The Art of Tea and Sauna
The Art of Tea and Sauna: An Immersive Experience
At Sauna House, we blend the time-honored traditions of sauna and bathing culture with the ritualistic enjoyment of tea. Creating a more holistic experience that caters to both your physical and spiritual well-being is what the bathhouse does so well. And tea is more than just a beverage, it's a cultural cornerstone in many parts of the world. People have literally gone to war for access to this stuff!
You may be wondering at this point why a team of bathing enthusiast care so much about tea, and we'll tell you! Sauna and tea rituals represent a lot of the same things to us. Coming together, being intentional with our time, and nourishing the body and mind. So, let’s journey through the world of antioxidants, bathing traditions, and the spiritual art of the tea ceremony shall we?
How Do Antioxidants Work?
Antioxidants are natural substances found in various foods, especially in tea. They help protect our bodies from free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage our cells and contribute to aging and diseases. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, antioxidants play a critical role in maintaining our health and wellness [1].
The Power of Tea: A Potent Source of Natural Antioxidants
Tea is full of beneficial compounds, most notably antioxidants. Chai, with its potent mix of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, not only delivers a flavor kick but also a potent boost of natural antioxidants.
Matcha, a type of green tea, takes it a step further. Its preparation involves grinding the entire tea leaf into a fine powder, resulting in a higher concentration of antioxidants, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been noted for its powerful antioxidant properties and potential to combat inflammation [2]. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a state of relaxed alertness – an ideal state of mind for your post-sauna time on our heated benches.
Tea Culture and Rituals: A Spiritual Journey
The art of tea isn’t soley about the health benefits; it’s also a spiritual journey. The Chinese tea ritual or "Cha Dao," meaning the Way of Tea, is an illustration of this. Rooted in Taoist principles, Cha Dao is a spiritual practice that helps cultivators achieve peace and self-realization through preparing and partaking in tea with mindfulness and intention [3]. It emphasizes the harmony between humans and nature. Practicing rituals, especially during times of uncertainty is a proven way to reduce anxiety. There are countless things outside our your control, but daily rituals provide consistency, a rhythm, and predictability that is incredibly grounding.
Creating the Ultimate Sauna and Tea Experience
Our favorite ritual of Hot Cold Relax Repeat stands alone as a wellness ritual, helping you sink deeper into your body and mind. But there are countless opportunities to enhance this experience and create your our bathhouse ritual.
Come with friends, or enjoy a moment of quiet introspection, as people have done for centuries around the world. Bring a book and settle into a quiet corner in between rounds of sauna. Or simply, enjoy a cup of tea, thoughtfully prepared by a member of the team.
Citing our sources:
- Sheila A. Wiseman , Douglas A. Balentine & Balz Frei (1997). Antioxidants in tea, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 37:8, 705-718, DOI: 10.1080/10408399709527798
- A Burcuș et al (2018). Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibacterial Potential of Different Drinks Based on Matcha Tea. IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 374 012072
- Solala Towler (2010). Cha Dao: The Way of Tea, Tea as a Way of Life. Singing Dragon. London.
