How to Use Saunas
A sauna can be enjoyable, but it can also provide many health benefits. It can be a relaxing, healing and detoxifying experience. From Roman bath houses to sweat lodges to Finnish saunas, people throughout history used saunas in one form or another. In many cultures, a sauna was an important part of people's bathing customs. Today, sauna use is still quite popular. However, to have an enjoyable and safe experience, it is important to use a sauna properly.
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Instructions
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1
Rinse off body dirt or oils by taking a shower prior to entering the sauna. Drink one glass of water or juice before entering the sauna. Detoxification through sweating is one function of a sauna, but it may also lead to dehydration.
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2
Abide by the rules if you are using a public sauna. Many public saunas require that you wear a bathing suit or wrap a towel around yourself while others may allow you to be nude. In your private sauna, you can opt to go nude, but use a towel to sit on and a small towel to wipe off excess sweat. You may choose to wear sandals at a public sauna.
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3
Enter the sauna slowly and choose a bench that is best for you. If this is your first sauna session, then a lower bench may be better until you get use to the heat. People who are seasoned sauna users usually choose the higher benches where it is hotter. Sit and relax in the sauna for 10 to 15 minutes if this is your first time in a sauna. More experienced sauna users may stay up to 30 minutes, but they should not exceed this time limit.
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4
Keep conversation to a minimum while in the sauna. People use saunas to relax and refresh the mind. Observe proper etiquette and respect fellow sauna users, especially if you are in a public sauna room.
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5
Leave the sauna after the suggested time periods in Step 3 and cool down by taking a cool shower. You should also leave the sauna anytime you feel unwell or uncomfortable. Staying in a sauna for long periods can cause dehydration.
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Repeat the cycle of sauna and cooling down in Steps 3 to Step 5 if you so desire. A sauna session with two to three cycles can last between 30 minutes to an hour. Be sure to finish your sauna session with a shower. Drink some water or juice afterward to restore lost body fluids.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are using a public sauna, see the rules and guidelines that are usually posted near the sauna area. There are different types of saunas such as infrared or traditional that you can try. See the Resources for an explanation on these variations.
Avoid using alcohol and medications before and after using a sauna. If you have any medical conditions or are pregnant, consult with your health care provider before having a sauna session.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons, http://www.flickr.com/photos/miikas/419823463/sizes/l/
