How To Use A SaunaThere really aren’t any strict rules written for how to use a sauna. I’m sure most traditionalists would disagree with me on that, but hey, I'm not much of a traditionalist. Here are some basics on how to use a sauna... Before you go in… Drink up. Drink at least 8 ounces of water. Wait 1 or 2 hours after you eat. In a sauna, blood is moved away from your internal organs toward your skin. If you eat then take a sauna too soon, the food won't be properly digested. The larger the meal, the longer you should wait. Lose the accessories. If you wear jewelry you might want to consider taking it off. It may become hot enough to burn your skin. Sometimes I do wear my watch when I go in. It’s made of stainless steel and it does get hot, but it doesn’t burn my skin. Use your discretion. You might want to take off your glasses if you wear a pair. I’m not sure about contact lenses. Your optometrist should be able to advise you. Clothes or naked? This one is up to you, but wear very light clothes if you use a public sauna and don’t want to be nude. (If you have a home sauna, get as comfy as you want of course) If you’re using an infrared sauna, wear as little to nothing as possible. You don’t want to block some of the infrared rays. Footwear is optional. I wear a pair of sandals at the health club sauna. While you're in there... It's a good idea to sit on a towel, especially if you use a public sauna. At the health club sauna, I carry two towels – one that I sit on, and another to wipe sweat every few minutes or so. There are usually upper and lower sets of benches. Heat rises, so it is noticeably hotter the higher you sit. I'll never forget my first sauna experience... I went inside and chose to sit at the top bench - big mistake. I almost ran out after 5 minutes! I had to gradually build my tolerance for the top level. My point is... If you’re a beginner, you should consider sitting lower to assess your tolerance level. If the sauna has a heater with rocks on top, splashing water over the rocks creates a little steam that will quickly dissipate. Keep in mind that this will temporarily raise the temperature a little bit. How long should you stay? Well, that depends on your preference, tolerance level and overall health status. For example, if you have an acute infection like a cold or the flu, you might want to cut your sessions short until you’re over it. My first few times in a sauna, my sessions lasted about 15 minutes. Now I usually stay for 25 to 30 minutes, however... You should always listen to your body. It will tell you know when you’ve had enough. WARNING! Staying in too long can possibly lead to heat stroke or fainting from overheating. That's why it’s very important to listen to your body! You should definitely consult with your physician if you have any health conditions. When you’re finished… Take a shower with cool or warm water. If possible, don’t wait long to take a shower. There’s a possibility that some toxins may be reabsorbed. Can’t shower right away? Just make sure you wipe yourself down until you do shower. If you really want to be clean, brush yourself off with a loofa or skin brush (including your face and scalp). Something to consider… Sauna expert Dr. Lawrence Wilson, M.D., says it’s best to avoid using soap or shampoo or putting anything on your skin right away as these products clog pores. You should drink 1 or 2 cups of water. If you feel a little fatigued, take a little rest before you resume your regular activities. And that's really all there is about how to use a sauna. A couple more things If you take a music device with you, check your instruction manual first to read what it says about extreme temperatures. Most home saunas include a built in cd/mp3 sound system. If you want, you can add some aroma to really enhance the whole experience! All you need is a drop or two of essential oils on a small plate. As an alternative you can mix the oils with water and splash over the rocks every 5 minutes or so. I’ve done this a few times myself. When the aroma fills the sauna room it really does heighten the whole experience. My favorite combination is lemon and peppermint. You should try it!
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