It began entirely unplanned, without a clear or structured roadmap—much like many of life's most exhilarating journeys. One event unfolded into another, each seamlessly weaving into the next, until I was drawn into the captivating vortex of a healthy lifestyle, where the art of sauna and the science of human biology converge. And then came another moment, and another—none seeming pivotal on its own, yet together, they gave rise to this book.

Not long ago, one such moment occurred—seemingly small yet surprisingly meaningful, leaving its own quiet but lasting impression.

I encountered a family friend, Cindy, just before the Christmas holidays. During our brief conversation, she shared her plan to take her mother to a spa for the holiday. "Mom has never been to a spa, and if she enjoys it, we'll become regulars," she said, hoping to create lasting memories together. Given my known passion for spas, I anticipated that she would seek advice or recommendations. However, that didn't happen.

We had lunch at my home a few days after Christmas, and I eagerly asked about their spa experience. "It was fine," Cindy replied. But before she could elaborate, her mother interjected, visibly upset: "Fine? I barely survived the boredom! I thought my brain would fry in the sauna. We were exhausted the entire day afterwards!"

As a devoted advocate for spas and especially saunas, I was surprised, though not entirely shocked. Over the years, I've encountered numerous similar experiences during my spa exploration. Curious, I probed further. Initially hesitant, they gradually began to share their thoughts. They praised the spa's beautiful setting, friendly staff, and great prices, even mentioning an available discount. However, despite these positives, they described their experience as a disaster, to the extent that they vowed never to return to the spa and considered posting a negative review online. Why? 

During the ongoing conversation, a surprising realisation emerged: they didn't know how to navigate the spa. Even more perplexingly, they hadn't recognised their lack of knowledge—a classic example of an unconsciousness of not knowing. We laughed at the irony that Cindy hadn't sought my advice because she assumed that using the various facilities would be self-explanatory. Sadly, no staff member was available to assist them, and they felt too embarrassed to ask other visitors for help. Relying on instinct, they sought to discover the spa's magic. Their only guide was observing and mimicking other guests and the hourglass in the sauna. They concluded that a somewhat guidebook would have been invaluable, particularly concerning sauna use.

Regrettably, their experience isn't unique. Many newcomers encounter similar challenges on their first spa visit. I can relate; my initial spa experience was lacklustre, akin to a disappointing first time making love—great expectations met with the mundane reality of inexperience. I left wondering about the actual value of spas and saunas.

It would be interesting to explore how many first-time visitors have similar experiences and how many decide not to return to the spa for these reasons. This unfortunate situation negatively impacts both the clients, who miss out on the health benefits that spas offer, and the service providers, who lose the chance to acquire new regular clients.

However, the story doesn't end here. A few days later, I visited the same hotel spa to see if Cindy's experience was an isolated incident. The setup and environment were indeed impressive—well-designed, clean, and equipped with all the amenities a connoisseur would expect. Intending to experience it as a beginner, I approached the staff for a spa tour and guidance on using the sauna.

Initially surprised, the staff informed me that the spa manager was the only one qualified to guide me, but she was currently occupied. After flipping through some spa magazines in the waiting room, the manager finally arrived, apologised for the wait, and invited me on a tour. When we arrived at the sauna, I requested more detailed instructions on its proper usage. To my astonishment, she mentioned that neither she nor her staff use the sauna and could not assist me regarding this matter.

After the tour, I introduced myself and suggested organising a workshop for their staff on the benefits and proper use of the sauna. Her response was disheartening; she insisted they didn't need such a workshop, claiming they already knew everything one needed to know about the sauna. Besides, she added that most of their customers are seasoned spa users, so they see no point in my proposal. Immediately afterwards, she apologised as her next client waited for her to conduct a massage. 

I have to admit. I was genuinely stunned by the experience, not because the spa manager personally administered the massages, though it is impressive to think someone could excel at both roles simultaneously. Also, not because she dismissed my proposal without contemplating the potential benefits. What stood out was her unawareness of how the absence of clear instructions about spa protocols and their benefits could lead to the loss of potential clients. This encounter perfectly illustrated the root causes behind the subpar performance that many spas experience.

Reflecting on Cindy's and her mom's experiences, I wondered how I could encourage them to give themselves another chance. Since it was Christmas time—a season of giving—I thought about buying them a book that would explain the use and effects of saunas in a straightforward yet professional manner. Since I couldn't find such a book, I wrote it myself.

My deep interest in saunas and their effects did not arise suddenly or by chance; it evolved over time. The journey began in a rather typical fashion: after navigating numerous entrepreneurial challenges, I faced some worrisome health issues that compelled me to explore health-enhancing practices. This exploration ignited a deep fascination with the transformative impact of healthy living, particularly the role of the sauna, which I now regard as one of the cornerstones of wellness, besides healthy food, regular exercise and meditation.

Over the years, I have devoted myself to studying this field, meticulously reviewing scientific articles and research from leading experts worldwide. This sustained dedication gradually inspired me to pursue a new path focused on sharing and disseminating the valuable insights I have gained.

This book is the culmination of that journey. It combines the latest findings of top scientists with lessons from my personal experiences and observations, offering a comprehensive perspective on the profound benefits of regular sauna use.