There are no short cuts. Wood must be chopped, the fire must be extinguished and smoke purged from the room. It was my pleasure to sweat in several savusaunas, ranging from the sophisticated model at the Finnish Sauna Society, complete with showers, dressing rooms and no responsibilities, to the rustic countryside version. Whether I hung my clothes in a tree or on a coat hanger, I was never disappointed by a savusauna. Their sooted walls emanate the savory smells of wood, earth and camaraderie.
Steam reaches out from the rocks like friendly hands, dispensing their heat.
The bather warms evenly, everywhere at once. With my senses warm and smiling, my mind easily drifted into revery. That was followed by a few minutes of invigorating swatting with the vihta, then a dash to a plunge hole in a frozen lake or a brisk, tingling dip, I never felt more clean and vibrant.