How to indulge in the age-old practice of sauna therapy from the comfort of your home

Sauna use is popular in wellness institutions worldwide, with many gyms, spas, and sports clubs boasting in-house saunas as a membership benefit. And, while sweating in a hot room may seem particularly 'in' right now, saunas are not a new concept. The Western sauna tradition has its roots in Finnish and Estonian culture, with early iterations believed to be from as far back as 7000 BC. It is of such significance that the practice has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Why are saunas so good for you?

It's no surprise that the sauna tradition has been preserved and handed down from generation to generation: the health benefits speak for themselves. "Sauna usage has demonstrated significant benefits for heart health, as indicated by a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine," says Tony Vosu of Saunum Australia. 

"Engaging in sauna sessions two to three times a week is associated with a commendable 23% reduction in heart risks, while increasing sauna frequency to four to seven times a week leads to an even more substantial reduction, with heart risks decreasing by an impressive 63%. Furthermore, extending sauna sessions beyond 19 minutes contributes to a remarkable 52% reduction in heart risks compared to shorter sauna sessions."

Alongside heart health benefits, sauna therapy offers other health benefits, including improved circulation, muscle relaxation, detoxification, stress reduction, enhanced immune system function, better sleep, and improved skin health. 

"Plus, with frequent exposure to heat in sauna sessions, your body can acclimate, improving its ability to manage and adjust to Australian outdoor temperatures and conditions," Vosu says. With these holistic benefits, the impact of saunas on general health and well-being is apparent. 

Saunas have, of course, solidified their position as a staple in wellness centres, but with the help of businesses like Saunum, they're also becoming increasingly accessible at home.

How to sauna at home

With Saunum, practising sauna therapy at home is easy, even if you're new to the tradition.  

"Saunum offers a diverse range of ready-made saunas, including the Saunum Classic and Saunum AirCube series," Vosu says. "The setup process is designed to be remarkably easy, particularly as the saunas arrive at your home entirely constructed. All that's required is a level ground or surface, such as gravel, hard ground, concrete, or decking capable of supporting the sauna's weight. 

"Using a crane or forklift, the sauna is effortlessly placed in the desired location. Once in position, an electrician is required to install your chosen Saunum heater into the sauna and establish necessary connections to your main power source. After this electrical setup is completed, the Saunum sauna is ready for use." 

The simplicity of this process means you can enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy without any unnecessary complications. 

While it would be fair to assume that running a sauna is expensive, the simplicity of Saunum saunas extends to your wallet, too. With a 15kW heater (suitable for saunas up to 14 - 22m3), you're looking at an estimated $9.60 over two hours of running time. When not in use, the sauna won't cost you anything.

To streamline your at-home sauna experience, Saunum's cutting-edge intelligent sauna control unit, the Saunum Leil app, allows you to activate your sauna heater with a few taps on the screen. 

"Once the sauna reaches the desired temperature, you can turn on the Saunum climate control system for a relaxing sauna experience characterised by easy breathing and mild heat. The app also supports the AutoLeil, a smart automatic water dispensing solution, allowing users to enjoy a humid heat without having to manually pour water over the hot rocks," Vosu explains. 

Saunum's design innovation is also expressed in its meticulous construction, with a focus on using advanced wood treatments. "The exterior of our saunas is constructed with thermopine, a form of thermally modified wood. Through exposure to temperatures exceeding 190 degrees Celsius, thermopine undergoes structural and chemical changes at a cellular level. This transformative treatment significantly enhances the wood's durability, stability, and resistance to mould, rot, and termites. As a result, the thermopine exterior boasts impressive longevity and stands resilient against environmental challenges, ensuring a robust and enduring sauna structure."

The sauna interiors are available in either alder or thermo-treated aspen, both hypoallergenic for a sauna environment that is gentle on the senses. With thermo-treatment, the wood maintains its integrity, promising a structure that won't warp, shrink or expand over time. 

If you're interested in sauna therapy at home, Saunum offers a unique low-temperature steam sauna setting to make the introduction easy. Starting at 45 - 50 degrees Celsius, you can enjoy a gentle initiation to the age-old practice. For more information, advice, and support on your at-home sauna journey, Saunum invites you to get in touch today.

Learn more about Saunum Australia.