saunas remain sanctuaries for wellbeing across the globe, honoring traditions thousands of years old and embracing innovation. Whether they inspire the senses with their aesthetic or provide respite from illness and injury, they are often a gathering place for community.
Saunas: Benefits and Buying Guide
There are a wide variety of saunas in the world, from the wooden Estonian “iglu” to sleek modern architecture. But few are as unique or evocative as the Norwegian Eldmolla, built into a cliff by architect and artist Sissel Tolaas. The structure was a project of the Oslo Sauna Association, which strives to “bring sauna to the people” while celebrating design.
To accomplish that goal, the architects used a combination of natural and synthetic materials to construct a small sauna that would make the most of its spectacular surroundings. The result is a sauna that feels like it belongs on the edge of a cliff rather than in a city park.
But what makes this sauna really special is its thermal mass — the thick walls, floors, and ceiling that absorb the heat and keep it flowing throughout the room. This is important, because research has found that sauna bathing improves cardiovascular health by lowering heart rate and blood pressure through the use of intense heat and heavy sweating. Regular use may also increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a role in the immune system and memory functions.
Though the benefits of saunas are clear, they’re not without risk. The high temperatures can lead to dehydration, and those with certain conditions (like kidney disease) may be at a higher risk of side effects such as hypotension or even sudden death. It’s also a good idea to start out by limiting your sessions to 20 minutes, and always avoiding alcohol.
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