Your research into how to use a sauna has probably turned up a few guidelines for customs and etiquette when visiting public saunas, but how about some ideas on how to improve the whole experience?
Here are five sauna tips that will make your experience a more enjoyable one.
1. Always Shower First
Whether you use a private home sauna or a communal one at a health club, the best results are achieved when you start with a shower. It’s not only hygienic; you’ll actually sweat more if you shower first.
You want the extremes of hot and cold to be invigorating as the body works hard to increase sweat production to cool itself and open the pores. Our tip: after using the sauna, another shower will close up your pores and leave your skin and hair deeply cleansed. And don’t use any lotions before you go in; they will only clog the pores.
2. Taking a Beating
Tips on how to use Finnish saunas often involve the use of birch branches. During the second or third 15-minute sauna session, use a vihta or whisk to beat yourself or your partner. The green birch branches are thin enough that they really don’t hurt, but they do stimulate circulation and loosen dead skin cells.
3. Time Yourself
The sauna session is meant to be 5 to 15 minutes long, so take the time to get accustomed to the heat before attempting longer sessions. Don’t try for any world records if you’re just learning how to use a sauna.
If you feel lightheaded or faint, you must leave the sauna immediately to start the cool down. More sauna tips: Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and afterwards to rehydrate your body. You should also avoid alcohol, stimulants or any prescribed drugs that might affect your mental capabilities while in a dry sauna.
4. Try Aromatherapy
Aromatic fragrances are used in the sauna for a variety of reasons as they can affect both your mood and health. Here’s how to use them in the sauna: just add a couple of drops of an essential oil such as eucalyptus or peppermint into the bucket of water, then ladle a cupful or two onto the hot rocks. Don’t overuse the oils since they are concentrated, and thus quite powerful. Our sauna tip: read more about essential oils in sauna aroma fragrance accessories.
5. Boost Your Immune System
And here’s our final tip: enjoy the sauna often for overall health. Should you feel a cold or flu coming on, a trip to the sauna may be beneficial in boosting your immune system and zapping the virus.
Once you learn how to use a home sauna for all the various health advantages, you should indulge in saunas as often as possible - daily if you can, or at least several times a week.
If you are wondering how to use a sauna, check this site for more information on the different types of sauna rooms, and how easy and affordable they are to install in your own home.
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