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In this documentary series, sweat bathing guru Mikkel Aaland, author of the 70s classic, Sweat, teams up with local guides and hosts and retraces his steps in search of the Perfect Sweat. What he finds after nearly 45 years is an explosive rebirth of the ancient bathing traditions, traditions which include community rituals that are meant to revive the human spirit and change the world.
Cast: Elizabet Narin Kurumlu, Teresa Yung, Mikkel Aaland
Director: Kaoru Ima, Sasha Kulak, Michiko Zentoh
In Finland, it is estimated that there are 3.5 million saunas. They even exist in fast food restaurants. And no steam is left unexplored with guide Samuel Aarnio, who represents a younger generation that holds fast to the centuries-old sweat bathing tradition.
35 minutes
In regions along the Italian-German border, a very unique tradition has grown. Guide Christine Rose shows Mikkel that a sauna is nothing without a show when it comes to the ritual of Aufguss, an art form that melds cultures and steam bathing traditions. Aufguss uses balls of ice, infused with essential oils upon sauna rocks, and integrates the act of towel waving to enhance the aromatics.
30 minutes
An ancient Russian tradition that was widely established with public baths in city centers, the banya is experiencing a new wave of enthusiasm among young people. Banya blogger Anna Artemieva shows Mikkel how the next generation has embraced the banya as ritual, with friends and alone, to heal the mind and cleanse the soul.
35 minutes
Together they visit a 700-year-old Kara-furo that is still in use today, experience an immersive exhibit that combines sweat bathing with taking in artwork, as well as join in on two tent sauna parties, where participants sweat, jump into a nearby lake, and enjoy nature.
35 minutes
Ancient architecture and ancient bathing traditions are infused in the culture of modern-day Turkey. Starting in Istanbul, Mikkel visits stunning architectural wonders and learns about the rich history of textiles and other materials critical for enjoying the hamam bathing experience to the fullest.
35 minutes
Thanks to his Norwegian roots, Mikkel's love for sweat bathing started with the badstue. From his father's home in Ulefoss, Mikkel begins a journey through Norway with guide Lasse Eriksen.What was once a sleepier town when Mikkel visited over 40 years ago, Oslo is now home to numerous floating saunas and badstues that culturally and architecturally expand the meaning of sweat bathing.
30 minutes
The Playa is a harsh landscape, with high temperatures that make sweat bathing seem unthinkable. But Mikkel and his guides, Teresa Yung and Zack Robertson, explore the growing community of sweat bathing lovers who make the annual trek to Burning Man.
30 minutes
