We spoke to Inga Sommerfeld, co-founder of the newly opened Blue Mountains Sauna, about why they decided to create Australia’s first affordable communal sauna facility inspired by traditional Finnish bathing culture.

Blue Mountains Sauna is on a mission to spread the good heat and introduce traditional Finnish sauna culture to Australia. They offer a communal facility where visitors can recover, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and others.

After growing up in northern Europe, where saunas are a normal part of everyday life, Inga and her Australian partner Nikita, immediately noticed Australia lacked any traditional sauna culture. To change that, they decided to launch Blue Mountains Sauna to provide a space where people can come and enjoy a quality, traditional Finnish sauna at an affordable price for regular visits. 

Unique to Australia, Blue Mountains Sauna allows visitors to truly experience ‘Löyly,’ a cloud of steam that comes from pouring water over hot rocks, which is considered an honour in traditional sauna culture. After visitors have had their dose of heat, they can then immerse themselves in an ice-cold plunge and recover by an indoor wood fire or outdoor fire pit with a cup of tea. If visitors want to take their traditional experience to the next level they are also invited to lay in the snow between their sessions during the winter months. They call this repetitive process ‘Sit, Sweat, Chill, Repeat,’ and visitors can do it up to four times during a two-hour session.

SPA+CLINIC caught up with co-founder Inga and spoke about the new adventure:

What does Sauna culture involve and how can it improve people’s lives? 

Inga: In many European countries, going to a sauna is part of people’s daily routine, and not just to forget about any stressors, clearing the mind, and healing your body, but to connect with others on a deeper level. It’s the one space where any tech is left behind, where you sit and sweat in 90°C heat, feel your heart rate increasing, and at the end of a session, you smile and share that euphoric experience with strangers who know exactly how you feel. It’s a relaxing but social environment where people slow down, let off some steam and enjoy each other’s company, taking the time to be present, have genuine conversations and improve their physical as well as mental health. In this fast paced world, we’re all connected online, but often feel disconnected from one another. Traditionally, going to the sauna is not just an add-on after a workout. Being part of a real sauna culture gives your mind, your soul and your whole body a warm hug, leaving you with a feeling that you never forget.

What are the wellness benefits of the “Sit Sweat Chill Repeat ” and why is it important to take a break between sauna sessions? 

There are three elements to a proper sauna cycle. Sit, Sweat, Chill, Repeat – throughout each of these elements, a careful focus on breath, mindfulness, stillness, hydration and rest unlocks an invigorating feeling that leaves you happier, healthier and recharged.Sitting and sweating in a traditional Finnish sauna raises the heart rate, widens the blood vessels and increases circulation. This in turn improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress and inflammation, promotes muscle recovery and joint movement, eases symptoms of asthma, arthritis pain, lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and improves sleep. It’s a full package!

Chill is a state of body and mind. Cooling down with a cold shower or immersing yourself in the fresh-water cold plunge is essential after a hot sauna round. Other than feeling really great, the combination of hot and cold is extremely healing, and invigorating. It elevates the heart rate, releases adrenalin and endorphins, eases pain and lightens the mood. The cold causes your blood vessels to constrict which increases your blood flow to your major organs. You will look and feel rejuvenated inside and out. It’s like a natural high, and the feeling you get is very addictive. Chill also refers to rest, the most important part. Relaxing for at least 15-20 minutes allows your body to recover from the extreme environment.

Traditionally, it is common to rest 30-45 minutes between rounds, giving the heart a break from the intense workout. It’s where you really feel that natural high and catch yourself smiling while starring at nothing. Scientific research suggests that maximum health benefits are realised by repeating the cycle 2 – 4 times, or more if you’re experienced. Repeat also refers to routine. Studies have shown that causes of mortality (heart disease and stroke) were significantly reduced with increased sauna use. Those who visited the sauna 4-7 times per week were 63% less likely to experience cardiovascular disease than those who used the sauna once per week. However, every visit to the sauna showed clear benefits to overall health and well-being.

How does cold plunging enhance the sauna experience?

Some people say that having a sauna without a cold plunge is like eating a sausage roll without the pastry. Traditionally, jumping into an ice cold lake or rolling around in snow is the real way to cool down after a hot sauna round. While a cold shower still does the job, immersing yourself in a fresh-water cold plunge takes the experience to another level. You’ll feel every single part of your body responding to the extreme temperature change, just breathe through the initial shock, you will feel more alive than ever before.

Featured image: @lostmtns

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