THE OUTDOOR SAUNA LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
A RITUAL WORTH EMBRACING
A Wildhut outdoor sauna is a contemporary modernist take on one of the world's most ancient and time honoured rituals, rooted in the rich sauna cultures of the Baltics and Finland yet designed with a distinctly British sensibility. Every detail, from the carefully selected heaters to the extraordinary natural properties of Grade A timber, is chosen with intention to create an authentic and deeply restorative sauna experience.
In traditional sauna bathing, the contrast between heat and cold is as essential as the sauna itself. After immersing yourself in the glorious heat stepping outside to embrace the cold, draws you deeper into the natural world. The cool air, a cold shower, and ice plunge or a wild dip reconnects you to the healing magic of the elements. The transition from hot to cold stimulates the blood supply, elevates the heart rate and nurtures a profound sense of physical and mental wellbeing.
A Wildhut garden sauna offers an extraordinary opportunity to disconnect from modern stress and reunites you with yourself, your family and the natural world. Whether pursuing the profound mental and physical benefits of regular sauna bathing, embracing the ancient ritual of heat and cold, or simply sharing a deeply restorative experience with those you love, a Wildhut outdoor sauna nurtures a sense of wellbeing that enriches and elevates every day. Embrace the elements. Immerse yourself in nature. This is the Wildhut standard.
SAUNA SCIENCE
The health benefits of regular sauna bathing are no longer simply speculation and claim. An extraordinary and growing body of scientific research now supports what ancient cultures have known for centuries — that immersing oneself in the ritual of heat, steam and cold water is one of the most powerful and accessible tools available for the pursuit of exceptional health and wellbeing. From cardiovascular health and immune function to mental clarity, stress reduction and deeper sleep, the evidence is compelling, the benefits are real and the science is fascinating. We invite you to explore it.
Read more about sauna science here...
A study by Laukkanen et al. (2015) found that the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) for those using a traditional sauna two to three times a week was 22% lower. Sauna use from four to seven times a week resulted in a reduced risk of 63%, compared to those bathing just once a week. Similar patterns were observed for coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality, with significant trends.
The KIHD Finnish longitudinal cohort study analysed the risk of developing a psychotic disorder in 2,138 men without pre-existing psychotic disorders. This study revealed that men who used a traditional sauna 4-7 times per week were at a 77% reduced annual risk of psychosis when compared to men who used the sauna once per week.
Follow up analyses suggest that frequent sauna use is associated with a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and 66% lower risk of all cause dementia.
So what’s the difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna?
Among many bold claims of the health benefits of infrared saunas, the evidence base is small. An infrared sauna is a form of heat therapy, with proven benefits for sports and pain recovery, but the intense, steamy heat of a traditional sauna with hot stones is just as effective and offers huge health benefits for longevity.
AT A GLANCE
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAUNA
CONNECT WITH TRADITION
Saunas are deeply embedded in the traditions of many cultures and sauna bathing has been enjoyed for thousands of years for pleasure and relaxation. But outdoor saunas are increasingly known for their associated health benefits.
MENTAL HEALTH, STRESS REDUCTION & SLEEP IMPROVEMENT
Regular sauna users report relaxation and improved sleep quality. What’s more, sauna bathing has been proven to dramatically reduce cortisol levels, linked to anxiety, depression and chronic stress. A Finnish longitudinal cohort study analysed the risk of developing a psychotic disorder in 2,138 men without pre-existing conditions and revealed that traditional sauna use 4-7 times a week results in a 77% reduced risk of psychosis, compared to men who used the sauna once a week.
REDUCED CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH & STROKE RISK
A study by Laukkanen et al. (2015) compared traditional sauna users bathing once a week; 2-3 times a week and 4-7 times a week. 2-3 sauna sessions reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death by 22% and for those bathing 4-7 times a week, the risk was 63% lower. Similar, significant patterns were observed for coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.
LOWER RISK OF DEMENTIA & ALZEIMER'S
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland conducted a 20-year study that found sauna bathing 4-7 times per week was linked to a 66% lower likelihood of a dementia diagnosis, against those who only sauna once a week. They were also 65% less likely to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
EXERCISE PERFORMANCE & MUSCLE RECOVERY
Saunas have been shown to help people recover faster from exercise by easing joint & muscle pain and eliminating lactic acid build-up. Evidence has shown that the growth hormone increases by 200-300% after a single sauna use, which helps reduce muscle atrophy.
FLUSHING OUT TOXINS AND CLEANSING YOUR SKIN
The immersive heat and steam of a traditional Nordic sauna - heated by stones - can help reduce levels of toxins including lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and other harmful chemicals. Sauna bathing also deeply cleanses your skin, drawing out bacteria from sweat ducts, cleansing the pores and improving capillary circulation, leading to clearer, softer skin.
REDUCED CHRONIC PAI & FATIGUE
Regular sauna bathing has been found to reduce inflammation and be an effective pain reliever. It can help rheumatic disorders such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches and back pain.