THE JOURNEY

My love for saunas began a few years ago with a desire to improve my overall health and wellbeing. Like many, when I discovered something truly beneficial, I felt compelled to share it.

After learning a powerful breathing technique and becoming braver with cold water exposure, I immediately noticed the health benefits.

Inspired by this, I ventured into sauna therapy—and the results were profound. Both my mental and physical wellbeing improved exponentially. The magic of a sauna creates a sense of calm and delivers a blissful state that leaves you feeling deeply revitalised—like nothing else can.

Any opportunity to relax and disconnect from stress benefits us all. Whether you’re new to saunas or already a seasoned enthusiast, I invite you to experience the warmth and wellbeing of WildSide Sauna, where traditional wood-fired heat restores both body and mind.

SAUNA ETIQUETTE Please adhere to at all times

  1. REMOVE FOOTWEAR AND WASH YOUR FEET in the bucket provided before entering the sauna.
  2. REMOVE MAKEUP AND SKINCARE PRODUCTS before entering. For safety and hygiene reasons, please avoid using the sauna if you have dyed your hair within the previous 72 hours.
  3. SIT ON A CLEAN TOWEL at all times.
  4. ENTER AND EXIT SAFELY Keep access points clear to allow others to exit swiftly if needed.
  5. NO ALCOHOL, SMOKING, OR VAPING inside the sauna. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will NOT be permitted to use the sauna.
  6. POUR WATER GENTLY ON THE STOVE drizzle, don’t dump. Excess water can cool or damage the stove. ONLY USE the provided ‘SAUNA WATER‘ on the rocks. Do not use any other liquids.
  7. NO FOOD OR DRINK to be taken inside the sauna except plain drinking water inside a none glass container
  8. NO OUTSIDE PRODUCTS OR OILS For health and safety reasons, personal products are not allowed, as they may react to the heat, release toxins, or create slippery surfaces. Only our approved in-sauna treatments are permitted.
  9. RINSE BEFORE USE Please rinse prior to entering the sauna or cold plunge if provided.
  10. NO NUDITY during communal sessions, inside or outside the sauna.

SOME OF THE MANY REASONS TO SAUNA AND USE COLD WATER THERAPY THAT MAY BE OF BENEFIT TO YOUR HEALTH

Reduces Stress and Enhances Mood
Cold-water exposure triggers the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that improves mood, focus, and stress management.

Detoxifies the Body and Improves Skin Health
Sweating during sauna sessions aids in the excretion of toxins, such as heavy metals and environmental pollutants. This supports liver and kidney function, improves skin elasticity, clears clogged pores, and enhances blood flow, promoting a clearer and more radiant complexion.

Enhances Mental Well-being
Alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety, promoting overall mental health. May also provide protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Boosts Physical Fitness and Athletic Performance
Heat stress can enhance physical fitness by increasing endurance and promoting muscle mass gains.

Strengthens Immune Function
Cold-water immersion boosts immune response by increasing white blood cell production and activating the lymphatic system, enhancing the body’s resilience against common illnesses.

Boosts Metabolism and Supports Weight Management
Raising core body temperature stimulates the metabolic rate, aiding in burning more calories and complementing weight management goals.

Reduces Joint Pain and Loosens Muscles
Beneficial for individuals with rheumatic conditions or movement restrictions, the warmth reduces stiffness, alleviates joint pain, and enhances range of motion.

Improves Cardiovascular Health
Regular exposure is linked to better cardiovascular outcomes, including improved circulation and reduced risks of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and other cardiac issues.

Supports Respiratory Health
Sauna use can positively influence lung tissues and air passages, improving breathing capacity and lung performance. It may reduce lung congestion and decrease the frequency of asthma attacks or bronchitis flare-ups.

Enhances Sleep Quality
Regular sauna and cold-water therapy significantly improve sleep quality.

Improves Circulation
Alternating between hot and cold exposure improves blood vessel elasticity, boosting overall circulation and supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Social and Personal Connection
Sauna and cold-water therapy can be a social experience, offering an opportunity to connect with others. Alternatively, it provides a quiet, contemplative space for personal reflection.

Information sourced from research studies including Shevchuk (2008), Crinnion (2011), Tipton (2017), Laukkanen (2015), Soebergh Institute, Wim Hof Method, and personal study (2023).

It’s a great way to socialise and catch up or have a quiet contemplative session tuning into yourself.

Here are some useful links for more knowledge about hot & cold therapy and breathing techniques that may help you gain better control of your health in ways you may not have thought possible.

https://soeberghinstitute.com

https://www.wimhofmethod.com

THE SAUNA BUILD

The sauna was designed and built with a passion to create an enjoyable space and a great experience. After researching sauna culture around the world and its history it became clear that the mobile saunas available on the market did not quite fit my requirements.

The decision to build one started to make sense so I could have the essential air flow and ventilation along with non-toxic wool insulation, a floor drain, two tier benches, a one-way privacy window, and thermally treated wood for durability and comfort creating an authentic Nordic sauna experience.

The wood-fired stove and the heart of the sauna is designed and made in Finland, burning locally sourced wood from renewable sources with maximum efficiency and very low emissions.  

The steam or löyly in traditional Finnish sauna culture is considered sacred and is associated with the essence of a great sauna where various life events are celebrated. The löyly creates a distinctive atmosphere believed to drive out disease, reduce stress and promote well-being. Similar traditions and beliefs from various cultures and countries around the world embrace the healing effects of saunas and this dates back thousands of years.

The sauna allows for up to 6 people in a communal session or up to a maximum of 8 people in a private group with two tier benches allowing a panoramic view out the large window.

Consideration for users health and our natural environment means it is built using toxin free materials like sheep’s wool insulation and materials that are virtually all a 100% recyclable.