A healing sauna culture supports sustainable development

Although life on planet Earth has changed radically during the years, Finns have always cared about the natural environment and considered dwelling in nature essential for quality of life.

Finnish wellness culture

Healing sauna is based on the Finnish wellness culture, which derives from the Finns’ close relationship with nature. Although life on planet Earth has changed radically during the years, Finns have always cared about the natural environment and considered dwelling in nature essential for quality of life. For example, we know that only a moment in the forest has a calming effect, lowers blood pressure, and improves our well-being. 

 

Nature connection

Many of us are increasingly concerned about the state of the environment because of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Because we care about the natural environment and the state of the planet, we appreciate it when others do so. For example, we want that the items that we eat or put directly on our skin are good for our bodies and the planet. If the products that we use were not good for other people and the natural environment, it would not feel good to use them.

 

Responsible way of living

All of us are now required to create and re-invent new and responsible ways of living. I also think that if a designer has taken the environmental and social impact into account, her or his creations are of higher quality, more carefully thought of, and more meticulous than any conventional counterparts. I expect that the people behind any product or brand have thoughtfully considered their position in the society and on our common planet. As a consumer, producer, friend, mother, simply – human being, I want to be on the right side of history and support those that change the world towards a better future. 

 

Finnish design for example traditionally adheres to the principles of timelessness and longevity. Items such as Marimekko cups and Aalto stools traverse from the homes of the older generations to the homes of their children and grandchildren. The classic design items do not only stay in a great condition year after year, but they are appreciated more as time goes by.

 

Sauna culture

Sustainable and responsible lifestyles entail much more than the products that we might consume – for example in the sauna. In the Terhen sauna retreats we take care of our minds and bodies without supporting single-use consumption or using any conventional luxury products. Sauna treatments that are ecological and genuinely natural have been known to be great for our health for generations. A modern and sustainable sauna culture entails that we enjoy life without overconsuming natural resources. Sauna therapy provides us meaningful and authentic experiences instead of more new material that we know we do not need.

 

Through a modern sauna culture, we learn and teach important values and skills: to slow down, to care about ourselves and others, to dwell in nature respectfully. The sauna provides us sauna therapy. Sauna is part of the Finnish intangible cultural heritage, which we have inherited from older generations. We continue this cultural heritage and renew it in a modern way according to our aim to bring about a more sustainable future.

 

Meri Frig

Sustainability scholar