Research proves wellbeing impact of collective sauna rituals

Research published by the British Sauna Society, in association with the University of Greenwich, has confirmed the overwhelmingly positive effect of collective sauna rituals on social connectedness and mental wellbeing.

The study, led by Dr Martha Newson at the University of Greenwich, explores how collective sweat bathing practices, long embedded in many cultures, are associated with a deep sense of belonging and greater emotional synchrony.

The physical benefits of sauna culture are well documented and supported by decades of empirical studies. The social factor of collective sweat bathing has, until recently, received little attention from scientists.

The new paper, published in Social Science & Medicine, concludes that shared sauna rituals, like aufguss, significantly boost mental wellbeing by enhancing social connectedness and belonging.

Connection boosts wellbeing

The collaborative research was carried out with Rachael McGrath, research affiliate at the London Interdisciplinary School.

“Community saunas are already contributing to health, offering shared spaces where people can slow down, sweat and reconnect,” said Dr Martha Newson, part of the University of Greenwich’s Institute of Lifecourse Development.

“What we see in shared, ritualised sauna experiences is that people feel connected to their bodies and to each other, and that this connection boosts wellbeing. This work lays a foundation for understanding how communal sauna rituals might support wellbeing at scale.”

The full paper can be found here.

UK sauna boom

Across the UK, sauna use is booming, with the British Sauna Society now counting more than 600 public saunas on its UK Sauna Map.

This is the first experimental research specifically into British sauna culture. It assessed a variety of sauna rituals, but particularly explored aufguss.

The paper explains its popularity, through its capacity to bring people together socially for an entertainment event that intensifies feelings, meaning, unity and belonging, in addition to the physiological benefits of enduring extreme heat and cold.

This year’s UK Aufguss Championships are set to take place at Galgorm Resort in Ireland from April 20-22.

UK Aufguss Championships 2026

The championship format is expanded for 2026, with the introduction of a Modern Classic Aufguss category, in addition to the existing Performance Aufguss Single and Team competitions.

“The introduction of the Modern Classic category represents a huge step forward for aufguss in the UK,” said Deborah Carr, UK Aufguss lead, British Sauna Society. “It allows us to honour tradition while celebrating innovation, giving sauna masters at all levels the opportunity to grow and refine their craft.”

This expanded format opens the door for both established and emerging sauna masters to showcase a wider spectrum of creative, technical and traditional skills.

Both competitions will be judged by an international jury of certified aufguss experts. Winners will go on to represent the UK at the Aufguss World Championships Finals at Satama Sauna Resort in September 2026.

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