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What is löyly and why is it important to a Finnish Sauna experience?

12/30/2023

So - what is löyly and where does the word come from?

"Löyly" is a Finnish word that refers to the steam that rises from hot stones in a sauna. It's an experience that happens when you essentially pour water on the rocks. The concept of löyly is deeply rooted in Finnish culture, and saunas hold significant cultural and social importance in Finland (and beyond!). It's not just about sweating it out – sauna is a cultural institution that's deeply woven into the fabric of Finnish life, and now the lives of so many from a variety of backgrounds outside of Finland as well. Saunas started as humble pits in the ground and evolved into inviting wooden structures with the iconic kiuas (stove) at their heart.

The etymology of the word "löyly" is linked to Old Finnish and Finno-Ugric roots. In Finnish, the verb "löylyttää" means to throw water on the hot stones to produce steam. The concept of löyly goes beyond just the physical act of creating steam; it embodies the entire sensory experience of sauna bathing, including the heat, the steam, and the atmosphere within the sauna.

Why is löyly important to an authentic Finnish sauna experience?

As a Finn, I (Juho) was raised to understand löyly as critical to sauna and holding a similar meaning to spirit, life or a "really good vibe." The word has no English-language equivalent. Quite often, after I have gotten out of the sauna, friends or family in Finland will ask "How was the löyly?" or "Was the löyly any good today?" I describe "optimal löyly" as that which lowers down on you softly from above and surrounds your body in a smooth but intense embrace of heat. Not-so-nice löyly hits you hard from the front to back and can make you wince. Also, you can actually be in a sauna with what you might normally describe as a poor löyly, however if you are perhaps with a friend you haven't seen in a long time, the löyly can still be described as "amazing!" So, for me, löyly is not just the steam but the OVERALL SAUNA EXPERIENCE. Everyone has a different answer to what löyly they like and resonate with! For every human personality, there is a löyly personality to match.

More than a physical sensation, löyly can embody a spiritual and communal ritual. It contributes not only to sensory delight, creating a warm atmosphere that can be both invigorating and calming at the same time. Löyly is a cleansing experience - for the body and also an opportunity for mental, emotional and even spiritual clarity and renewal. In communal saunas, the act of throwing water on stones becomes a shared, bonding experience, fostering social connections and conversations. The quality of löyly reflects the sauna host's hospitality and is a point of pride (at Kamu Sauna, we take this hospitality seriously!). As a cultural cornerstone, löyly preserves Finnish identity, connecting individuals to a deep-rooted heritage and making it an indispensable part of the broader sauna tradition. We Finns are so happy to share this tradition with the world!

Everyone has a different answer to what löyly they like and resonate with! For every human personality, there is a löyly personality to match.

- Juho Pelkonen

Some tips to create optimal löyly:

Try to start off easy with one ladle or less of water on the rocks and build up from there and see what feels the best. The more water you throw on the rocks, the more it cools down the rocks. After the initial heat wave, the sauna cools off quicker. So, if you are generous with löyly, you’ll likely need to run the fire a little hotter.
Don’t overdo it with the water. If the water makes more of a “splash” than a “hiss” the rocks have cooled off and will need to heat back up.
Feel free to experiment with the different essential oils in the löyly water. Add 1-2 drops into a full ladle of water, never add the oils directly on the rocks as this causes the oil to burn.
Practice gratitude with a word or gesture of thanks to the sauna! There is a "spirit of sauna" in each sauna which requires thanks and a little care and attention for all that it gives for your well-being.

We feel there's a löyly for everyone and that sauna is a global experience! We will leave you with some final questions: Where have you experienced optimal löyly? and How is löyly good to you?! Feel free to comment below.

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Our Top 10 Favorite Podcast Episodes about Sauna, to date!

12/27/2023

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We love talking sauna, and we love listening in on others talking about sauna too! We've done a round-up of our FAVORITE sauna podcast episodes, to date, talking about sauna and the captivating stories within. Please comment below if there's other episodes you think we should review or check out.

10. Stuff You Should Know - Saunas: More Interesting Than You Think! (2009): Listen here. This is a basic "what are saunas" episode for all sorts of beginners. A great start and entertaining listen!

9. FoundMyFitness - Sauna Use and Building Resilience to Stress with Dr. Rhonda Patrick, PhD (2015): Listen here. Here's the old school podcast of Dr. Rhonda Patrick where she lays down all the science of sauna and its effects on essentially elongating your life and supporting brain health.

8. Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna - International Movie Star, Environmentalist and Sauna Enthusiast, Jasper Pääkkönen (2021): Listen here. We love Jasper Pääkkönen's work and what he's done to bring authentic sauna tourism to the masses. Jasper recently opened Löyly Helsinki, which is architecturally stunning in Helsinki, Finland.

7. Huberman Lab - Dr. Susanna Søberg: How to Use Cold & Heat Exposure to Improve Your Health (2023): See/listen here on YouTube. Here, Dr. Susanna Søberg discusses how deliberate hot and cold therapy is essentially the elixir to an incredible human existence! We joke, no really - Dr. Søberg's work provides the science to what Finns have known for generations - hot + cold = health + happiness.

6. The Sauna Twins Podcast by Finnmark Sauna - Mika Meskanen (British Sauna Society) (2020): Listen here. We had to put an episode from The Sauna Twins on here. They have some great episodes and we really enjoyed this conversation they had with Mike Meskanen where they talk about sauna culture and World Sauna Day.

5. Huberman Lab - The Science & Health Benefits of Deliberate Heat Exposure (2022): See/listen here on YouTube. Huberman discusses the science behind ALL the health benefits of sauna and heat exposure. We don't always pay too much attention to the rigidity of sauna protocol however, love the deep dive into the various studies and body physiology as it relates to sauna benefits.

4. Sauna Talk - Jarmo Hiltunen (2023): Listen here. Our hearts are in a smoke sauna! We are so happen that Glenn with Sauna Talk brought Jarmo on to talk about all things smoke sauna. Have you gotten Jarmo's book yet on "How to build a Finnish Smoke Sauna?" We sure have, and we love it. Perhaps we should do a book review soon!

3. Nordic Animism: Dalva Lamminmäki (2023): See/listen here on YouTube. Dalva is a friend and PhD scholar on Finnish folklore and traditional Finnish sauna practices. Still residing in Finland and deep into her studies and work, we love seeing her wealth of knowledge and life's work being shared more broadly.

2. Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna - Sauna w. Mikkel Aaland, Global Sweat Bathing Authority, Author & Artist (2022): Listen here. Mikkel Aaland is such a joy to listen to here. He talks about his travels experiencing and studying sweat bathing practices from around the world.

1. Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna - What Makes a Sauna? (2021): Find here. "Focus on the experience and the rest will fall into place!" We love this episode from Alan Jalasjaa with Kivia Sauna about what actually makes an authentic Finnish Sauna. He dispels myths and talks about what has made a Sauna truly authentically Finnish. So simple and easy. Thanks for sharing, Alan.

We think we have a comprehensive list here that covers everything from science, a little history and some more of the diverse cultural aspects of sauna usage, offering valuable insights and expert advice. Whether you're a seasoned sauna enthusiast or a newcomer, these podcasts serve as an informative and enjoyable resource, enriching your sauna journey.

As noted above, comment below on some of your favorite sauna podcast episodes out there!

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Sweat, Smile, Repeat: The Science Behind Saunas Making You Happier and Stress-Free!

12/20/2023

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In our fast-paced world, finding joy and shaking off stress can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge. Folks are definitely discovering the ancient practice of sauna bathing as a scientifically-backed method that offers a natural and accessible escape from daily pressures. Saunas can play a pivotal role in promoting mental well-being and reducing stress. We put together this article to explore the benefits of sauna bathing from a scientific standpoint, examining how regular sauna practice contributes to essentially making you "happier" and helping with stress management.

Endorphins Released: Pathway to Enhanced Mood
Saunas are not merely associated with warmth but also with the promotion of positive emotional states. Sauna use triggers the release of endorphins—hormones known for their mood-lifting properties. Research by Mikkelsen et al. (2017) demonstrated that sauna sessions are directly linked to increased happiness, with participants reporting reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety following regular use.
Heat Therapy and Stress Reduction
Stress, often considered a formidable adversary, may be alleviated through heat therapy. Studies, such as those by Teixeira et al. (2015), have shown that sauna bathing aids in the reduction of cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. This effect allows individuals to experience greater relaxation and contentment, underscoring the sauna’s role as an effective stress-relief strategy.
Improving Sleep Quality
Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being, emotional stability, and stress resilience. Leppäluoto et al. (2015) highlighted that sauna bathing positively influences sleep patterns, thereby enhancing sleep quality. Given the profound impact of restorative sleep on mood regulation, the sauna’s ability to improve sleep represents a significant contribution to emotional health and stress management.
Activation of the Relaxation Response
Sauna bathing induces a deep state of relaxation, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system—critical for counteracting stress. According to research by Hannuksela and Ellahham (2001), this parasympathetic activation plays a vital role in reducing physiological stress responses and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

In summary, saunas are far more than a trend; they offer a scientifically-backed approach to enhancing mental health and managing stress. By promoting endorphin release, reducing cortisol levels, improving sleep quality, and facilitating a relaxation response, saunas provide a holistic pathway to greater happiness and resilience. Therefore, the next time you enjoy an authentic sauna, consider it not just a luxury, but a scientifically grounded practice for improving your well-being.

Sources:
Hannuksela, M. L., & Ellahham, S. (2001). Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. Journal of Human Kinetics, 6, 49-56.

Laukkanen, T., Khan, H., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2018). Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 25(2), 158-167.

Leppäluoto, J., Tuominen, M., Väänänen, A., & Karpakka, J. (2015). Restorative effects of repeated 90-minute sauna sessions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(1), 1192-1203.

Teixeira, T. R., Mahler, P., Olher, R. R., Díaz-Cortés, D. A., et al. (2015). Heat stress control using photoselective filters... International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(10), 13181-13192.

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What is löyly and why is it important to a Finnish Sauna experience?

So - what is löyly and where does the word come from?

Why is löyly important to an authentic Finnish sauna experience?

Some tips to create optimal löyly:

Our Top 10 Favorite Podcast Episodes about Sauna, to date!

Sweat, Smile, Repeat: The Science Behind Saunas Making You Happier and Stress-Free!

Becky + Juho Pelkonen

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