In the old times way back 7000-6000 BCE, saunas have already existed. As old as the homes were back then, the saunas were considered to be the warmest and cleanest places in the household. So it was usually used for birth, healing, cleaning, and spiritual activities.
Since saunas were known to be clean, it was usually used for birth-giving. Private, warm and clean, it covers all the birth-giving needs. The heat of saunas was believed to ease labor and protect the mother and child. Scientifically, heat helps in muscle relaxation to reduce tension and pain, also helps in increasing blood flow, and induces endorphin release which are the body’s natural painkillers.
In Finnish sauna culture, it is believed that there are spirits amongst the steams and by sweating, one was purging itself from physical toxins and evil spirits. This was also the place where shamans, and healers used to heal and cure illnesses with herbs and steam. It is also in the sauna where the healers and shamans sang in the sauna to call for protection and to drive away unwanted spirits. They usually use herbs like juniper or birch to enhance cleansing and healing.
Another interesting use of the sauna was for washing the dead. Being considered a sacred and spiritual space, it was considered to be the right place for cleaning the dead before burial. It was believed to help cleanse the soul from impurities and protect it as it journeys into the afterlife. Sometimes, oƯerings were left in the sauna to honor ancestors and loved ones who departed already. Scientifically the steam softened the body and dirt which made cleaning much easier. The sauna has provided the dead a service of the soul and the physical body.
Circle of Life in Saunas: A place of Birth, Death, and Spirits
Birth and Healing in Saunas
As far back as 7000-6000 BCE, saunas were already in use. They were among the warmest and cleanest spots in early homes. People used them for birth, healing, cleaning, and spiritual rituals.
Because saunas were clean, they became places for childbirth. Private and warm, they met all birth-giving needs. The heat helped ease labor and protect both mother and child. Heat also relaxes muscles, reduces tension and pain, improves blood flow, and releases endorphins—our natural painkillers.
Sauna Spirits and Rituals
In Finnish sauna culture, people believed spirits lived in the steam. Sweating purged the body of toxins and evil spirits. Shamans and healers used the sauna to cure illnesses with herbs and steam. They sang to call for protection and drive away unwanted spirits. Herbs like juniper or birch enhanced the cleansing and healing effects.
Saunas and the Afterlife
Saunas were also used to wash the dead. Sacred and spiritual, saunas were the right place to prepare bodies for burial. The heat and steam helped cleanse the soul and body. Offerings were sometimes left to honor ancestors. Scientifically, the steam softened the body and dirt, making cleaning easier. Saunas provided care for both the soul and the physical body.
Life, Death, and Renewal
From birth to death and beyond, saunas supported both spiritual and physical needs. As water turns into steam and rises into the air, so do the moments of life, death, and afterlife pass by. Saunas remain amazing spaces full of purpose, life, and renewal.
