Do you know how to take a sauna?
When using a Finnish sauna, it is important to remember the correct way to take a sauna and the conditions that need to be monitored in the sauna. There are three basic parameters that need to be monitored during a sauna session: the air temperature, the humidity in the cabin and the length of time you spend in the sauna.
Nomadic tribes in the 5th century already knew how to keep themselves warm. Never mind that they didn’t know what to call the ritual at the time, or that the future magic room would be so important to the rest of us over the centuries. They were a long way from knowing how to take a sauna. Whatever your reasons for visiting a sauna today, it has its own rules that are worth following to enhance the effects.
How to sauna properly – the history of sauna use from ancient tribes to Finnish certainty
Since ancient times, the human mind has been in “warm and survive” mode. Getting warm hasn’t always been a matter of course, unless you live in the twenty-first century with a radiator humming at your feet. Or – when you can go to the sauna at any time. Archaeological finds prove the importance of saunas and how to use them properly. Back then, the nomadic Scythian tribe essentially created the perfect steam room in their tents.
From the fireplace, the Scythians would carry hot stones onto which they would continuously pour water, sit in a circle and relax. They would then cool their overheated bodies in the cold stream. They intuitively believed that this ritual would improve the body’s resistance to the diseases that plagued them. And within a few thousand years, their beliefs were scientifically confirmed.
The Scythians later migrated across several countries until they landed in a land they called Suomi – modern-day FINLAND. It was there that the more familiar story began to be written. If anyone knew how to take a sauna, it was the Finns.
More tips on how to sauna properly. Choosing a bench is important!
Most saunas have several benches at different heights. And it’s not just for design reasons. It is because of the larger number of people who come to the sauna. But many of you will be surprised to learn that each bench has a different temperature. While the lower benches have a temperature of around 60°C, the higher benches reach up to 90°C at head height. The humidity in a Finnish sauna should be between 5% and 15% at the level of the second bench. By choosing a bench and sitting or lying on it, you can regulate the conditions you want to be exposed to.
Step-by-step guide to the sauna
-Before entering the sauna, wash yourself thoroughly with soap and drink plenty of water.
-You can sit or lie down in the sauna, but lying down will give you a better effect as your body will warm up more evenly.
-Always stand up slowly from the benches to avoid feeling dizzy.
-Take a good shower when you leave the sauna.
-Then go to the cooling pool – don’t overdo the cooling time so that your body doesn’t get too cold.
-Then wash again, as not everyone will shower after the sauna before entering the cooling pool.
-Dry off, wrap yourself in a dry bathrobe and just relax.
-Remember that you should spend as much time relaxing as you spend in the sauna. Then you can repeat the whole sauna ritual.
-Increase the temperature of your sauna slowly and gradually. Going from higher to lower temperatures has no effect.
The right way to sauna, or the experts’ recommendations for healthy sauna use
If there are three benches in the sauna, the lower one is used as an acclimatisation bench because the air is cooler and more humid. After entering the sauna, you can spend some time on this bench before getting used to the warm environment and moving upstairs.
Whether you choose a sauna with two or three sessions depends on three factors: how you feel, how much time you have and how much experience you have with Finnish saunas. But remember that a proper and healthy sauna session consists of three phases:
The first step is preparation
It is a good idea to wash and dry yourself thoroughly before going into the sauna. This will remove grease from your skin, which can slow down the sweating process. Before entering the sauna, you should take off your clothes and any metal objects such as jewellery or glasses.
The second stage is to warm up. The first session should last 8-12 minutes.
If you do not visit the Finnish sauna regularly, or if it is your first time, you should start with a shorter warm-up time, but not with the lower temperatures on the first bench. The temperature difference between the benches can be up to 30°C, so it is better to lie down or sit with your feet at the same level. This allows your body to absorb the heat evenly. Lie down or sit still. A minute or two before the end, it is a good idea to restore circulation by lowering your legs and stretching your ankles. This will prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure when you leave the sauna.
After your body has completely cooled down, enjoy a good rest
Then you can continue the sauna treatment by repeating the whole cycle. Of course, you can apply it only once and increase the intensity of the treatment by pouring the stones while in the sauna. After pouring the stones, the humidity in the cabin rises sharply. This stops or reduces the perspiration for a few moments, which cools your body down, so that it warms up more rapidly.
Whether you apply the entire sauna cycle once, twice or three times, never skip the final rest. Do not leave the sauna area until your body has cooled completely and your circulation has returned to normal. And if you already know how to sauna properly, don’t forget the most important thing – to be able to turn your head off and enjoy the present moment.
Quality saunas from TAO
Our company specialises in the sale of quality saunas, pools and hot tubs. We also carry out exclusive private and commercial spas. What sets us apart?
-A choice of Finnish saunas, steam saunas or combined infrared and bio saunas.
–The durability and quality of our products.
-We offer TAO design saunas manufactured in the Czech Republic.
Custom-made saunas with salt wall, starry sky, glass wall, light therapy, decoration, etc.
-Advice, care and quality service.
