The Evidence-Based Benefits of Finnish Sauna in Extending Healthspan

Jari A. Laukkanen is a cardiologist and researcher hailing from Jyväskylä, Finland, and holds the position of Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland. His research focuses on the of lifestyle factors in cardiovascular disease prevention. His research interests prominently feature the health benefits of sauna bathing, a topic he has extensively studied.

Dr. Laukkanen’s research has shed light on the positive impacts of regular sauna use on cardiovascular health, including improved endothelium-dependent dilatation, reduced arterial stiffness, and a decreased risk of fatal cardiovascular events. His work has been instrumental in highlighting the potential preventive benefits of saunas in reducing the risk of various health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases. Through his pioneering research, Dr. Laukkanen has significantly contributed to the emerging science of saunas and their potential therapeutic applications for improving overall health and well-being.

Alan Jalasjaa is a dedicated sauna professional, expert, and devotee with the mission to create global harmony through social bathing. As the Sauna Ambassador for Sauna from Finland, Alan has visited nearly 800 saunas worldwide, engaging with enthusiasts across the globe and sharing his passion and knowledge to inspire others to embrace the design and benefits of authentic sauna. His efforts contribute to a growing appreciation for sauna practices, both traditional and modern, across diverse communities.

Alan’s lifelong passion for sauna began at an early age, following Finnish tradition. Introduced to sauna by his Finnish grandparents, his enthusiasm earned him the nickname saunapoika—or sauna-boy in English. Born to a Canadian mother and a Finnish father, Alan grew up in Southern Ontario, where he took great pride in sharing his Finnish heritage with his Canadian friends. The family cottage sauna quickly became the go-to gathering spot, reinforcing his belief that sauna is a place for both solitude and social connection.

In recognition of his dedication to promoting the authentic Finnish sauna experience, Alan was named the Sauna Ambassador by Sauna from Finland in 2024. He received the honorary title at the World Sauna Forum, where he participated as a panelist and co-hosted the Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience workshop alongside Titta Pervis. He follows in the footsteps of past ambassadors, including Jake Newport, Founder and CEO of Finnmark Sauna, and Seth Ascetic, Founder of the Taiwan Sauna Association.

As the new Sauna Ambassador, Alan is committed to continuing the outstanding work of Sauna from Finland, representing them on the global stage and engaging with sauna enthusiasts worldwide. He aims to educate and inspire others to embrace the benefits of sauna, whether as a place for relaxation, social connection, or personal transformation.

Beyond his ambassadorial role, Alan is a respected sauna expert and the co-host of Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, a podcast dedicated to sharing insights into the sauna lifestyle. Through his website, Kivia.ca, he provides valuable content about the traditions, benefits, and cultural significance of sauna.

Alan believes that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a sauna—only the experience that feels right for each individual. Whether alone or with a group, sauna is a sanctuary where the worries of the day simply evaporate. As part of his mission to create global harmony through sauna bathing, Alan actively engages in community-based initiatives including but not limited to: healing & recovery, humanitarian & community support, sauna diplomacy, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, urban renewal, and research. Alan is available to connect as an advisor, mentor and speaker on sauna culture and experience development anywhere across the globe.

 
DAI MATSUO
A entrepreneur managing multiple start-up company, he is also a leading figure in Japan’s sauna culture—a professional “SAUNNERr” who has produced a range of iconic sauna facilities across the country. Known for guiding over 1,000 guests—including executives and celebrities—into the state of totonou (a deep sauna-induced sense of clarity and relaxation in Japanese), he has earned the nickname “Totonoé-Oyakata” (Master of Totonou). Determined to make sauna culture more accessible to younger generations and a wider customers, he co-founded the creative sauna team [TTNE] with Daisuke Akiyama. Together, they established November 11 as “Totonoe Day”, officially recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association. He has also created cultural milestones such as SAUNACHELIN, an award honoring Japan’s top 11 must-visit saunas, and SAUNA37, the world’s first international award dedicated entirely to sauna culture.

In pursuit of deeper understanding and safety in sauna use, he established the Japan Sauna Academy, promoting scientific knowledge and research. As the official distributor of HARVIA, the world’s leading Finnish sauna brand, he led its successful expansion in Japan and was appointed the first-ever HARVIA Global Ambassador.

His sauna productions are known for their bold concepts and aesthetic innovation. These include the sculptural, three-dimensionally designed sauna at Kitakobushi Shiretoko resort hotel, which uses wave-like wooden forms to create a sensory experience. A collaboration with world-renowned architect and Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban on SUIDEN TERRASSE, blending modern architecture with nature and relaxation. And the Tower Eleven Onsen & Sauna at ES CON Field Hokkaido, the world’s first sauna located inside a baseball stadium, allowing guests to bathe while watching live games. Each of these projects has attracted significant attention both in Japan and internationally for redefining the potential of sauna spaces.

Today, he continues to expand Japan’s sauna culture on a global scale—redefining sauna not merely as a form of bathing, but as a lifestyle, a philosophy, and an evolving form of spatial art.

DAISUKE AKIYAMA
While leading a branding and promotional agency focused on event production, he also works globally as a professional “SAUNNER”. Since discovering the transformative power of sauna in his 20s, he has traveled the world exploring distinguished sauna traditions, and through his ongoing advocacy, has come to be known as the “Sauna-Shisho” (Sauna Master)”.

With a background in producing large-scale international events—including roles such as VVIP Director for the global music festival ULTRA JAPAN and producer for Tokyo Girls Collection, one of Japan’s largest fashion events—he brings a rare combination of strategic branding expertise and experiential design. Today, he is a pioneering force in redefining and reimagining sauna culture both in Japan and abroad.

In 2018, he co-founded the creative sauna collective team [TTNE] with Dai Matsuo. Since then, he has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking projects, including SAUNA FES JAPAN, one of Japan’s largest sauna events; the Japan Sauna Academy, which has drawn over 500 medical professionals; the country’s leading sauna ranking site SAUNACHELIN, with over 1 million annual page views; and SAUNA37, the world’s first international award solely dedicated to saunas.

His production portfolio showcases a bold fusion of design, architecture, and wellness innovation. Highlights include Solo Sauna Tune, Japan’s first fully private sauna facility; BEDROOM SAUNA at Shiraiwa Hotel, blending the intimacy of hotel suites with sauna relaxation; and SANA MANE / SAZAE in Naoshima—created in collaboration with world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma—a next-generation sauna installation that unites art, architecture, and sensory experience.

In 2025, he was appointed Executive Producer for “Taiyo no Tsubomi”, a visionary sauna installation for Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, offering a glimpse into the future of the sauna experience. His innovative approach and refined aesthetic continue to attract attention far beyond Japan’s borders.

His growing global impact also led to his appointment as the world’s first Global Ambassador for HARVIA, the leading Finnish sauna brand. As a cultural bridge between Japan and the world, he is widely recognized as a key figure driving the next generation of sauna culture—blending Japanese sensibility with global vision to shape a new era of sauna as lifestyle, philosophy, and art.

The Sauna Boom in the UK and where Finnish traditions fit in

Emma O’Kelly is the author of two books on sauna culture. Her new book Wild Sauna came out in May 2025 and is a guide to saunas of the UK.

In 2023 she published Sauna – the Power of Deep Heat with Finnish photographer Maija Astikainen. She is also a journalist who has worked with Wallpaper magazine for 25 and she lives in London.

Heat, cold and water as nervous system regulators

In this keynote, we’ll dive into the science (and a little magic) of using heat, cold, and water in different forms to keep your nervous system happy and healthy. From the sauna to cold plunges, we’ll share how ancient and modern methods are applied in elite sports and everyday performance and recovery. You’ll learn why playing with temperature isn’t just for the pros — it’s a secret weapon that everyone can benefit from. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, building mental resilience or just trying to survive Monday mornings, we’ve got you covered with practical, research-backed tools.

Hanna trains coaches to master nervous system regulation and stress management techniques. As a psychologist and trauma therapist, Hanna has worked with thousands of clients and is also the author of two books. She brings a strong scientific and practical approach to all her keynotes, sharing stories about diverse types of nervous systems and providing actionable tips you can start using right away.

Heikki is a mental coach and exercise physiologist who believes that the individual’s best performance is achieved through rest, not by constant overachieving. Heikki has reached this conclusion through 15 years of versatile coaching experience and a broad multidisciplinary educational background. He has coached Formula 1 and Rally 1 drivers, and has successfully coached executives and leadership teams.

Ilkka Länkinen is an expert in the experience economy, specializing in Christmas experiences and luxury travel. As the co-founder, alongside Katja Ikäheimo-Länkinen, of SantaPark Arctic World, he has created internationally recognized destinations that blend Arctic luxury, Finnish traditions and nature, and immersive storytelling.

SantaPark Arctic World includes Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Aino Private Island Hotel, SantaPark – The Home Cavern of Santa Claus, Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka, and private DMC Lapland Luxury, along with its exclusive Hidden Arctic Cloud villas. Each destination offers a luxurious and holistic experience, where wellbeing naturally arises from Lapland’s delicate northern environment. Guests are fully immersed in their surroundings, gaining an authentic connection to local traditions and Arctic nature.

Jaana Hjelt is an entrepreneur and marketing director who, along with her spouse Esko Hjelt, leads Lapuan Kankurit, a Finnish linen and wool weaving mill. Lapuan Kankurit was established in 1973, but its roots trace back to 1917 when Esko’s great-grandfather founded the family’s first textile factory.

Under Jaana and Esko’s leadership, Lapuan Kankurit has focused on top-notch design, responsible materials, and transparent in-house production. The company has grown internationally, with exports accounting for over half of its turnover. Lapuan Kankurit’s brand promise, “Weavers of Good Life,” reflects the textiles it produces for well-being—suitable for sauna, home comfort, and relaxing meal times with family and friends.

Lapuan Kankurit aims to weave good vibes around them and produce long-lasting, ecologically and ethically produced utility textiles.

Keni is experienced expert in textile and clothing industry, with 30 years of international experience in various positions and functions of the field. As part of his responsibilities as Division Director in Luhta Sportswear Company, he is pursuing LUHTA to become one of the leading brands in sauna textile category globally.

Keni is also an avid sauna enthusiast and always happy to share the joy of sauna to people he meets during his frequent travels around the world.Close

Fundamentals of Finnish Sauna Design and Construction

In this presentation, Dr. Liikkanen delivers a comprehensive exploration of the key principles of sauna design. Drawing on his four-faceted model of sauna experience design, he illustrates how heating, air quality, and interior design harmonize to bring sauna culture to life. Beyond covering the fundamentals, Dr. Liikkanen will guide the audience through common pitfalls and offer practical insights to help craft the perfect sauna experience for any occasion.

Dr. Lassi Liikkanen (he/him) is a designer, author, and founder. For the past ten years he has worked in the Finnish tech industry, most recently leading digital product design. He just to be an active researcher and has published over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings in the fields of product design, interactive technology, music psychology and cognitive neuroscience – and naturally sauna. As a reminder of his academic past, he is also a docent of Human-centered product design at Aalto University in Finland.

Since 2016 he has been an internationally acknowledged contributor of sauna technology knowledge. He collects, creates, digitalizes and disseminates sauna-related knowledge through Saunologia.fi website accessed annually by over 400,000 Finnish visitors. In 2019, he authored a book, Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design, available also in English since 2021 and in Japanese from 2024.

Lassi’s ambition is to help people enjoy authentic, healthy, and safe Finnish style saunas from Earth to Mars. To this end, he provides Finnish sauna design and consulting services online, connecting customers from all over the world with his team of Finnish sauna architects and specialists. He maintains research interests on sauna technology and design.

Why Social Bathing is Here to Stay?

Social bathing has been a cornerstone of human culture for centuries, and its resurgence in modern wellness is no coincidence. Research shows that social interaction is deeply tied to mental and emotional well-being, reducing stress and fostering a sense of community.

Sauna bathing, in particular, brings people together in a shared space of relaxation and connection, creating a unique environment for bonding and conversation —its heat promotes the release of endorphins and oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormones that strengthen social ties

Studies highlight how the combination of heat therapy and social engagement enhances mood, reduces loneliness, and promotes overall health. As we seek meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world, social bathing offers a timeless, restorative experience that is here to stay.

Harvia Workshop: Co-Creating the Future of the Digital Sauna Experience

Join this interactive session where we explore the next era of sauna digitalization—from simple on/off switches to AI-driven personalization, mobile integrations, energy optimization, and beyond. We’ll discuss the latest trends, test ideas, and gather insights from the audience on how digital solutions can enhance the sauna experience. Participate, vote, and share your thoughts on the future of sauna tech!

Perttu Rönkkö brings extensive experience in digital innovation, smart solutions, and product development, with a background spanning startups, technology, software development, AI solutions and real estate. He has worked on integrating cutting-edge digital experiences into everyday life, from smart lighting systems to connected living solutions. At Harvia, he is responsible for the digitalization of the offering, shaping the future of smart sauna solutions with a focus on usability, personalization, and new technologies.Close

I’m Robert, founder and managing director of Aufguss Roots. My personal passion and daily drive are also reflected in our company motto: “Passion of Aufguss”!

Since 2012, we’ve been advising wellness businesses across Europe, coaching sauna masters and Aufguss performers, and helping hotel, spa, and thermal bath sauna teams reach the next level through our specialized training programs.

With over 13 years of experience and a constantly evolving curriculum, we now offer every participant high-quality education and training in the field of sauna – built on perfectly coordinated courses in sauna fundamentals and Aufguss technique, all shaped by our distinctive company DNA.

Saija Silen has been the chairperson of Finnish Sauna Culture association for a decade, since 2014.

She is a sauna enthusiast specializing in smoke saunas and Finnish sauna culture. She holds the position of managing director at Jämsä Sauna Village, owned by the Finnish Sauna Culture Association, and she also works as a guide for the sauna village.

The Finnish Sauna Culture Association owns and operates Sauna Village in Jämsä. It is a place of living sauna culture and home of 24 historical smoke saunas which have been restored for use as public saunas, providing a sauna experience that you could have had 100 years ago in Finland.

Saija is passionate about everything related to saunas, always enthusiastic about learning new aspects of sauna culture, and eager to experience löyly (steam) in various types of saunas.

She’s also has a honorary title of Sauna master (Sauna mestari), given for the work that she has done on behalf of Finnish Sauna and its history.

Sami Rintala (b. 1969) is an architect, professor, and artist residing in Northern Norway. He began his career in 1999 after his studies, working internationally in spatial art, and participated in art biennales including Havana in 2000 and Yokohama in 2001. In 2003, Rintala moved to Norway and in 2007, he started the architectural firm Rintala & Eggertsson Architects with Icelandic architect Prof. Dagur Eggertsson. The firm has offices in Oslo and Bodø.

The works of Rintala and Eggertsson are known for their use of wood, ecological focus, and high-quality architecture. They often build their projects themselves, and this hands-on approach also characterizes their teaching, which takes place through intensive design & build workshops that Rintala has led a total of 259 times from 1999 to 2025. Eggertsson mainly teaches in Reykjavik, and Rintala in Trondheim’s school of architecture, and they have been visiting professors at universities such as Cornell in New York, Monash in Melbourne, and Westminster in London.

Their most recent completed projects are the Tahko Forest Spa in Finland in 2023 and the Nordic Pavilion exhibition at the Osaka World Expo in 2025. The firm has participated in the Venice Architecture Biennale four times and has won several international architecture awards, including the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture (Paris 2009).

Norwegian sauna boom

Stig Arild Pettersen is the secretary general of the Norwegian Sauna Association since 2023. He has a strong passion for building an open and inclusive sauna community, and for documenting and communicating Norway’s partly unknown and forgotten sauna culture.

At the World Sauna Forum, he will tell the story about the ongoing Norwegian sauna boom, the rediscovery of Norwegian sauna culture and why the whole world is suddenly looking to Norway and has been named to host the International Sauna Congress 2026. Norway’s cooperation and learning from Finland and other countries with a strong and vital sauna culture is important, and building an international network is central to Stig’s work.

The Norwegian Sauna Association (Norges Badstulaug) is the national sauna association of Norway and a member of the International Sauna Association, working to promote access to saunas in Norwegians’ everyday life. More than 150 sauna clubs and businesses – both commercial and non-profit – all over Norway are now members of the national association, and the membership base is growing rapidly.

The Norwegian Sauna Association

A member of The International Sauna Association (ISA)

A tourism entrepreneur based in Kuusamo with over 25 years of experience, active in the travel industry since 1989. The majority of this experience has been in inbound operations within international tourism export

Currently, 90% of the company’s clientele comes from abroad.

The company’s values are strongly rooted in local traditions and Finnish heritage.

In addition to serving as Sales Director and managing the company’s restaurant and activity services, the entrepreneur also takes on the roles of saunatonttu (sauna elf) and traditional sauna host.

Energy Consumption of Sauna Bathing – Myths, Facts, and Smart Solutions

Sauna energy consumption is often debated—but how much energy does a sauna actually use, and where does that energy go? The truth is, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Many factors come into play: temperature, session duration, materials, heater power, ventilation, and more.

Harvia’s Chief Technology Officer, Timo Harvia, will debunk common misconceptions and answer key questions about sauna energy consumption:

• What determines how much energy a sauna uses?
• How much does sauna bathing really cost?
• What practical steps can reduce energy consumption?
• How is Harvia making sauna bathing more energy-efficient?

As Harvia’s Chief Technology Officer, Timo Harvia leads innovation and product development with a deep understanding of sauna technology. With decades of experience in designing and improving sauna solutions, he is passionate about making sauna bathing more efficient, sustainable, and enjoyable.

“The essence of sauna never changes – but there is so much we can develop around it to enhance the experience, improve energy efficiency, and promote well-being.” – Timo Harvia

He has a 15-year background in management positions in sustainability-related companies, including being the marketing director of Biolan Group, Plc and Chief Marketing Officer of global sauna company Harvia.

Nowadays, he is the entrepreneur of Emmy, the largest second-hand clothing market place in the Nordic countries. Huhtamäki is particularly familiar with the green transition and the circular economy.Close