Using the sauna
before
the sauna...
... during
the sauna
M
ake sure you have enough time: a sauna cycle (multiple sessions) requires approx. two
hours. Indulge yourself in the benefits which can only be provided by this rhythmic al-
ternation between hot and cold. In any case, trust your body entirely: it is your body that ulti-
mately defines sauna duration, frequency and how it figures in your life.
Do not start using the sauna immediately after eating: after a meal, it is best to wait
at least three hours so that your body has time to digest the food; if you have not eaten,
a light snack is appropriate so as to not put pressure on the body in terms of digestion.
Try and only drink before (particularly after intense physical exercise) and/or after ha-
ving a sauna (even between one sauna and the next, if you are planning on having more
than one); if possible, do not drink liquids during the sauna, otherwise you reduce the
purifying effects.
Drinking a hot herbal tea before using the sauna prepares the body for sweating.
Ensure that you have removed any rings, necklaces, etc. especially if they are
made of metal; the aforementioned may become extremely hot when exposed to
the high sauna temperatures.
Do not wear glasses - they will immediately become misty.
It is possible to wear contact lenses even if the surface can become hot and dry: in
such an instance, it is advisable to repeatedly close your eyelids in order to keep the actu-
al lenses moist.
Do not, under any circumstances, bring mobile telephones, digital hand-held devices,
etc., into the sauna with you; if nothing else, they compromise the idea of relaxation!
Take a shower, as hot as you like; this is an important stage in order to remove traces of im-
purities and any cosmetic products from the skin. Dry off well: skin must be completely dry.
You can extend the above stage by immersing your feet in hot water for some time
(approximately 5 minutes in water with a temperature of 40 °C).
t the beginning, a sauna session can last approx. 8-12 minutes; afterwards, you can stay
A
longer (15 minutes). In any case, listen to your body and your intuition: the sauna session
is not a competition to see who can last the longest: if you feel you need to leave after only five
minutes, do so.
If seated, always place a towel under where you are seated, on your back and under
your feet.
You will not require head covering, as the heat of the sauna will not damage your
hair in any way.
Nude, (as any type of clothing, particularly synthetic clothing, hinders perspira-
tion) sit or lie on the preferred bench, bearing in mind that the further from the ground you
are, the higher the temperature, subsequently the greater the sweating; initially, it is best to
use the lower bench or the stool in order to gradually get used to the temperature.
ATTENTION! Do not hang towels on the wooden heater cover: they may catch fire!
If possible, a couple of minutes before leaving the sauna, gently pour water onto the
stones in order to swiftly increase the heat and air humidity, subsequently increasing
perspiration; if desired, pour your preferred essence into the water first.
33