Heritage Sauna Academy
— sauna healer training
Sauna healer training
is for those who want to experience the enriching and rejuvenating sauna heritage and understand these practices beyond the surface.
Training
The training consists of theoretical studies held at a log cabin located amidst the beauty of the Sipoo river valley nature, as well as practical training in sauna work at the traditional smoke sauna by the Sipoonjoki River and in the healing sauna Lovi.
The training includes supervised and guided customer treatment practice during the public sauna sessions.
The training follows the traditional way of learning, which is learning by experience and hands-on guidance. This training offers a rich blend of knowledge and practical experience, providing you with all the necessary tools to start your journey as a sauna healer.
Join us on this journey to explore the essence of sauna bathing. Register for the training and embark on this profound experience with us!
Retreats
We want to offer you the opportunity to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the ancient healing practices of sauna.
What do you need? Just arrive at the airport – we’ll take care of the rest. We arrange transportation, meals, and accommodation for you in cozy double rooms in the beautiful Joensuun tila manor nearby. You can forget all your worries and let us take care of you.
Our retreat program is designed to offer you a diverse experience that nourishes both your health and your eagerness to learn about the Finnish sauna tradition. In the peaceful atmosphere, with the constant guidance of the sauna healers and the support of the group, you are safe to explore the vast wisdom of the sauna heritage.
Our days are filled with theoretical training, providing you with new knowledge and insights. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the secrets of sauna rituals and mythology, traditional Finnish vihta treatments, herbal and natural remedies at the sauna, and enjoy the gentle steam of the smoke sauna. The relaxation is complemented by the opportunity to bathe in our hot tub in good company.
"Knowlege is just rumor until it lives in the muscle"
- Brenee Brown
We want you to go home with a deep-rooted experience backed up with theoretical understanding. The retreat is the beginning of your sauna heritage journey. We will be there to guide you, as the price includes six months of distance support. This means you can approach us with any questions that come up when you practice sauna healing at home and in everyday life.
Once a month, a private online Q&A with the Sipoonjoki Heritage Sauna healers will help you put into practice all you have learned at the retreat.
Schedule
The training consists of three separate modules. Each module begins on Monday with a communal sauna ceremony and concludes on Thursday evening.
Rough schedule of the retreat week:
Monday
14:00 – Welcoming ceremony
19:00 – Dinner
Tuesday – Thursday
7:30 – 8:30 – Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00 – Studies
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch
13:00 – 18:30 – Sauna training
19:00 – 20:00 – Dinner
20:00 – 22:00 – Evening social gathering
Friday
7:30 – 8:30 – Studies and conclusion
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch
13:00 – Transportation to the airport or Helsinki city.
For sauna apprentices, the week continues working along with the sauna healers for the entire weekend.
Pricing
Individual retreat: 1500 € / 5 days
Including six months of distance guidance and a monthly private Q&A session with the sauna healers. Join the online community of heritage sauna healers for life.
Whole training: 4200 € / 15 days (three retreats)
Including one year of distance guidance and monthly private Q&A sessions with the sauna healers. Join the online community of heritage sauna healers for life.
All retreats include accommodation in twin rooms, instruction, necessary materials, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, sauna beverages), and transportation from the airport to the accommodation and between the accommodation and the sauna.
Sauna Apprentice training: +500 € / 1500 €
Retreat + 3-day practical training. Ask for more information!
The single occupancy room surcharge is an additional +200€.
A spot in the retreat is reserved by paying a reservation fee (200 €).
Course content
First reatreat 7th to 10th of October 2024
Intro To The Finnish Sauna
- The ABC of Sauna Healing - Self-Care – Theory and Practice
- History and Cultural Heritage of the Finnish Sauna
- Experience the Finnish Smoke Sauna Ritual
Second retreat 24th to 27th of February 2025
Sauna Healing
- Operating in the Sauna
- Löyly, the Steam of Life
- Vihtas, Sauna Whisks
- Three Levels of Human Anatomy
- Sauna Ritual
Third retreat 9th to 12th of June 2025
Finnish Forrest and Sauna
- Gifts of the Forest
- Mythology
- Practical Usage of Traditional Healing – The ABC of Healing Work in Theory and Practice
- Plants in the Sauna – Experience Forest Sauna
- Learn How to Host a Forest Sauna Ritual
Instructors
Laura Foon
Sauna-Akka, also known as Laura Foon, is an experienced sauna healer, an expert in Baltic-Finnish culture, and a trained massage therapist.
In her sauna sessions, Laura draws from the world of mythology through spells and rituals, bringing the wisdom of Baltic-Finnish traditions to be experienced and enjoyed by contemporary individuals.
Laura serves as a sauna caretaker at the Sipoonjoki traditional sauna and as the chairperson of the Perinnesaunottajat Association. She also hosts the Saunan Naiset, Spirit of Sauna, and Tietäjä podcasts.
Joonas Vaarala
Joonas Vaarala is a sauna and podcast host, sauna healer, and trained massage therapist.
For years, Joonas has been hosting the Havuhattu podcast, where he explores themes related to sauna along with topics such as Baltic-Finnish mythology, depth psychology, and ecology.
In addition to sauna, Joonas is passionate about hiking in wilderness areas, fishing, and cycling
Otto Kronqvist
Otto Kronqvist is a sauna and podcast host as well as a yoga teacher.
He is known for his work on the Havuhattu, Joogaradio, and Spirit of Sauna podcasts.
Otto works as the host of the Sipoonjoki traditional sauna and also trains yoga teachers at the Shakta Yoga School teacher training program.
With an academic background in philosophy and social history, Otto has over a decade of solid experience in entrepreneurship in the wellness industry.
Saara Mäntykoski
Saara is the hostess of the Sipoonjoki traditional sauna, a teacher, and a Forest Mind instructor.
She organizes women’s events at the Sipoonjoki traditional sauna and co-hosts the Saunan Naiset podcast with Laura. Additionally, she is studying to become a sauna caretaker as an apprentice at the traditional sauna.
Contact us!
- savusauna@saunotus.fi
- +358 10 299 2866
- Hindsbyntie 124, 04130 Sipoo, Finland