There’s a word in Finnish which evades translation: löyly. It’s commonly used to describe the steam that rises when water is poured onto hot stones in a sauna. But it also signifies spirit or life ...

“How does that feel?” asks Siiri, as the spikes of the juniper branches relieve the itch on my back and the spicy scent surrounds my body. “Peaceful,” I respond, so relaxed that one-word answers are ...

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Christopher and Julie Rice sat naked in the sauna, sweating in its 180-degree heat. In the crisp air outside, they then played a few hands of cribbage and noshed on pickles and ...

Near Helsinki, expat designer Jussi-Pekka Kajaala and Olympic medalist Adam Rippon build a tiny summerhouse dedicated to Finland’s favorite pastime. A view of the sauna building before the patio and ...

In a small, enclosed room, people sit side by side on wooden benches. Water thrown on hot stones releases clouds of scalding steam and temperatures soar to a scolding 80C. This is sauna bathing, a ...

It’s a sticky, steamy business. Two or more do it naked in a small, dimly lit room. Suomi (Finland) as it is referred to in Finnish, I got a rare opportunity in April this year to visit this Nordic ...

The first thing to know about Finnish saunas is that they’re everywhere. You’ll find them in urban apartment buildings and rickety forest cottages; they’re part of trendy seaside hangouts, floating ...

Heat therapy can help mood, pain and immunity, but experts warn against dehydration, long sessions and alcohol ...