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Top Health Trends of the Year: Why Saunas Are More Popular Than Ever

January 19, 2025
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Saunas have been used for centuries, originating in Finland and other Nordic countries, but in recent years, their popularity has surged worldwide. Saunagus, which typically involves the ritual of pouring water over hot sauna stones to create steam, combined with the optional addition of essential oils for aromatic effects, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. This practice, often associated with heat therapy, contrast therapy and wellness rituals, has seen a resurgence due to various factors. People are turning to saunagus not only for relaxation but also for their health benefits, social connections, and as a lifestyle choice. 

Rising Interest in Wellness and Self-Care

As people increasingly focus on holistic approaches to health, saunagus fits perfectly within this trend. Combining the heat benefits of a sauna, cold exposure from the cold plunge with the aromatherapy of essential oils creates a multi-sensory experience that promotes both physical and mental well-being. It aligns with the self-care revolution, where individuals are seeking natural, immersive experiences to enhance their health, reduce stress, and feel rejuvenated. The calming ritual of saunagus promotes mindfulness. In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, people are craving ways to unwind, reduce stress, and disconnect from their busy lives. Saunagus provides a quiet, calming experience where individuals can unplug from technology and immerse themselves in the soothing effects of steam and aroma.

Scientific Support for Sauna and Aromatherapy Benefits

Research supports the health benefits of sauna use, including detoxification, improved circulation, and reduced muscle soreness. By combining Saunagus with essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender, the benefits are amplified. Eucalyptus is known for its respiratory benefits, while lavender is associated with relaxation and stress relief. Regular sauna use can help with mental clarity, stress reduction, and mood improvement. Saunagus, by enhancing these effects through both heat and aromatherapy, offers a more effective way of promoting emotional wellness, making it an attractive option for people seeking mental well-being.

The Sensory Appeal of Saunagus

One of the main draws of Saunagus is its multi-sensory nature. The combination of heat, steam, cold and scents creates a deeply immersive experience that stimulates the body and mind. The steam from the hot stones can have a cleansing effect on the skin and sinuses, while the scents of essential oils enhance the experience by promoting relaxation, focus, or invigoration, depending on the oils used. The addition of aromatic oils adds a therapeutic layer to the sauna. Different oils serve different purposes, from eucalyptus and peppermint for respiratory health, to lavender and chamomile for relaxation and sleep improvement. This makes the Saunagus experience not just about heat, but about healing, relaxation, and creating a custom environment suited to individual needs.

Saunagus as a Social and Ritualistic Practice

Community and Connection. Sauna culture is often a communal activity. In countries like Finland, the sauna is a place for families and friends to bond. Saunagus, when done in a group setting, enhances this social ritual. Saunagus has a ceremonial aspect—pouring water on the hot stones and watching the steam rise is often a meditative act. This ritualistic nature allows individuals to connect with themselves and their environment in a meaningful way. In a world of constant digital distractions, people are increasingly seeking out these moments of ritual and mindfulness to create deeper, more intentional experiences.

A Break from the Digital World

Saunagus can help disconnect from technology. In an age where people are constantly plugged into their devices, Saunagus offers a tech-free space. The sauna is an environment that encourages disconnection from the outside world. When practicing Saunagus, individuals can focus solely on their physical sensations—feeling the heat, breathing in the steam, and absorbing the aroma—allowing for a mental break from the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and digital distractions.

The act of practicing Saunagus encourages individuals to be present in the moment. This mindfulness, free from digital interference, is part of a larger cultural shift towards a slower, more intentional lifestyle. People are seeking to cultivate more mindful practices, and Saunagus provides the perfect environment for that.

Environmental and Sustainability Trends

Saunagus, by its very nature, is considered a low-impact wellness practice. Saunas use heat (either wood, electric, or infrared) and water, and when combined with essential oils, can provide a truly natural and sustainable way to relax. In an era when sustainability and environmental consciousness are top priorities, Saunagus is seen as a more eco-friendly alternative to other modern wellness technologies, like heated pools or hot tubs.

For those who prefer traditional saunas, wood-burning saunas remain popular. The burning of wood is considered a more sustainable way to heat a sauna than other energy-intensive methods, and the ritual of Saunagus often involves natural wood or stones, contributing to its appeal in an eco-conscious society. 

Try saunagus at Plugin

For a really extraordinary sauna experience, Plugin offers an exclusive saunagus-session. Saunagus is a practice where aromatic oils and varying heat levels combine and offer a deep and sensoric experience. Under knowledgeable guidance from a sauna mester you will be led through a series of hot- and smell sequences which enhances the therapeutic effect of the sauna.

Julie Emilia Wieth
Co-founder & Brand Gatekeeper

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