Sauna Science Playground

Hi, I’m Alena and I Looooove a good sauna.

Steam guide and educator · PhD in physics

Sauna can be one of the easiest, most joyful ways to relax — and I wanted to understand why.

It turns out understanding changes things. When you know what your body is doing, you can adjust a few things to enjoy it more, and you relax deeper.

So I share what I know. I would love for more people to enjoy this, and to pass it on.

5 years of steam · 7 countries · 380+ hours of somatic practice · IFS trained

More about my path, training and practice

Origin · Vladivostok · PhD

Born in Vladivostok. A PhD in experimental physics — a doctorate in Germany, then two postdocs, in the USA and in Cambridge. That scientific foundation stayed with me, and it shapes how I work with the body in the steam.

15 years · rhythmic gymnastics

Fifteen years in sport. I learned a great deal through the body. Today, attention to sensation and respect for boundaries matter deeply to me.

Career · Deloitte · Sustainability

Strategy consulting at Deloitte, in the Sustainability practice. Experience with structure and complex problems — now useful when I consult on thermal spaces.

2020 · the first ceremonial steam

It happened at a regional Burning Man. I walked into a ceremonial steam space and never left. I have not stopped since.

5 years · 7 countries

Steamed in Russia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Lithuania and Germany. Hundreds of guests. Camp lead of Banya Alpacas and NII Banya; worked at Waking Life and at regional Burning Man.

Now · body · IFS · 380+ hours

Over 380 hours of somatic practice — steam, massage, somatic therapy. I practise IFS, and use elements of the method in the steam to work with mental load.

the playground

What to expect.

1 hour

Science in human language

Your questions first, then the physics of heat.

What heat actually does in the body.
How hot, how long, how many rounds.
The cold, and why it’s optional.
The rules, and how to adapt them.

2.5 hours

Into the steam

Four rounds, with a pause after each.

Round 1 — I guide. You lie back.
Rounds 2 and 3 — your first whisk. Three moves, then you swap.
Round 4 — my closing round. You just enjoy it.

30 minutes

Landing it together

Questions, and how to keep it going at home.

Honestly: the basics and a first go — enough to carry on by yourself, and enjoy it.

after the steam

What people say.

“I felt empowered to host my own little session afterwards — and I did. The explanations and the practical part had me relaxed and confident giving it.”Jannis
“Very down to earth. There was a simplicity in how you held the space, and I felt real depth and care in it too.”Jessia
“Steam as a healing modality was completely new to me. I left with a much better view on sauna construction, ventilation and storage, as well as the steam work we did.”Joshua
“I’ve been to plenty of community saunas, but they were always unstructured. Yours was my first guided practice, and it went much deeper.”Jordan
“The main thing that stuck with me is, as a facilitator, to do what feels good for me.”Yaval

before you come

Any questions?

Do I need any experience?

None at all. Most people come having only been to ordinary saunas, and have never held a whisk. We start right at the beginning.

What do I wear, and what do I bring?

Swimwear, a towel and flip-flops. Bring water. There is a changing room at Inyo, and a snack for afterwards is a very good idea — heat makes people hungry.

Do I have to do the cold?

No. We talk about what cooling is for and how to do it well, and then you choose.

We work in pairs — what does that mean?

One person lies down and enjoys it, the other works with the whisk, and then you swap.

Can I stay out of the hot room?

Yes. You set your own pace — step out whenever you like, come back when you are ready.

Is heat safe for me?

Heat is a real load on the heart and circulation. If you are pregnant, take medication, or have a heart, blood-pressure or other condition, check with your doctor before booking. Please come sober and tell me beforehand about anything I should know.

Terms and safety

Your health

You take part at your own risk and stay responsible for your own health and wellbeing throughout. Tell me beforehand about any condition, injury, medication or pregnancy. Come sober — alcohol and heat do not mix.

In the steam

Follow the guidance given in the hot room. Leave whenever you need to, and say so if anything feels wrong. Everything is optional: the heat, the cold, the whisk.

Liability

The Playground is educational. It is not medical care, therapy or diagnosis, and it does not replace them. I take part as a facilitator, and I am not liable for injury, health consequences or loss of belongings arising from your participation.

Payment and cancellation

The place is confirmed once payment is received. Cancel more than 7 days before the date and you get a full refund; after that the place can be passed to someone else. If I have to cancel, you get a full refund.

Photos

Photos may be taken only with your consent. Just say if you would rather not be in them.

Sauna Science Playground

You already love the sauna. Let’s find out how it works.

This one’s for you.

What to expect.

Science in human language

Into the steam

Landing it together

What people say.

When, where, how much.

This is the last one.

Any questions?

See you in the steam.

From the steam.