Coordinating the global science of sauna and heat therapy — how they promote longevity, build resilience, and help prevent and treat disease.
$155B
Global sauna & spa market, 2026
8%+
Annual growth in household installations
2,300
Men tracked in Kuopio cohort studies
16,000+
Publications in the SRF research catalog
There is no consensus on basic definitions — what constitutes “heat therapy” versus “heat acclimation” versus “heat stress” varies from study to study. Modality terminology is inconsistent; results from traditional sauna, infrared sauna, and water immersion are used interchangeably.
Study designs vary widely. Reporting of population characteristics and intervention parameters — temperature, humidity, duration, frequency, and session structure — is not standardized. Outcome measures are heterogeneous. Most studies remain small (fewer than 40 participants), and more than 40% did not have a control group.
This makes it difficult to compare findings, conduct meaningful meta-analyses, or build the evidence base that would allow sauna and heat therapy to be integrated into mainstream preventive medicine and clinical guidelines.
Rather than conducting research in isolation, SRF convenes the field. By building consensus on terminology, methodology, and research priorities, we aim to transform a growing but disorganized body of evidence into a coherent, actionable research agenda that can drive clinical adoption and public health policy.
SRF coordinates studies in heat therapy and sauna bathing, measuring clinical chemistries, molecular biomarkers, and vital signs alongside crafted questionnaires — in collaboration with universities and research institutions worldwide.
We support translating complex research into actionable knowledge — promoting informed sauna bathing for mental health, cardiovascular function, immune resilience, metabolic health, and overall well-being through accessible programming and media.
SRF convenes researchers, clinicians, and practitioners across institutions and disciplines to advance the practice and study of sauna and heat therapy worldwide.
Sep 2026
FLAGSHIP
Our inaugural research consensus meeting convenes international researchers immediately before the International Sauna Congress in Oslo, launching the Delphi Study to standardize heat-therapy research worldwide.
Sep 2026
ISC PANEL
Sauna research has never been more vibrant — or more in need of direction. As interest from scientists, clinicians and funders grows, so does the need to ask the bigger questions: what should we study, where is the greatest potential, and how do we fund and coordinate the work? This panel will look at how to build a coherent, well-supported field through research networks, shared methods and real collaboration. What are the most important unanswered questions? Where should the field focus over the next decade?
May 2026
Sauna Days
A domestic event to deliver our message: an in-person board meeting, a Sauna Talk podcast panel, the ‘Doctors Who Sauna’ outreach initiative, and community sauna programming.