The traditional sauna ritual was performed in three rounds: honoring the Gods, honoring the ancestors, and honoring members of the community. In between these rounds, it was commonplace to depart from the intense heat, whip oneself with softened birch leaves and swim or douse oneself in cold water, all of which invogorates the senses, increases circulation and clears the mind. During the sauna, while sitting in the heat, it is possible to experience mild hallucinations and the dark, silent, womb-like space help facilitate experiences of being beside oneself.

It is believed by many cultures that smoke and steam animate the spirit/s and breathing the steam is a means to get in touch with divinity.