Sauna history

Sauna has a European connection having its roots from Finland. Finland is popular throughout the world for its lakes, reindeers and Saunas. Sauna is a Finnish word pronounced as 'sow-nah' meaning 'bath house'.

Initially it was used as a steam bath house only in colder regions, but now with the changing times it has gained popularity worldwide due to the extra benefits that it offers to both - the body and mind.

As the history goes, Finns originally led a nomadic life. And for the purpose of hygiene, they used to construct such large baths.

The Finns did not merely use sauna as a means of their luxury, but they used it for physical and mental relaxation. They used it to rejuvenate their mind which would render them with more energy after a tiring day’s work. It held high social value in the Finnish culture and was a place that contained sterilized and germ free environment created by the use of tannic acid in the smoke.

Sauna culture is more than 1000 years old. It has withstood the test of times and now it is well established method of body and mind relaxation. Apart from Finns, the ancient Romans are also linked with these misty bath houses. Sauna gained attention when some travelers were impressed by the Sauna baths and they penned down their sauna experience in their books. Thus, with the cultural exchanges going throughout the world in the medieval eras, helped Sauna gain its current popularity.

Sauna was also the only means of entertainment during the World War II. It formed an essential part of the military camps, where the war soldiers would find solace.

In olden days, the sauna was very different as compared to what it is today. Earlier, Sauna was constructed by digging the grounds and layering the surface with wooden logs. These were heated with steam by burning wood. The place was covered and had just a small vent to let out some steam. Thus the place was allowed to heat up and be filled up with smoke.

Today, with the advent of modern technologies, we have specially built Sauna chambers with better quality materials which render a luxurious feeling along with the healing effect. In spite of the revival in the construction of modern saunas, the philosophy of using steam remains the same.

Sauna History