From Steam to Strength: Sauna’s Role in Respiratory Health

Step into a Finnish sauna and you step into living history. Imagine the rich scent of warm cedar, the gentle flicker of light on polished wood, and the deep, enveloping heat that seems to slow time itself. For thousands of years, these spaces have been more than just places to sweat—they’ve been communal gathering spots, sites of healing, and even sacred spaces where the mind and body are brought into balance.

Finnish people often say the sauna is their “second living room.” From small lakeside cabins to urban apartments, nearly every household has one [see study].

Historically, saunas played a central role in community life—from welcoming newborns into the world to providing a dignified setting for final farewells. Today, while much has changed, the sauna remains a powerful bridge between tradition and health science.

Now, thanks to decades of research, we understand how the sauna’s heat isn’t just relaxing—it’s triggering beneficial changes throughout the body. This includes improved circulation, enhanced immune surveillance, and a stronger defense against respiratory illness.