Saunas are believed to have originated around 2,000 B.C. in northern Europe, where they first were first used as shelters against the cold, and practical spaces like kitchens and even hospitals. Through the years, going to the sauna has evolved into a wellness practice, and for some, a daily ritual.
Today's sauna culture embraces both public and private, from the original Finnish-style sauna where water is tossed on rocks to produce steam, the Russian Banya, Turkish-style Hammam, and the infrared sauna, which generally runs at lower temperatures sans water or steam. Traditionally, wood was (and still is) used to generate heat in saunas, but today electric heaters are popular, as they warm up faster and are capable of reaching a more precise temperature.
While sitting sauna is a popular communal pastime around the globe, here in the US, sauna-goers prefer to take a steam at home, and today it's easier than ever to build, buy, and install your own indoor and outdoor sauna. But whatever your preferred method, there's a handful of sauna accessories that make the experience that much more relaxing and benefical
From hand-made backrests to a wood-splitting axe, use these essentials to elevate all parts of your sauna experience. And if you're new to sauna-ing, as it involves high temperatures, cold temperatures, and your body, make sure you take things slow and do the necessary research to stay safe.
