LONDON (AP) — Despite the winter chill in the air, a group of twelve individuals in swimwear are joyfully sweating in the small sauna room in east London. The temperature inside is above 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit) and is steadily rising. As aromatic ice blocks melt on hot stones, releasing fragrant steam, sauna master Oliver Beryl sets the ambiance with music and uses a towel to circulate the intense heat throughout the room. He encourages the participants to share the experience by sitting back to back or making eye contact with each other, creating a sense of connection. Sauna-bathing has become a popular trend in London and the U.K., especially among young adults seeking a healthier alternative to traditional nightlife activities.
The communal practice of sauna bathing for relaxation, therapy, and socializing has deep roots in various cultures worldwide. Modern saunas in London emphasize community and unique experiences, such as sauna club nights with DJs, poetry workshops, and specialized heat therapy sessions like the “aufguss” rituals led by Beryl. Many facilities also offer open-air ice baths for contrast therapy.
Participants like Jess Carmichael find the sauna experience to be both exhilarating and relaxing, providing a temporary escape from everyday life. The sense of shared experience and warmth creates a unique bond among sauna-goers. Charlie Duckworth, co-founder of Community Sauna Baths, notes the growing popularity of saunas as communal spaces that foster social connections and a sense of euphoria, akin to drinking in social settings.
The U.K.’s sauna culture is relatively new compared to traditional sauna practices in other countries, allowing for more creativity and innovation among providers. Establishments like Peckham Sauna Social offer themed sauna nights with DJs and specialty events like creative writing sessions, appealing to a diverse audience seeking a fun and immersive sauna experience. The sauna trend continues to grow in the U.K., with an increasing number of public sauna sites catering to the demand for unique and communal wellness experiences.
After a relaxing session of reading and enjoying chai tea, participants gather for a stimulating writing workshop in the lounge. Caroline Druitt, a workshop leader and writer, shared her experience of reading in the sauna for the first time. “Being hot and sweaty while trying to focus on the page was quite a challenge initially,” she reflected.
Druitt noted that having conversations with semi-clothed strangers in the sauna created a unique environment where participants felt more open to sharing their thoughts and writings. She also highlighted the inspiration that can come from moments of relaxation, mentioning that many of her best ideas have surfaced during baths.
Apart from reducing stress and boosting creativity, sauna and cold plunge enthusiasts claim additional health benefits such as alleviating joint inflammation, enhancing heart health, and improving sleep quality. Some studies even suggest a potential link between regular sauna visits and a reduced risk of psychosis, particularly among middle-aged Finnish men.
Gabrielle Reason, secretary of the British Sauna Society, emphasized the importance of practicing authentic sauna rituals consistently to reap these reported health advantages. While the scientific evidence supporting these benefits is still evolving, individuals with certain health conditions like high blood pressure or heart issues are advised to consult their healthcare providers before engaging in sauna and ice bath therapies.
Despite the ongoing research, many sauna enthusiasts return regularly to experience the mood-enhancing effects. Callum Heinrich, immersed in a chilling water barrel after a sauna session, described the practice as a refreshing mental reset. He finds attending twice a week beneficial for his overall well-being, emphasizing the positive impact on his mental health.
