In the article “What is sauna therapy?” I tell you everything you ever wanted to know about sauna therapy. How do you become a sauna therapist? Where does the training take place? What do you learn and how long does it take to graduate? I share my own experiences and my personal path to becoming a sauna therapist.
Welcome to the world of sauna therapy!
Sauna therapists and sauna masters are among the oldest professions. Already in the 17th century, in France, sauna masters and their skills were highly respected. Each master had their own specific approach and fields of expertise.
Some made their own soaps and sauna hats which were included in the price of admission. Not everyone could become a sauna master: there were times when even knowledge of Latin was necessary to learn the profession. And of course, impeccable behaviour was also a requirement.
In the Middle Ages, European bathhouses had sauna attendants, scrubbers, cupping practitioners, heaters, masseurs, bath masters and administrators.
What exactly is sauna therapy?
In short, sauna therapy is a form of therapy specializing in sauna care that upholds and values an old Finnish tradition. Pure and natural dried and/or fresh herbs are used in therapy.
This type of therapy is performed in the sauna, shower or sauna area, or outside.
Body and mind are the two most important aspects. This is what we concentrated on in the training to become sauna therapists. Nutrition is of great importance for personal well-being and is also an essential part of the training.
The training is divided into different teaching forms and parts. The entire training takes 1.5 years. There are eight contact teaching phases spaced two to three months apart. Between these courses, there are self-study and practical exercises, which are to be reported on regularly.
The degree is obtained with a thesis and a practical test.
Mervi Hongisto and Merja Pihlajamäki designed this training, and they are also lecturers. Both have many years of experience and corresponding expertise in different treatments, such as cupping.
Mervi Hongisto runs Forum Sauna in Turku and Merja Pihlajamäki runs Hyvän Olon Keskus Wellness Center in Parkano.
With the help of the training, you can work in this field or even become self-employed. Please remember that this training does not include traditional medical training. You should always refer your clients to a medical specialist if necessary.
I personally believe that it’s great that there is official, formal training for this profession. Many Finns are born with the basic knowledge of the sauna. With training like this, we can preserve and pass on the deep knowledge and wisdom of the Finnish sauna tradition.
Sauna therapy training includes:
- Washing, massages, different types of sauna whisks and their therapeutic use.
- Peat, salt, ash, and earth saunas as well as cleansing saunas.
- Wraps, baths, upper/lower body treatments and full-body treatments.
- Cupping and the special features of blood cupping as well as the cupping massage.
- Water and heat treatments as well as special water care treatment.
- Herb pharmacy.
- Various wellness treatments.
- Bride and groom saunas.
- Chocolate, Chaga mushroom, nettle, sea buckthorn and herbal care treatments.
- Bamboo massage with sauna bamboo sticks.
- Power washes with herbs from SaunaMamma.
- Nutrition.
- Additional hygiene training.
Source: Sauna therapy training materials
My own experiences
I started training as a sauna therapist at short notice in the spring of 2020. What inspired me to start was that the training could be completed remotely at the time. When I first heard about sauna therapy, I found it fascinating.
The more I dealt with the topic, the more interested I became in the training. But the long distance between Germany to Finland and the trips I would have to take to participate in the individual modules, not to mention the special challenges of the Corona period, made me reconsider my plan at first.
So, in this case, I definitely benefited from the changes the pandemic brought with it. I was able to take part in the training and as soon as the opportunity for distance learning was created, I took it. Between and during the courses I was able to practise the treatments in my own sauna.
Herbs, plants, trees, and other healing resources have always interested me. I finally had the opportunity to delve deeper into the topic and learn new things. The best thing about the training is the focus on the sauna. You can say that I’m in the process of learning my dream profession.
My dream is to organize Finnish sauna evenings in Germany. Luckily, I have been able to do this already a few times! I am not allowed to use the addition “therapy” or “care” in Germany because I am not a medical professional.
The two terms are protected by law here in Germany. Therefore, I offer traditional Finnish sauna treatments instead. I am convinced that there is a demand for traditional Finnish sauna wisdom here. Germans are interested in saunas and especially in Finnish sauna traditions.
So, if you should be in the south of Germany and are interested in sauna treatments, please get in touch. I don’t currently have my own sauna where I do treatments, but I collaborate with different saunas. My sauna treatments and evenings can also be combined with an overnight stay. So, you are more than welcome to send me a message if you are interested in a trip to the Allgäu!
Of course, the pandemic situation is a big challenge for sauna masters. I will surely expand my treatments as soon as the situation gets better! I cannot wait to get back to my work as “an ambassador” for the Finnish sauna!
Sauna treatments
Do you like honey? Then the honey sauna is the right choice for you. Did you know that honey has many amazing and effective ingredients? It does not only taste good but is good for you inside and out.
Did you know that in the past, people used birch to clean themselves? Birch contains bitter substances that cleanse the skin. With a birch whisk, you can help to soothe your aching muscles and enjoy deep, whole-body relaxation. This ancient knowledge has been handed down from generation to generation, we should make use of it!
Rose has a calming effect; it can help prevent depression and reduce stress. A rose sauna is therefore the best means of physical and mental relaxation. The rose smells enchanting both in the sauna and in the shower area. A peeling salt with wild rose jojoba oil nourishes the skin and leaves it wonderfully soft and delicately scented. After the relaxing rose sauna, you can simply sink into the bed.
Maybe you are interested in a cleansing sauna where plants, trees and bushes can unfold their effect? Take certain plants, herbs, and trees with you into the sauna and you will notice how the sauna tells you what you need!
Sauna therapist / sauna master
The sauna therapists adopt the knowledge of different treatments and traditions and make them part of their own repertoire.
The training can also be completed to strengthen one’s own connection to the sauna.
As I mentioned, diet also plays an important role. Plant-based and low-carbohydrate foods are particularly good for you post-sauna. After the sauna, your metabolism gets an extra boost- that is one of the qualities of the sauna. Eating heavy foods can prevent this and should therefore be avoided.
The training is holistic, so it includes much more than just saunas!
After training, one can perform basic treatments such as wraps, poultices, peat, water, and heat treatments. In the past, water treatments were used to sink fever, for example.
The training also conveys the deeper meaning of a sauna whisk. Birch is not the only alternative; different tree species have different healing effects.
You also learn how to apply hygiene measures correctly during the course of the training. Hygiene is of particular importance when cupping.
Once you have completed your training, you can become a self-employed sauna therapist!
I hope the article “What is sauna therapy?” was of some help to you. If you are interested in the training, feel free to ask me any questions. Of course, I am also happy to tell you more about my sauna treatments!
Read more: Sauna therapist training
Love,
Sauna-Kati
