Sauna Studies as an academic field : a new agenda for international research

This article is a proposal for Sauna Studies as an academic field. Although previous sauna research exists in areas of health science and historical/cultural studies, it is scattered, unconnected, significantly non- English, and, to date, largely undigitized. An International Sauna Association does exist, and its two key members (the Finnish Sauna Society and the Deutscher Sauna Bund) produced interesting research from the 1940s to the 1990s. But this does not amount to a proper academic field, especially considering the global prevalence of saunas, steam rooms, and other types of hot-air bathing. To remedy this situation, an International Journal of Sauna Studies is being created. Commencing in 2017, the IJSS will have three sections: 1) Health Science; 2) History and Culture; and 3) Technology and Design. This article lays out a programme for Sauna Studies by exploring the history of sauna research, surveying existing literature, and suggesting research directions across the three areas. It is an exciting opportunity for international collaboration. The greater purpose of Sauna Studies is to promote physical and mental health around the world in a time of increasing stress and social fracture.