How to use a Sauna safely?
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
There is couple of points to follow if you want to use sauna safely. You really need to follow them, because otherwise you may hurt yourself or somebody who is with you for the first time and do not know what to do.
1. Before you go too sauna make sure that you are healthy and you have no medical issue. I wrote about reasons of not going to sauna here. Please read them now if you decide to visit the sauna for the first time.
2. Get all the equipment you need. You might need a big towel, mostly provided in sauna but still good to have with you; flip flops or any shoes comfortable for you in hot temperatures; bottle of water; sauna brush – some people use it in the sauna to improve blood circulation and for better skin cleansing; shampoo and a soap – sometimes provided in the sauna facility as well.
3. Before you enter the sauna you might ask the person in charge about the temperature and also about any special regulation they have. At some places they keep some local rituals or have some days in a week just for ladies. I visit a place where it is not allowed to enter sauna at certain times when aroma is applied on hot stones. When you get the information enter the sauna and find a place. Some saunas have theater like benches around the hot stove with stones. Just sit down on one of the lower benches on your towel or a sheet.
The higher you sit down the hotter it gets. The temperature is normally about 194°F (90°C). If you do not feel well for any reason, while inside, get out immediately.
4. Do not stay too long in there for the first time. However you can stay in for up to 15 minutes. After you come out, take a cold shower or get a quick cold bath. If you cannot stand the cold, get a lukewarm shower. Then it is time to rest. Find a place for a rest and take it easy. Relax as long as you wish and drink water.
5. After the relaxation go to sauna again. It may take up to 30 minutes or longer to enter the sauna again. I take just 10 minutes of relaxation before I enter the sauna again. I repeat the same procedure again. Sweat up to 20 minutes, get out and cold shower, relax.
6. Usually you repeat the process two or three times. After this you can go into a quiet room, some saunas have it, and relax there. You can take a nap if you have time. Again drink some water before you fall asleep.
7. Do not drink too much alcohol before, during or after the sauna visit. You can have a beer or two but remember that you just cleansed your body from toxins. It is better to drink water or juice. Many times you will feel just tired after the sauna. Make the best out of the sauna visit and just take it easy for the rest of the day.
Sauna visits will relax you in a way that you will feel much better. I usually leave sauna as a different person. I leave all my stress and worries in sauna. As if I sweat it all out. So make sure you enjoy it so that you come back again, again and again.
Happy sweating.
Maroschief.