fios 642 November 03 2023
by Netty Sopata
The clocks have gone back, the autumnal chill has sharpened and as you draw the curtains and light the stove you might find it interesting to hear about an alternative source of winter heat available to explore in Lewis and Harris. Admittedly it is not new, nor does it last very long, but it is intense, has a vast range of health benefits, and (for some) is symbiotic with the falling temperature of the sea. Sauna – a Finnish term that refers to a spruce or pine panelled room within which a source of heat is used to create a temperature ranging from 70 – 100 degrees and people ‘bathe’; An ancient practice with methods ranging from the sweat lodges of First Nation Americans to the banyas of Russia and the more modern Japanese Waon Therapy. But why Sauna. Where can you Sauna, and when you do, what is the etiquette?
In a recent global survey Hassain et al (2019) concluded that the majority of sauna users are motivated in their use for relaxation, mental wellbeing and sleep, few recorded use for health conditions such as cardiovascular-related disorders and yet if used habitually (4 – 7 times a week for no longer than 19 minutes at a time) sauna use can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, ease muscular and joint pain and release hormones that make your brain more receptive to endorphins, which in turn creates an increased sense of wellbeing (Soberg, 2022). In addition to this, studies have revealed that frequent sauna use is associated with reduced risk of developing age-related neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Men who reported using the sauna 4–7 times per week had a 66% lower risk of developing dementia and a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, compared to men who reported using the sauna only once weekly (Rhonda et al 2021) (Laukkanen et al 2017). A more recent study by Knekt et al (2020) concluded that sauna bathing also provides protection against dementia for women. The research into the benefits of sauna are, as identified, extensive, as is the science behind how your body reacts during use. But, if you already know you enjoy using saunas, or want to make a start in doing so, where can you go and what do you do?
The first and most well-known saunas are those within the local sports centres -Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais (ISL) (Stornoway) and Ionad Spòrs Eilean na Hearadh (Tarbert) These can be accessed on a regular ‘pay as you go’ basis or through the CNES ‘Slainte Mhath’ membership scheme (https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and- culture/sport-and-health/sports-centres/). A less well-known entity is the Sauna at Spòrsnis, this needs to be booked in advance and costs £3.00 per person, per hour, with every fifth session free of charge. Last, but certainly not least, we get to the star of the show – Saltbox Sauna – (or Shelly as she may well also be known).
Saltbox Sauna (SBS) https://saltboxsauna.co.uk/ – The Hebridean Sauna by the Sea, is a new venture by outdoor swimming pioneer- Norma MacLeod of Immerse Hebrides https://www.immersehebrides.com/. The concept of SBS is simple. A bespoke, wood fired barrel sauna, mounted on a flatbed trailer that can be towed from one stunning location to another around Lewis and Harris (or if required, further afield) and booked out by the hour (at £15.00 per person for a communal session or £80.00 for a private group booking). The luxury of this sauna should not be underestimated, not just in the quality of the design and workmanship of the unit, but also in the experience that awaits you when you book it.
On the day that I went to interview Norma (in the sauna, of course) SBS was parked up at Bayble Beach (yes, in Point, sorry). Just like many other days it had started with a long list of ‘really important things to do’ in what as usual becomes an increasingly shorter time frame to do them in. Just the idea of being able to sit still and look at the sea would, I thought, be enough – how wrong I was. The session started with a quick dip in the sea (only because I am a regular cold-water swimmer) for those of you who are not regular cold-water swimmers you have the option of an additional guided swim session with Norma, the use of a cold tub, or the fresh Hebridean breeze to cool down in. This was followed by fifteen minutes in the sauna, a process which was then repeated three times – ending in a final sea dip. By this time, the repeated sensation of relaxation followed by invigoration of cold water (at about 10/11 degrees) had activated a set of responses that provided a cloak on invincibility against any forms of stress. Effectively, I had terrorised my body into focusing purely upon survival, and all my brain was able to do was focus on the here and the now. That is the only way I can attempt to explain the experience; At no stage was there any discomfort, there was however a dawning realization that this was not perhaps the best interview technique in the world.
Out with the luxury of the sauna itself, the luxury of having that freedom from thought is something that everyone should give themselves the opportunity to experience. If you are quick, you might just be able book your session with SBS before Christmas arrives. Saltbox Sauna is in Ness on 10th and 11th of November and at other locations in Lewis and Harris until the 23rd December – now that final date is appealing, what better way to celebrate the start of the festive break than by giving yourself a reminder that what you might actually need to do before you tackle the turkey, the wrapping and ‘everything else,’ is hit pause for a moment, and look after yourself.
PS Gift Cards for SBS are also available. A slightly non- subtle hint to all those partners of cold-water swimmers who might be reading this article.
SAUNA ETIQUETTE
This is not Finland so nakedness in saunas is NOT the norm (unless it is your own sauna in your own house and then we don’t really want to know anyway).
Take two towels with you one for sitting on in the sauna and one for using whilst getting changed.
There are changing rooms at all of the saunas listed in this article. This includes SBS which has a changing porch included in the unit.
SAND We have so much sand everywhere. If you are using any of these saunas post- beach make sure you wash off all of the sand prior to use.
Self – Awareness. Only you know how you feel and how you respond to heat and cold. Follow the health and safety guidance advertised at any of the saunas you use.
Consideration of others. Some people love to chat when they are in saunas, some people do not.
Health Conditions. If you are in any doubt about whether you should use a sauna due to a health condition consult with your doctor beforehand.
The Sauna at Ionad Spòrs Leòdhais has some women only and men only sessions. Call 01851 822800 for more information.
REFERENCES
Hussain, J. N., Greaves, R. F., & Cohen, M. M. (2019 ). A hot topic for health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 223-234 .
Kenkt, P., Jarvinen, R., Rissanen, H., Heliovaara, M., & Aromaa, A. (2020). Does sauna bathing protect against demntia ? Preventive Medicine Reports.
Laukkanen, T., Kunutsor, S., Kauhanen, J., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2017). Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age Ageing.
Rhonda P. Patrick, T. L. (2021). Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan . Experiential Gerontology .
Soberg, S. (2022). Winter Swimming. The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier and Happier Life (First ed.).
London : MacLehose Press.