Sauna Science + Master Training — Durham

Have you ever wondered...

• What physiological shifts occur when the body is exposed to extreme heat?

• What makes a person sweat and how does the body use electrolytes?

• What is the healthiest position to sit in a sauna?

• Are my Aufguss sessions releasing formaldehyde?

We’re excited to invite you to the first-ever Sauna Science + Master Training in the US, presented in partnership with the Deutsche Sauna Akademie. Previously available only in German, this elite training is now accessible to American participants for the first time. It is ideal for health professionals, trainers, sauna operators, and enthusiasts.

Instructor Nate Daubert is the first American to earn full certification from the Deutsche Sauna Akademie. With a background in German studies, design, data science – and having toured over 80 spas worldwide – he brings a unique blend of global insight and technical knowledge to the American sauna culture.

Dr. Karsten Gröning, director of the Deutsche Sauna Akademie, will be present to showcase his recently translated sauna master training book that the curriculum is based on. He has been a leading voice in European sauna education for over 20 years. His method blends tradition with scientific rigor, empowering professionals to deliver safer, evidence-based sauna experiences.

We are offering two versions of the course:

1. A 2-day lecture series on Sauna Science that includes a ~600 page textbook 
2. A 4-day Sauna Science + Master Training includes textbook and Aufguss towel.

Participants must be at least 18 years old

Itinerary

Sept 15 – 16 | 9am-5pm

Sauna Science @ American Underground 
Catered Breakfast and Lunch

Topics

• The History of the Sauna

• Types of Bathing

• The Health-Oriented Bathing Process

• Physics of Sauna Bathing

• Heat Transfer in the Sauna

• Properties of Wood in Saunas

• Basics of Aromatherapy

• Aufguss Infusion Science

• Aufguss Infusion Safety

• Specialized Aufguss (Salt, Honey, Coffee, Sugar,Menthol Crystals, etc)

• Pharmacology of Aufguss Infusions

• Physiological Principles of Sauna Bathing

• The Skin and Sweat Mechanisms in the Sauna

• The Cardiovascular System in the Sauna

• The Respiratory System in the Sauna

• The Nervous System in the Sauna

• Indications and Contraindications

• Hydration

• Health Incidents in the Sauna

• Preventive Measures

• Hygiene and Risk of Infection in Saunas
  

Sept 17 | 9am-8pm

How to respond to health incidents @ Sauna House
Catered Breakfast and Lunch, Dinner Out

What happens when the body under heat stress reaches its limit? This full-day training addresses real-world health scenarios that can occur in high-heat environments. Learn how to safely respond to incidents such as fainting, slips, burns, or acute cardiovascular events—especially in the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive. We’ll also tackle practical biomechanics: for example, how do you safely lower a 220lb person from the upper bench without causing further harm?

Sept 18 | 9am-5pm

Aufguss essential training @ Sauna House
Catered Breakfast and Lunch
Written and practical exam to receive completion certificate.

Explore the thermal, sensory, and ritual dimensions of Aufguss, the structured heat and aroma therapy originating in Germany. Participants will learn the physics of air movement, olfactory scent design, and the fundamentals of towel technique and choreographed performance. Includes instruction on creating aroma snowballs, designing sessions, and optimizing a daily Aufguss schedule for employee safety.

Includes professional Aufguss towel.

Online Course

Roughly one month prior to the in-person training, participants will receive access to approximately 20 hours of pre-recorded video lectures and worksheets. These materials can be reviewed at your own pace and revisited anytime—before or after the live course—for continued reinforcement and reference.

Textbook

Your ticket includes a comprehensive ~600-page textbook, one of the most detailed English-language resources available on sauna science. With over 200 scientific charts and diagrams, this book serves as both a study companion and long-term reference guide.

Locations

American Underground

201 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
On September 15th and 16th we will be in hosting two days of sauna science lectures at American Underground, a co-working space in downtown Durham. 

Sauna House

326 W Geer St, Durham, NC 27701
On September 17th and 18th we will be at Sauna House learning how to respond to health incidents and Aufguss essential training.

Durham Hotel

315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701

Hotel is not included in the price, but we have partnered with the Durham hotel, a mid-century modern boutique hotel to provide a room at a discounted rate. If you are interested in staying at the group hotel, please note that in checkout and we will forward you booking information.