Visitors enjoy a sauna at Bara Bastu, a unique festival celebrating sauna culture, in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 17, 2025
Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images
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Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images
For centuries people have sought out saunas and hot springs for their supposed healing properties. But the science behind those claims can be quite vague. So NPR science correspondent Will Stone headed to the International Sauna Congress in Norway to find out just what we know about the health benefits of saunas.
This episode was produced by Gabriel Sanchez, with engineering by Eowyn Fain. Our director is Elena Burnett.
It was edited by Adam Raney.
Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.
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