"Throughout my life, I have witnessed how sweat baths such as Finnish sauna, Slavic banya, Islamic hammam and Native American sweat lodge can heal not only the body but also the mind and spirit. These baths offer a profound sense of connection with oneself and nature, fostering a space where people can come together, share stories, and cultivate a deep sense of community." ~ Mikkel Aaland
Mikkel Aaland, a lifelong advocate for the transformative power of sweat baths, has witnessed firsthand their profound healing potential – not only for the body, but also for the mind and spirit. From the intense heat of a Finnish sauna to the ritualistic cleansing of a Native American sweat lodge, these traditions offer a unique space for introspection, connection, and community building.
Aaland's passion for these practices led him to champion the cause of Sauna Aid, a non-profit organization established in 2022 amidst the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Inspired by the Japanese Sauna Society's swift response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Aaland and the International Sauna Association (ISA) recognized the unique solace and healing that saunas could provide in times of crisis and answered the call to be of service with the support of the British Sauna Society, Therme Group, Japanese Sauna Society, along with many others either donating, providing grants, or hosting fundraising events. Read the Sauna Aid origin story on Therme Group's and Mikkel's blog to learn more about why and how the organization came to fruition.
Sauna Aid's mission resonates with Aaland's deep-seated belief in the power of sweat baths to foster not just physical well-being, but also mental and spiritual resilience. By providing access to saunas in areas impacted by natural disasters or conflict, Sauna Aid aims to offer a space for individuals and communities to heal, connect, and rebuild.
The organization's collaborative spirit, bringing together diverse sauna traditions and supporters from around the world, reflects the inclusive nature of sauna culture itself. From the British Sauna Society to the Therme Group, Sauna Aid's network of partners demonstrates the shared belief in the transformative potential of saunas, echoing Aaland's own experiences and conviction.
As Aaland poignantly expresses in the Sauna Aid's call to action, "everyone in the worldwide sauna community can take part and make an impact." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the ethos behind both Sauna Aid and Aaland's lifelong advocacy: that the simple act of sharing a sauna can transcend cultural boundaries, offering healing, connection, and hope, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
"Help us bring the warmth and healing powers of sauna to people suffering from natural or man-made disasters - Donate, raise funds, volunteer or offer materials – everyone in the worldwide sauna community can take part and make an impact! Sauna Aid is a relief initiative that operates under the auspices of the International Sauna Association (ISA) – a non-profit organisation founded in 1958 and consisting of over 20 national sauna societies." ~ Sauna Aid
Key Aspects of Sauna Aid
Purpose:
Mental Health Support: Sauna Aid aims to offer a space for relaxation and mental recuperation, helping individuals cope with the stress and trauma associated with displacement and crises.
Community Building: By providing a communal space, Sauna Aid fosters social interaction and community bonding, which are crucial for psychological well-being.
Implementation:
Mobile Saunas: The initiative involves the use of mobile sauna units that can be transported and set up in various locations, including refugee camps and disaster-stricken areas.
Accessibility: These saunas are made accessible to people who have been displaced from their homes and are living in temporary shelters or camps.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Adaptation: Sauna Aid considers the cultural background of the people it serves, ensuring that the sauna experience is respectful and inclusive of their traditions and preferences.
Support and Funding:
Non-Profit Nature: As a non-profit, Sauna Aid relies on donations, volunteer support, and partnerships with other organizations to operate and expand its reach.
Collaboration: The initiative often collaborates with local and international organizations to facilitate the deployment and operation of mobile saunas.
Example: Ukrainian Crisis Response
During the Ukrainian crisis, Sauna Aid provided mobile saunas to refugee camps and communities affected by the conflict. These saunas served as a place for individuals to unwind, engage in social activities, and find a temporary escape from the hardships they were facing.
Impact
The impact of Sauna Aid includes:
• Psychological Relief: Users report feeling more relaxed and less stressed after using the sauna, which helps improve overall mental health.
• Social Interaction: The communal nature of saunas encourages conversation and support among users, fostering a sense of community.
• Physical Benefits: In addition to mental health benefits, sauna bathing can improve circulation and relieve muscle tension, contributing to overall well-being.
For more details and updates on their projects, you can visit their official website or follow their announcements on social media.
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