a sauna!
Dr. Lassi A Liikkanen, Saunologist
Feature photo (C) Sauna from Finland
