Session Replays

Science writer Bill Gifford , coauthor of the global bestseller Outlive, joins Justin Juntunen to discuss the science of sauna, separating fact from myth and exploring why the real health benefits of Finnish sauna may have more to do with its effects on the mind than the body. Other topics include the truth about “toxins,” the case against cold plunging, and why the Finnish approach to sauna may be healthier than the way health influencers portray sauna on social media. Get

Drawing from her background in public health and her personal sauna practice, Muriel explores how heat therapy can support better sleep, stress relief and active recovery. Her talk—featuring findings from recent studies—includes practical temperature and time ranges (with hot-water immersion as an accessible analog) plus essential safety considerations and simple ways to personalize by goals, experience and health context. Muriel’s approach integrates sauna as a daily health.

This presentation by Dalva Lamminmäki and Maaria Alén explores the Finnish sauna whisk, known as vihta or vasta (using vihta here). A symbol of Finnish folklore, the vihta plays a vital role in folk healing rituals, functioning both as a tool for divination and a method of plant-based medicine. Its use creates a multisensory experience, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Learn about the cultural significance, traditional practices, and the various ways to inco

What are the actual known benefits of sauna bathing and heat therapy? Will going to the sauna once a month confer all the ameliorations touted by the media? How should we use heat and the sauna effectively?   This discussion panel comprises of Associate Professors Ashley Mason from University of California San Francisco, and Ant Shepherd from the University of Portsmouth in the UK. Dr. Mason has been studying the effect of heat therapy on mental health, while Dr. Shepherd’s r