Step into the authentic Finnish sauna experience with our immersive 3 full day workshop, Saunotus, designed to connect you deeply to Finnish sauna traditions. This training covers foundational rituals, the elements, and the art of hosting a Saunotus – the Finnish sauna ritual – using the ancient practices of löyly, vihta and sauna meditation.
Cost: £625
Step into the authentic Finnish sauna experience with our immersive 3 full day workshop, Saunotus, designed to connect you deeply to Finnish sauna traditions. This training covers foundational rituals, the elements, and the art of hosting a Saunotus – the Finnish sauna ritual – using the ancient practices of löyly, vihta and sauna meditation.
Workshop Highlights
All days begin with theory followed by a nourishing soup lunch then an afternoon of practical sauna work.
Day 1: The Essence of Sauna
Understanding Löyly: Exploring the Spirit and Soul of the Sauna
Finnish Sauna Heritage: Discovering the Cultural and Spiritual
Worldview Behind the Finnish Sauna Tradition
Practical Session: Forest Löyly: Creating a Sauna Atmosphere with Herbal Steam and Birch Vihta and The First and Last Löyly Ritual
Day 2: The Elements – Guiding a Finnish Sauna Meditation
Group Sauna Ceremonies: Leading a Finnish-Style Sauna Ceremony to Foster Communal Healing and Connection, Introducing the Concepts of Silence and Sauna Peace
Short Introduction to Finnish Sauna and Forest Mythology: Understanding Traditional Healing Practices and the Use of Birch Vihta
Practical Session: Elemental Sauna: Guiding a Finnish Sauna Meditation to Harmonise with the Elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water
Day 3: Saunotus
The Formula of Saunotus: Understanding the Structure and Flow of the Ritual
Practical Session: Hosting a Saunotus – Finnish Sauna Ritual
Workshop Outcomes
Gain the skills to lead transformative Finnish sauna rituals, bring a sense of peace, and honor Finnish cultural heritage. You’ll leave with the skills to host a Finnish-Style Sauna Ritual for a Group which consist of:
First and Last Löyly Rituals
Usage of Herbal Löyly and Birch Vihta in a group ritual. Practical skills in herb picking, preparation, and using herbs to engage all senses in the sauna
Guided Sauna Meditation
Share Insights about the Meaning of Löyly, the Soul, Spirit, and breath of Sauna. Knowledge of how Herbal Löyly can shift the sauna atmosphere, with an introduction to herb fusion, mood-setting, and silent ritual practices.
Participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
This workshop is open to all, from beginners to experienced sauna practitioners.
About Laura Foon of Sauna-Akka
Brought to you by Laura Foon, also known as Sauna-Akka, an experienced sauna healer, expert in Baltic-Finnish culture, and trained massage therapist. Laura draws on the rich world of Baltic-Finnish mythology in her sessions, incorporating spells, rituals, and traditions for a truly immersive experience. Laura is also a caretaker at the Sipoonjoki traditional sauna, chairperson of the Perinnesaunottajat Association, and hosts the Saunan Naiset, Spirit of Sauna, and Tietäjä podcasts.
Additional Training
For those interested in expanding their skills further, we also offer a Lithuanian Sauna Master Training with the International Bath Academy. This training focuses on Lithuanian whisking techniques and Lithuanian sauna ritual and is a perfect complement to Saunotus, enhancing your skills in both Finnish and Lithuanian sauna traditions.