Emma O’Kelly

Oct 12, 2023 | islingtontribune.co.uk | Dan Carrier |Emma O’Kelly |Maija Astikainen

Saunas can help with mental and physical health... and are gaining popularity. They are also the subject of a new book. Dan Carrier breaks sweat talking to its author Thursday, 12th October — By Dan Carrier Badstufolk Knuts lakeside sauna in NorwayTHE phrase “thermal regulatory ping-pong” describes the act of taking your body from heat to cold or vice versa.

Oct 8, 2023 | theguardian.com | Emma O’Kelly

As I squeeze myself on to the top bench of the sauna in my local lido, I’m grateful to have a spot. It’s rammed; standing room only. Next to the stove, cold water swimmers huddle and struggle to peel neoprene off shivering hands and feet, their teeth chattering. In fact, everyone is chattering. It’s as noisy as the pub before closing time and as ebullient; a steamy collective fuelled by extremes of temperature rather than extremely large amounts of booze.