Traditional Finnish-Style Sauna Experience: Soothing Heat and Wellness

Key Takeaways

·        A traditional Finnish-style sauna uses dry heat from heated stones and wood for full-body, immersive thermotherapy.

·        Core benefits include improved circulation, heart health, immune support, skin rejuvenation, pain relief, and reduced stress.

·        Materials and construction, like cedarwood for outdoor or basswood for hypoallergenic, affect durability and comfort of your sauna.

·        Compared to infrared saunas, Finn-style steam offers greater humidity and group-friendly social experiences, while infrared models deliver drier heat and lower energy costs.

·        Hybrid and dual saunas combine both heat types, giving flexibility for personal or family needs.

Are you in the mood for some heat bathing? Then a sauna will do the trick. Bathers use both infrared and traditional sauna. Although infrared use is in much higher demand in the United States and Australia, both 30% as opposed to just 2% in Finland.

Most people are eager for a home sauna wellness session to relieve their aches and pains. Others use it for detoxification as the infrared sauna benefits detox regimes: better blood circulation, and enhanced home sauna wellness routines. Heat bathing can also make a fine option for anyone looking to socialize with friends or colleagues.

Given the current infrared craze, does it mean it's better than a typical sauna? What kind of sauna would suit your needs?  We at Sunhome Saunas decided to delve a little deeper into the facts that distinguish traditional sauna vs infrared saunas so that you will find it easier to make that choice.

A Quick Jump Back in Time

The practice of relaxing in the heat goes back centuries. Sauna bathing is a type of whole-body thermotherapy that's been used for thousands of years. Many parts of the world use sauna for spiritual, social, medicinal, and hygienic purposes. Yes, there are numerous scientifically proven infrared sauna health benefits for the body.

In its primitive form, a sauna was a pit dug into slopes. Rocks were then used to heat the space. People would cover the entrance to trap the heat, allowing everyone to bathe in the middle of winter. Although saunas are used across various cultures and countries, Finland was the one that put that notion on the map.

The Perks of Visiting a Traditional Finnish-Style Sauna

The modern-day sauna features a traditional Finnish-style sauna, alongside Hammam, Turkish, Russian Banya, and many more. Finnish sauna is the most studied to date. It involves a short 5-to-20-minute exposure to temperatures ranging from 80°C to 100°C.

Including dry air with 10% to 20% relative humidity. The plethora of traditional sauna benefits include:

·        Better circulation

·        Improved heart health

·        Enhanced immune function

·        Lowered blood pressure

·        Reduced arterial stiffness

Plus, every sauna features a unique design. Some have a decorative appeal, while others are more tailored towards practicality. Whatever sauna you prefer, there is one rule of thumb—the wood used. Finnish sauna uses wood that doesn't overheat or secrete resin.

Most saunas nowadays are made with Poplar wood, Basswood, Cedar Wood, pine, eucalyptus, spruce, and hemlock. Red cedar is by far a go-to choice when it comes to sauna construction. Mainly for its durability, aesthetics, heat absorption, and self-sterilizing effect.

Cedarwood is also popular for outdoor venues. But for someone with allergies, Basswood makes for a practical choice. It is a hypoallergenic material that's temperature resistant and maintains its color with time.

For more details on materials and building options, see our best outdoor sauna collection.

What Makes the Finnish Experience Unique Compared to Other Saunas?

Due to their shared history, the traditional Finnish sauna is similar to those found in Russia, Latvia, and Estonia. However, they differ in architecture, level of steam, humidity, and etiquette. A Finnish sauna is completely different from a Turkish hammam, which incorporates a bath and scrub model.

It also differs from an "onsen"—a Japanese model involving long soaks in natural hot springs. A contemporary Finnish model uses a wood house with a stove known as "Kiuas". Paired with stones called "kiuaskivet".

Wood heats the room, and bathers throw water on the stones to boost humidity and steam. The better the steam, the better the sauna.

Traditional Sauna vs Infrared Sauna—How They Compare

In the last decade, the infrared sauna indoor 2 person and larger units have gained momentum for personal health and relaxation outcomes. Despite their similar appearance, the infrared saunas operate in different manners and offer an alternate user experience. The table below features their unique differences.

As you can see, the major differences are in the heating methods and temperatures, including the cost to run one. The infrared model is often cheaper to run. It emits light/infrared radiation to create heat and supports infrared sauna health benefits with less humidity.

The heat directly goes for the skin, heating the body without drastically raising the air temperature. If you prefer the heat without the rising humidity, infrared sauna benefits detox modes can be more comfortable as there is zero steam, just rays of heat.

The infrared model relies on a sweating mechanism to shed the excess pounds. Whereas the conventional option heats the air first, then the skin, and eventually the entire body. It features higher humidity levels. The steam is meant to open up the pores and re-hydrate the skin.

For information about installation, see our home infrared sauna installation guide.

Which Type of Sauna Is Best Suited for Me?

Pick the option that works best for you. If you want sauna bathing with cheaper running costs, then make the most of the infrared sauna 1-person and group saunas from the best infrared saunas collection.

If you are looking for an option more tailored towards public setting, group, or family use, the Finnish sauna makes for a solid pick. Infrared saunas are ideal for individual use, but it comes down to personal taste.

Both sauna bathing options have physiological benefits. They can help with skin rejuvenation, relaxation, and stress management. They are also used for their anti-aging, circulation, and pain reduction properties.

For additional ways to enhance your sauna experience, incorporate sauna accessories for optimal comfort and healing.

Find out more: Beginners tips on how to use a sauna

Final Thoughts

If your body loves the heat, regular sauna sessions can make a world of difference. Whether you choose a traditional sauna or infrared saunas, the therapeutic effects remain indisputable.

Those who've tried a single sauna session immediately notice some positive changes. With enough hydration, it’s easy to get through a sweating session.

Reach out today and find out more from our sauna experts.

FAQs

Traditional saunas vs infrared saunas—which is better?
Each has its pros: traditional saunas use higher, humid heat, ideal for group relaxation and respiratory benefits; infrared saunas offer direct body heat, fast install, detox, and lower energy cost. Choose according to health and lifestyle needs.

What type of sauna is healthiest?
All sauna types provide health perks. Traditional, infrared, steam, and hot tub saunas differ in temperature, humidity, and experience. Pick the sauna that fits your comfort, maintenance preference, and wellness priorities.

What are the main benefits of a traditional sauna?
Traditional saunas promote muscle relaxation, detox, better circulation, immune support, improved skin, and stress reduction. The humid heat is excellent for joint pain and respiratory issues.

Can a sauna be both traditional and infrared?
Yes. Dual or hybrid saunas combine both methods in one unit. These premium models allow you to switch between humid and infrared heat, offering tailored experiences for different users.

How much do traditional vs infrared saunas cost?
Prefabricated traditional saunas range from $4,400–$15,000+, while infrared saunas run $2,000–$10,000+. Price depends on size, material, and features; hybrids tend to be more expensive but offer great flexibility.