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TAKING A SAUNA BATH
The sauna as we know it comes from Finland. Taking a sauna bath induces excessive perspiration, which cleanses the
skin. It stimulates circulation and reduces muscular tension. It can also be an excellent relaxational or social activity.
Not to be confused with a steam bath, a sauna is a dry heat bath. The relative humidity rarely exceeds 30% even in a
wet sauna. This is because the sauna is made of porous wood and absorbs moisture. This makes higher temperatures
more tolerable.
Shown below are the steps that are involved in taking a traditional bath. You may or may not want to adhere to this
regimen.
TRADITIONAL STEPS IN TAKING A SAUNA BATH
STEP #1 - Set your heater so that the sauna room achieves the desired temperature, usually between 150º F and 170º
F. As a novice, you should begin at the lower end of this range and work your way up to the higher temperatures over
several sauna baths.
STEP #2 - Remove all clothing (except maybe your swimsuit), eyeglasses, contact lenses, jewelry, etc. Take a quick
shower with warm water and soap, or a quick dip in your hot tub or swimming pool.
STEP #3 - Enter the sauna initially for about 5 to 15 minutes. Bring a towel into the sauna onto which you can sit or lay.
Leave the sauna room once you have begun to perspire freely.
STEP #4 - Now you may take a cold plunge in your swimming pool, shower or snow bank. After that, relax and cool
down for another 10 to 20 minutes.
STEP #5 - Re-enter the sauna. On this return visit you may wish to sprinkle small amounts of water onto the stones,
creating bursts of steam. If the water spills through the heater and onto the floor, you are using too much, although this
will not hurt the heater or the sauna.
STEP #6 - After your final visit to the sauna, relax for at least 20 minutes. Shower with soap and warm water. Finish
your shower with cooler water to close the pores of your skin. Dress only after you have cooled down completely.
NOTE:
Whatever your sauna regimen,
it is important that you keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water!
MAINTAINING YOUR SAUNA
Inside the sauna, certain areas will eventually darken due to normal use and the effects of perspiration. This can be
minimized, but not eliminated. Occasionally scrub down the inside with baking soda and water to remove the odor and
stains of perspiration. Light sanding can also be effective but should be kept to a minimum.