 We attended the first-ever West Coast Sauna Summit this year and wanted to share what we learned and were inspired by. From Friday, January 17th, to Sunday, January 20th, sauna lovers, entrepreneurs, operators, builders, practitioners, and wellness folks gathered at the Loon Lake Retreat Centre in the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest for the inaugural West Coast Sauna Summit (WCSS). As Canada's first dedicated sauna industry event, event founders Valtteri (thefinnishsauna.ca) + Linda (lindahelisto.com), created a space for business, wellness, and sauna culture to thrive. Over the course of the weekend, we all immersed ourselves in good heat and both formal and informal conversations while forging new connections in the rapidly growing sauna industry in North America. Our Key Takeaways from the inaugural West Coast Sauna Summit The Rise of Sauna Culture in North America: Sauna culture is expanding rapidly across Canada and the U.S., with more people embracing the health benefits of heat therapy. At WCSS, discussions highlighted the increasing demand for high-quality sauna experiences, from traditional wood-fired saunas to innovative community sauna projects. For us, we want to continue seeing cultural authenticity taking the lead on this movement, rather than shallow trends. More on this below!
Final Thoughts The first-ever West Coast Sauna Summit, for us, was really validating, offering a weekend of learning, connection, and inspiration. As sauna culture continues to grow in Canada and beyond, events like WCSS play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry in a sustainable and meaningful way. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of heat therapy, the summit proved that there is a welcoming community full of knowledge ready to embrace the journey with you. Were you at WCSS? Share your favorite moments in the comments below and give shout-outs to those bringing the good heat!
 Thank you to Valtteri + Linda for bringing us together in a good way!
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 We launched Kamu Sauna in December of 2022 and, as any new business owner would know, the first year of a new small business is always such a whirlwind—we felt like we were between so many worlds and juggling a hundred things at once. There were two things we always remained focused on however: 1. Building Sauna culture first and foremost, and 2. Working directly with Community and local folks to respond to needs. The result after our first year was, what we thought, a solid foundation to continue building upon. With Juho being from Finland, to build authentic and meaningful Sauna culture in the East Kootenays means so much to us. And it seems - Sauna means a lot to our local Community of Kimberley BC also. In March of 2024, we were shocked to have been awarded the most coveted-of-all-small-town business awards, the 2023 "Business of the Year Award" by the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce! We are still so stoked and incredibly grateful for the Kimberley Community to rally around us in this way. Entrepreneurs sure know how challenging the starting of a business can be, especially one as personal as Kamu is to us. Stuff like this can be really validating that we are on the right path. With immense gratitude. What now? Well we've got exciting things ahead - stay tuned on all our updates by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Instagram. We love having you as part of the Kamu Sauna Community! THANK YOU! KIITOS PALJON! Huge thanks to the entire Community of Kimberley BC for honoring us for Kimberley BC's 2023 "Business of the Year Award." Big congrats to all the nominees - Kimberley has such incredible businesses, and we feel so grateful to be in such great company. See you in the sauna soon! - Juho + Becky Pelkonen To see an article by the Kimberley Bulletin about the event, see here. To learn more about the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce, their members, and all the good work they do, see here.
 Ok, we're not crying - you are (insert crying emoji here). For those who are "authentic Finnish" Sauna converts, you know what we are talking about when we speak about how much sauna can transform your life for the better. For those of you who are trying to decide if you believe all the hype, we offer you to take a look at Suzan's testimonial below. We recently built a custom Mettä outdoor sauna for Suzan and her family with our partner, TMBR Structures. Here's what she had to say: Hello Juho! I wanted to let you know this past weekend we used the sauna for the very first time. We wanted to have the "inaugural" sauna together...as we felt it was an important and meaningful event to all be together in the sauna for the first time. Juho....what can I say other than the sauna experience was simply luxurious, glorious, therapeutic, and addictive!! I cannot begin to tell you how much I (all of us) enjoyed it!! The stove worked incredibly well and is perfect for heat generation for the space. We reached the maximum temperature with ease and we all handled the temp very well. We went in/out about 4 times, following your instructions as to how long to stay in. We sat on the benches....laid down....talked....meditated in silence...[J] even did a few stretches standing up!! The fire crackled and you could smell the cedar. I was transported to another world! As you mentioned, the heat was a gentle heat and we certainly felt that; it was not searing at all and felt very healing. We tried different types of wood to see which type worked best. I lit the inside with candles (although there is a good amount of light from the stove itself) and I put candles on the deck so we could find our way down to the sauna in the dark and enjoy the ambiance. All of your recommendations/suggestions were perfect (i.e. footrests, steps going up to the benches, railing to grab on to when stepping down, upper bench hotter than lower bench...). I know I questioned you on some of those items and you were very patient with me...but you were right, Juho!! When cooling off, we sat outside and looked up at the night sky and stars...I felt I was in a Travel Alberta Promotional Video!! The stressors of my very busy life evaporated and I was transported to another world! To be honest, I was not anticipating I would love the experience so much! I had a sauna experience in another town...and I much prefer the sauna that we now get to call our own. Having a sauna is all I can think about now and can hardly wait to have the next one! Juho, you are a master at your craft. I cannot put into words how much I appreciated your impeccable attention to detail, your willingness to present and discuss options that fit within our price range and style preferences, your ability to clarify discussion points when I felt overwhelmed with decisions that needed to be made, your calm and gentle demeanor, your desire to get everything "just right", your willingness to follow up in the future if we had concerns or problems and your incredible work ethic. I know you worked some very long days to ensure you stayed on track with build timelines. You have taken my satisfaction with life to a new level and I can't thank you enough for that! With tremendous gratitude, Suzan S, a VERY happy Kamu customer ❤️
 Did you know that "SAUNA" is one of the only Finnish words that made it into English and other languages around the world? In 2020, the tradition of Finnish sauna culture was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the importance of the sauna as a living cultural practice in Finland, deeply embedded in daily life, customs, and well-being.
Sauna culture in Finland is characterized by its inclusiveness; it is practiced by all social classes, genders, and ages. Saunas are found everywhere, from private homes to public spaces. They serve as a place for relaxation, socializing, and physical and mental rejuvenation. The UNESCO listing acknowledges the sauna’s role in fostering community, promoting well-being, and preserving a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Although there are many other cultures that "sweat bathe" for various reasons around the world, what makes a Sauna authentically Finnish? It's about design! An authentic Finnish sauna is typically a small, wooden structure designed to retain heat. The interior is made of untreated softwood which absorbs moisture and releases a pleasant, natural aroma. Benches are arranged in tiers along the walls (above the stove so your feet don't get cold!), allowing bathers to choose their preferred heat level. A central wood-burning stove, or "kiuas," heats the room and is topped with stones that are splashed with water to produce steam, or "löyly." Löyly is really crucial; those gym saunas that say "don't put water on the rocks" aren't really saunas at all - they can provide some of the same benefits, but are really just "dry hot rooms" instead. Ventilation is also crucial, with fresh air flowing in and out to maintain oxygen levels. The sauna often provides an indoor or outdoor cooling space, and can be located near a natural water source for cooling off between sessions. Want to learn more about how to design a Finnish sauna? Reach out to us! It's about tradition! From an anthropological and historical perspective, the Finnish sauna tradition dates back over 2,000 years, serving as a sacred space for physical and spiritual cleansing. Historically, saunas were used for childbirth, healing, and community gatherings, reflecting their role in daily life and ritual. Saunas have been found in archeological sites, showing their ancient significance in Finnish society. The tradition embodies deep connections to nature, health, and communal values, emphasizing a balance between body and mind. The sauna ritual integrates elements of folklore, with beliefs around "löyly" (the sauna spirit) signifying life force, underscoring its cultural and spiritual importance in Finnish heritage. It's about culture! Finnish sauna culture is a deeply ingrained practice that goes beyond mere bathing; it is a way of life that promotes well-being, relaxation, and connection with nature and community. As noted above, in Finland, saunas are found everywhere—from private homes to public facilities, lakeside cottages, and workplaces—demonstrating their importance in daily life. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland, for a population of only 5 million people (Norros, M., 2024). The sauna is seen as a sacred space for mental and physical cleansing, and it is used by all ages and genders. The experience typically involves heating the body in a wood-fired or electric sauna, creating steam by throwing water on hot stones, and then cooling off in a lake, snow, or cold shower. Silence or quiet conversation is often observed, creating a meditative atmosphere. Saunas are also spaces for social bonding, family connection, personal reflection, and even decision-making (Read about "Diplomacy in the Sauna" by the NY Times here!). It's about understanding! Having grown up in Finland is that an authentic Finnish Sauna experience really cares about:
We teach a little about etiquette too, but don't like to prescribe too many rules. Although nudity is common and comfortable in the Finnish Sauna, for Community Saunas, we ask that folks participate wearing bathing suits. We like to create an environment where sauna is inclusive and available to everyone! If you'd like to learn more about sauna etiquette, there's a great post here on MyHelsinki.fi by the Finnish Sauna Society and Visit Finland. Want to learn more about what makes an authentic Finnish Sauna experience?! Rent our mobile sauna or join one of our upcoming sauna experiences and Juho will be happy to share all that he knows. There is also an excellent article here by Sauna from Finland for more great info. See you in the Sauna, soon!  So - what is löyly and where does the word come from?
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. Some tips to create optimal löyly:
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.  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! 
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. |
Becky + Juho PelkonenSauna entrepreneurs, sweat-bathing science students + lovers of Finnish culture. Archives
February 2025
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We would like to acknowledge the Ktunaxa People, whose unceded ancestral Lands we reside and work within. We deeply value the opportunity to learn, share and grow within ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa. Further, we acknowledge, support and will continue to work towards our own responsibility and collective accountability regarding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
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Kamu Sauna Experiences are LGBTQ2+ friendly and inclusive.
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