A Brief History of Saunas — From Ancient Rituals to Modern Wellness
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The word sauna comes from Finland, where heat bathing has been part of daily life for centuries. Over time, sauna culture spread and evolved, influencing (and influenced by) many traditions worldwide.
Finnish Roots
Early saunas were simple pits or smoke huts used for purification, relaxation, and even childbirth. The ritual of throwing water on hot stones to create steam (löyly) remains central.
Bring the tradition home with a classic home sauna footprint.
Global Variations
- Roman Bathhouses: Social hubs combining heat, steam, and cold immersion.
- Russian Banya: Paired with cold plunges and venik (birch-branch) massages.
- Sweat Lodges: Used by many Indigenous peoples for purification and ceremony.
Love the traditional feel? See this traditional-style kit.
The Rise of Infrared
In the late 20th century, infrared emitters made it possible to deliver penetrating warmth at lower air temperatures, sparking the modern at-home sauna boom.
Modern IR example: best-selling infrared sauna.
Saunas Today
From high-end spas to compact home units, saunas are accessible to almost anyone and often integrated into wellness routines for stress relief, recovery, and better sleep.
