The North American Sauna Association states that a sauna is a small room that reaches temperatures between 150 and 190 degrees F. A dry sauna uses less steam to heat the room while a wet sauna produces a great deal of steam to produce humidity. A sauna has a variety of health benefits, including pore cleansing, muscle relaxation and reducing the body of harmful toxins. Learn how to get the most out of your sauna experience and reap the rewards to benefit your health.
Pay Attention to Your Body
With a sauna, you should only plan to stay in the heat for up to 15 minutes at a time. Going over that time period can cause a great deal of stress on the body and cause your internal temperature to rise to dangerous levels. The best way to get the most out of your sauna experience is to listen to your own internal body clock. If you begin to feel light headed or faint, leave the sauna and find a place to cool off. If temperatures of 170 or 180 F are too high for you, start off with a lower temperature until your body gets used to the detox process.
Accessories
There are some accessories that are beneficial when using a sauna. You should have access to the basic essentials which are a water bucket for providing steam, a ladle for adding water to the rocks and a thermometer to accurately read the interior temperature. Having a comfortable robe and slippers available for when you are going between the sauna and the changing area will make your experience more accommodating. You can also add a simmering bowl to fill with water and essential oils for an aromatherapy session.
Health Conditions
You should pay attention when using a sauna if you have any type of underlying health condition. Some health problems can be made worse if you subject yourself to any prolonged period of time in the sauna. According to Harvard Health Publications, because your body temperature can rise very rapidly in a sauna, you can lose over a pint of fluids which can lead to loss of electrolytes and important body fluids. In some cases, the heat can also cause those who have high blood pressure to experience bouts of hypertension. Your pulse rate can also increase, so if you have a history of heart problems or arrhythmias, you should consult with your medical doctor prior to any sauna usage.
About this Author
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
