Sauna in summer!
A couple of years ago, I would not have dreamt to think that the solution for my overheated body and mind would be a hot sauna!
Image: Roaring fire in one of the sauna stoves at Hackney Community Sauna
I breathe in the heavy air - a passing breeze brings a sweet and earthy smell through my damp nostrils. Patches of crisp, golden grass are scratching my leg as I pass the canal by Hackney Marshes. I feel the heat growing on my shoulders, like someone’s arm is resting unapologetically on them. I frown towards the sky, through laces of soft lashes, gazing at the gleaming ball of light. ‘It’s roasting…’ I think to myself, slowly pacing towards the Hackney Community Sauna.
It is funny how my initial logical analysis springs on me with a categorical ‘No, I don’t think heat is what will cool me down, thank you!’ Then I remember that in many countries of the Global South, during heatwaves and beyond, the traditional go-to drink is hot tea! As my thoughts tingle my intuition, I close my eyes and start imagining a gingery spiced beverage warming my insides. For a moment, I sense a drop-shaped, gentle pressure, slithering with the gravitational pull, from my forehead towards the ground.
It’s in the sweat!
Sweat is Body’s way of self-regulating temperature. As thermoreceptors around the body sense the rising temperature, whether from a cup of tea, warmth of the sun, or heat of the sauna - the sweat glands are triggered to release water (and little bits of salt, protein and fat). This secretion through the skin is what helps Body cool down. ‘Ok, so if tea and sun can activate sweat glands, and cool me down - why would I sauna?’
Higher temperatures can help build tolerance to heat.
You are at the sauna and the soft, pale-wood benches are slowly soaking up the drips of your skin that are missing the towel you are resting on. As 5 minutes go past, you look at the thermometer on the wall - ‘90 degrees’. You give yourself another 5 minutes of intentional breathing, through the rising internal heat. When you come out of the sauna, you are surprised by a sense of relief - the previous experience of a hot summer day is now a lot cooler! What happened?
As you slowly got used to the temperatures in the sauna (which are usually a lot warmer than outside, varying from 70-100 degrees Celsius), Body was adapting to the thermal changes. In the sauna, Body was experiencing heat stress which in turn activated several processes; some of which increased your window of tolerance to higher temperatures, allowing Body to adapt and build resilience to scorching weather. So now your perception of 28 degrees Celsius is completely different, dare I say REFRESHING!
…Now dip in the freezing water of our cold tubs and do it again!
Image: Two joyful customers in full sunshine, bathing in the cold tubs at Hackney Community Sauna
Added bonuses of sauna…
Apart from heat adaptation, having a sauna can also support good blood circulation (which can reduce heat stress), alleviate muscle pain and tension, reduce stress levels and aid the lymphatic system in transporting and eliminating toxins.
But most importantly for me, and people I meet on my sauna adventures at Hackney Community Sauna - it offers me a social space that centres rest and rejuvenation. Familiar faces, ceremonies and stories are an added bonus. I don’t really have that anywhere else here in London. And maybe that is sad, or maybe it is a testament to the need for wellbeing communities shaped around ritual.
Of course, every Body is different. What matters more than reading about it, or hearing others talk about it, is to experience it yourself and trust your Body’s own reception/experience of sauna heat and community. If you would like to share your sauna encounters in the sun with us, send us an email on: info@community-sauna.co.uk
It is important to stay hydrated during and after a sauna, especially so in hot weather! Other ways to support your hydration is to use electrolyte powders - they can help with absorption of water on a cellular level and replenish minerals and salts lost with sweat (you can buy those online, in health stores or over-the-counter in pharmacies). Be mindful of your individual health and wellbeing needs - if you have any health concerns, it is advisable to consult a medical professional before using a sauna.
See more info on our Sauna Etiquette or FAQs.
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Kokura S, et al. Sauna therapy decreases oxidative stress and improves cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients. J Card Fail. 2005;11(6):432-436.
Kauppinen K. Sauna, shower, and ice water immersion. Physiological responses to brief exposures to heat, cool, and cold. Part III. Body temperatures. Arctic Med Res. 1989;48(2):75-86.
Crinnion WJ. Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant- induced and other chronic health problems. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(3):215-225.