The door closes behind you, and a wave of soothing warmth envelops your body. The air is dry, the silence profound, and the faint scent of wood adds to the tranquil ambience. That’s the beauty of a sauna bath, more than relaxation—it’s an immersive retreat that resets both mind and body.
What is a Sauna?
A sauna is a small room or cabin designed for the enjoyment of heat to induce relaxation and therapy. It employs dry heat, with a temperature range of 70 to 100 degrees Celsius, and intense sweating follows to help eliminate toxins and rejuvenate. Originated in Finland, saunas have long been used as a cornerstone of wellness practices, offering natural relaxation and rejuvenation for body and mind.
Modern usages for saunas come in various versions such as the wood-heated sauna and the infrared sauna, which uses infrared light to heat the body directly rather than the surrounding air. This makes for a variety that allows users to choose which sauna type suits their preferences and health needs. Saunas differ from steam rooms in that they are dry-heat saunas, rather than moist heated rooms.
Regular sauna sessions offer physical benefits like improved circulation and detoxification and also mental wellness, making them a favoured choice in homes, gyms, and wellness centres worldwide.
How to Use a Sauna for Health Benefits?
Steps to a rewarding sauna experience:- Prep Your Body: Take a warm shower to clean your skin and open the pores before entering the sauna. Dry yourself completely to allow easy sweating once seated inside.
- Hydrate: It is very important to drink enough water before entering the sauna to avoid dehydration. A heavy meal or alcohol is inappropriate before sauna use, as it may influence the body's heat regulation capability.
- Time Limits: For the first few saunas, start as low as 5 to 10 minutes; as your body adjusts, increase the time. For frequent sauna use, the time limit would be 15 to 20 minutes. Prolonged sitting may lead to overheating or dehydration.
- Take it Steady: Be at ease, lying or seated inside while allowing your body to sweat. Try deep breathing to enhance relaxation. Some opt to alternate heat and cold: step outside for a short cool-off before stepping back in.
- Completing the Sauna: Leave the sauna, cool off outside, or have a cold shower that would help your body adjust to normal body temperature. Relax for 10-15 minutes and ensure adequate fluid intake to recharge fluids lost.
- How Often: For best results from sauna therapy, say 2-3 times a week depending on the type of sauna and its intensity. Each time will enhance detoxification, muscle relaxation, and stress reduction.
