The British Sauna Society will collaborate with Dr. Martha Newson from the University of Greenwich on the UK Aufguss Championship to investigate the impact of sauna culture on wellbeing.
The British Sauna Society has been associated with the Dr. Martha Newsonof the University of Greenwich in Londonto carry out an investigation during the UK Aufguss Championshipfocusing on the impact that sauna culture has on physical, mental and social well-being.
Those with tickets to the event, which will be held on the following days 18-19 May at The Arc, Canary Wharf (London)will be invited to participate in a before and after survey to use the Aufguss sauna for up to 65 persons.
The results obtained will form part of Dr. Newson's study on the power of sauna rituals to foster group cohesion, create community through shared experiences and reinforce a sense of belonging.
Ritual and Community: Newson's Scientific Approach
During the Summit Saunawhich will take place the following day (20 May), Newson will give a keynote address entitled "The Power of Ritual. In her talk, the Associate Professor of Psychology will explain how ancestral practices align with current scientific findings, why rituals are more necessary than ever in a fragmented world, and how we can consciously use them to build stronger communities.
In addition to its work at Greenwich, Newson leads the Changing Lives Lab research group at Oxford University.where he has delved into how rituals shape collective identity and strengthen group resilience, whether in a football stadium or in sacred ceremonies.
"In other regions, such as Scandinavia and Japan, sauna use is collective - supporting the idea that shared experiences can strengthen social bonds and improve mental and physical health," says Dr Newson.
"Despite the growth of sauna use in the UK, there has been little research into how the culture compares to other traditions and its potential to promote collective wellbeing," he adds.
"This study will provide valuable information about the psychological effects of sauna useand how the individual and social aspects of these rituals influence relaxation and mental health. The results will contribute to the scientific literature and enrich the debate on holistic wellness practices, benefiting sauna users, wellness professionals and public health experts alike".
UK Aufguss Championship 2025
This year's championship is expected to be the largest to date, with a international jury of experts which will evaluate participants on the basis of technique, narrative and sensory experience.
The event will take place in The Arcthe largest sauna centre in the United Kingdom, founded by Chris Miller (former Soho House and currently CEO of hospitality innovation firm White Rabbit Projects). The site has the largest sauna in the countryintegrated sound and lighting systems, eight Brass Monkey ice baths and specific areas for Aufguss actions.
Sauna Summit - 20 May 2025
The Summit Sauna will be a day of keynotes, panel discussions on building a sauna community in the UK and networking opportunitieswhich will culminate in the award ceremony to the winners of the Aufguss UK.
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