LONDON (AP) — Despite the winter chill in the air, a dozen enthusiastic individuals packed a small sauna room in East London. The temperature inside soared over 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit) as they settled in, ready to engage in a unique experience.
With ice blocks infused with lavender oil melting over sizzling stones, sauna master Oliver Beryl waved a towel above his head, spreading waves of heat throughout the room.
He encouraged participants with light-hearted exercises, suggesting they maintain eye contact with their neighbor or sit back-to-back for a few moments. This blend of relaxation and social interaction is becoming a popular trend, especially among health-conscious 20- and 30-year-olds looking for alternatives to typical nightlife.
Sauna-bathing tradition spans cultures worldwide, from Scandinavian saunas to Japanese onsens, but London’s communal saunas emphasize connectivity. These gatherings range from club nights featuring DJs to fusion sessions combining poetry workshops with sauna experiences.
The experience is often paired with open-air ice baths, allowing participants to alternate between heat and cold for added refreshment.
Jess Carmichael, a first-time participant at Stratford’s Community Sauna Baths, described her experience saying, ‘I loved the feeling of losing yourself. It’s a 15-minute detachment from normal life.’ She emphasized the importance of shared experiences in today’s world.
Charlie Duckworth, co-founder of Community Sauna Baths, noted the venture began in 2022 with two saunas in Hackney. The not-for-profit initiative quickly gained popularity, expanding to four locations with more on the way. Duckworth believes saunas serve as ‘a place of communion,’ similar to pubs, as they foster connections and shared experiences.
Currently, the number of public sauna facilities in the U.K. has surged from 45 in 2021 to 147 this year, according to the British Sauna Society. Duckworth explained that the novelty of U.K. sauna culture allows providers to explore creative concepts, enhancing the community experience.
At Peckham Sauna Social, events like ‘creative writing saunas’ combine poetry readings with chai tea and workshops. Caroline Druitt, a workshop leader, shared how the steamy atmosphere encouraged creativity among participants.
Reported health benefits of saunas include stress reduction and improved sleep quality. Gabrielle Reason from the British Sauna Society highlighted a study suggesting that frequent sauna use might lower psychosis risk in middle-aged Finnish men. However, she cautioned against potential health risks for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Callum Heinrich, a sauna enthusiast, remarked, ‘It just resets your brain in a really lovely way.’ He visits the community sauna twice a week, appreciating the mental health benefits that come with the experience.
Community saunas in London are redefining wellness culture, promoting health while reconnecting people in a warm and inviting environment.
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