The Sauna

The Sauna

What is a sauna?

The sauna tradition was started by the Finns almost two thousand years ago. In fact, the Finns attribute their longevity to the tradition of the sauna. The sauna is essentially a wooden room heated to a temperature of 160 - 190 degrees F by stones, ensuring a natural environment. The heat opens the pores of your skin and flushes out the body's impurities and toxins through perspiration. It is a relaxing and fun way to keep your muscles supple and your body cleansed.

What are its benefits?

Cleanses your body through perspiration and eliminates dead skin, stale body oil and sebum from the system.
Helps improve circulation. As the body temperature increases, blood vessels dilate and the blood circulation increases.
As resistance to blood flow drops, blood pressure drops and the heartbeat increases to keep the blood pressure normal, thus strengthening the cardiovascular system.
Clears the complexion and deep cleanses the skin.
Eases joint pain
Relaxes muscles
Reduces stiffness and increases the body's flexibility
Helps control weight to a less extent by burning calories.
Reduces stress and relaxes mind, body and soul.

When should you sauna?

You could use the sauna at any time, in any weather. Use it if you are tired and need to relax, de-stress or simply to pamper yourself. If you work out, the ideal way to end your exercise session is by relaxing in the sauna. It helps muscles recover from strain, thus reducing the next-day soreness you feel after a strenuous workout. This is why you'll see that most saunas are attached to a gymnasium.

How should you use a sauna?

Take a shower and enter the sauna.
Sprinkle a few drops of water on the stone to increase the humidity slightly and help you adjust to the heat.
Start at the lower bench for about 3 minutes, so that your body adjusts to the heat. After that, move on to a higher bench.
Lie down on your back for maximum relaxation.
It is preferable to place a towel on the bench before sitting or lying down, for hygienic reasons.
Leave the sauna room after ten to fifteen minutes and have a shower. Once your body cools down to its normal temperature, enter the sauna room again. Repeat this cycle thrice. But don't stay longer than you feel comfortable. You could start out by staying in for less time, and gradually increase the duration. The moment you feel uncomfortable, experience dizziness or a general feeling of ill health, leave the sauna.
Finish off with a cold shower and gradually increase the heat till the water warms up. Get dressed once your body has cooled down to its normal temperature.

Remember

The weight loss that occurs while taking a sauna is only water weight. Make sure you drink up after a sauna session to avoid dehydration.
People with heart ailments, respiratory problems and older people should first check with their doctor before using a sauna.
Don't eat food or drink alcohol prior to a sauna session.
True, a sauna has great benefits, but it alone is not going to get your body into top physical condition. You'll still have to stick to that exercise and diet plan. (Damn!)

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