If you’re like me and love everything related to saunas then this is the resource for you. In this article, we review the best sauna books currently out there. These books go over the design, construction, health benefits, therapy uses, and culture of saunas.
We highly recommend reading these books if you’re looking to expand your mind to more sauna knowledge (especially if you’re about to build your own sauna). So sit back, relax, and find which of these books is best suited for you.
Sauna Construction & Design
The Art of Sauna Building
The Art of Sauna Building, in our opinion, is the number one sauna building guide in the world. The reason for is because the great detail Bert Jalasjaa (the author) goes into about sauna building. This complete guide takes you from designing, to building, to operating your own DYI sauna.
Jalasjaa also covers different situations such as small saunas built into existing houses as well as free-standing structures separate from the main home. Within each situation is complete diagrams and measurements.
Another cool thing about this book is that it goes through the history of saunas and sauna building. Overall covering the art of sauna building in general.
In the end, this is the best resource to teach you how to build your own sauna. We recommend buying it and reading it thoroughly.
The Sauna: A Complete Guide to the Construction, Use, and Benefits of the Finnish Bath, 2nd Edition
The Sauna, written by Rob Roy, is the number one guide for building cordwood masonry wood-framed saunas. This very detailed book goes into great depth on the art of sauna building. The book contains tons of tips and techniques for building a sauna. It also goes into the sources in which you can get building supplies.
One thing you should keep in mind is that this book mainly goes over cordwood masonry techniques. So if you’re not planning on using this type of construction then this might not be the resource for you.
In the end, the book was still very good and informative. After reading the book, Roy’s enthusiasm for building saunas will rub off on you. So you’ll definitely find the information and motivation you need to build a sauna by yourself.
Finnish Sauna – Design and Construction
Finnish Sauna – Design and Construction is another outstanding resource on sauna design. Specifically, this book covers the design and construction of Finnish saunas.
The book outlines all important information to build a genuine Finnish sauna. It also makes a point to give step-by-step information on how to build a sauna as a whole. Going over different aspects such as sauna rooms, components, stoves, benches, furnishings, and etc.
At the end of the book, they give four examples of top saunas that were built. These saunas represent the finest of Finnish design and expertise. Ultimately giving you perfect examples of Finish saunas that you have the potential to build.
Recently the book was updated to match the latest construction, heating, ventilation, and electrical installation regulations/standards. Overall this book is perfect for those who want to build a Finish sauna successfully.
Sauna Therapy & Health
Sauna Therapy for Detoxification and Healing
Sauna Therapy for Detoxification and Healing is by far the best book for sauna healing and therapy. Written by Dr. Lawrence Wilson, a nutrition and metabolic healing specialist, the book gives a complete perspective on the power of sauna healing.
Specifically, the book uses sixteen chapters to describe the use of a sauna for detoxification of heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Within these chapters, the book covers main topics such as sauna psychology, protocols for sauna use, adjunctive therapies, cautions, contradictions, sauna design, history of saunas and etc.
Overall, the book is very well rounded and is very informational. Dr. Wilson is an expert in this field and gives tons of knowledge that can help improve your life tremendously. We highly recommend this book as it’s a must-read!
The Holistic Handbook of Sauna Therapy
The Holistic Handbook of Sauna Therapy is another awesome book covering sauna healing and therapy. Written by Dr. Nenah Sylver, the book covers the history, benefits, uses, and importance of sauna detoxification.
The book begins by reviewing historically documented evidence of sauna detoxification, construction, and cultural and social aspects of the sauna. Dr. Sylver explains in great detail how and why the body produces sweat. She also covers the great benefits of deliberately inducing sweat.
Along with this, she covers the many types of saunas and the positives/negatives of these saunas. One thing we enjoyed is that she covered infrared saunas in great detail. There is a lot of misinformation when it comes to this type of sauna and she debunked many misconceptions about them. She also gave wonderful graphic charts to make you understand how the actual sauna works and what it does to your body.
In the end, this book was very well written. Dr. Sylver is very educated in this field and answers any questions you might have about saunas.
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Sauna Culture
The Opposite of Cold: The Northwoods Finnish Sauna Tradition
The Opposite of Cold is a wonderful book covering the history and culture of Finish sauna tradition. Settled in the Northwoods, the book details the pleasures that the Finnish people obtain by sauna bathing daily.
The book also gives you a glimpse into the spiritual side of sauna bathing. To some sauna bathing isn’t just a quick activity, but rather something much more important to themselves and their soul. It’s a spiritual activity that often includes family and friends.
Along with the important information the book also displays many beautiful photos. These photos include the exterior, interior, and overall setting of the sauna. It also should be noted that there is some nudity in the book. This nudity isn’t distasteful, but rather shows the tradition of sauna bathing that some Finnish people stand by.
Overall the book is amazing as it shows you the cultural aspects of sauna bathing. It paints a vivid picture that sauna bathing isn’t just some activity, but is rather something much more important and spiritual. We highly recommend this book if you want to learn more about the cultural side of saunas.
