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International Sauna Association (ISA)
The International Sauna Association (ISA) is an association of national and other sauna societies, organisations and private people. It was founded in 1958 with the office in Germany . After 20 years quite slow activities it was reborn in 1977 in Helsinki Finland and the office was agreed to be in Helsinki.
The founding members were Austria , Germany , Finland and Japan and they are continuously members. Besides those there are 20 other members including all the important sauna countries. The President has been all these years from Finland.
ISA and its members shall pursue the goal of publicizing the sauna and promoting its use on a global scale by rallying supporters of sauna activities in different countries.
This goal is served e.g. by acceptance of the Definition of Sauna recorded in Aachen , Germany 1999 as well as promoting the scientific studies of the sauna from e.g. such viewpoints as social history, folklore, medicine and technology. A particular emphasis is given to the collection and compilation in archives of the results of such scientific studies as well as other written material on sauna.
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Sauna aid
Sauna Aid is a multicountry initiative, sponsored by the International Sauna Association (ISA), to provide movable sauna facilities and supportive services to people facing natural and man-made disasters.
During the 2011 Fukushima tsunami and nuclear plant accident, ISA and the Japanese Sauna Society maintained a tent sauna for five weeks and used it for decontamination and cleaning of over a thousand locals.
Sauna Aid is now focused on the war in Ukraine. The sauna, or laznia/banya, as it is known among Ukrainians, is an important part of everyday life and provides a means of hygiene, stress relief, socialization, psychological comfort, and social identity. It is not considered a luxury, nor is it only about cleanliness. It is a social event that brings together the young and the old, the rich and the poor and promotes peace and a common sense of humanity. Ukrainians call the banya their “second mother”.
Saunaletter 5/2021
Dear ISA members and other saunalovers Something is happening during this summer even though Covid 19 is still causing trouble for the sauna industry and sauna goers. Especially the public saunas are suffering in many places because of lockdowns etc. This time the...
SAUNALETTER-1 2021
Dear members of ISA and other Saunalovers The new year has been starting with some bad news from the Covid19front. In many countries there are lockdowns of saunas etc. public placesand if not a lock down anyway the people do not want to come becausethey are afraid of...
SAUNALETTER-5 2020
Dear ISA Members and other Saunalovers The COVID19 is still on and in actual case becoming more serious a problem in many countries. Most of the events are cancelled and the only way to communicate is via net and net meetings. E.g. ISA has the next Board Meeting via...
NEWS
70th DGfdB Congress in Stuttgart with International Session
Congress within the framework of interbad 2024 / Exciting modules under themotto "Smart and sustainable" The German Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry (DGfdB)and Messe Stuttgart are delighted to announce the forthcoming DGfdB Congress2024,...
SANNA2024!
SANNA2024! An open saunas weekend in the District is coming again. On 19 and 20 October 2024, a variety of vigil saunas and sauna families will open their doors and hearts to coexist with saunas and rural charms. The sauna connects people, heals and opens up the sauna...
Discover the Art of Lithuanian Pirtis: A Holistic Sauna Experience
The International Sauna Association is thrilled to highlight an enriching opportunity in Lithuania for enthusiasts and newcomers alike: the Lithuanian Pirtis Basic Master Course, starting September 13, 2024, at the serene Sauna Garden in Vilnius. This foundational...
Regarding the sauna and the coronavirus
There is a lot of misleading information circulating on the subject of the sauna and the coronavirus. Here is a statement the International Sauna Association drafted. It has been reviewed by medical experts for accuracy.