Saunas offer many health benefits, including cleansing and detoxifying the skin, boosting the immune system and improving blood circulation. While saunas are meant to be beneficial and relaxing, it is important to talk to your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough to withstand the intense heat and humidity of a sauna. Saunas can be found at most gyms and health clubs, and are becoming more popular on college campuses and in private homes as well.
Step 1
Strip down to as few clothes as you feel comfortable in, and enter the sauna. Sit on the lowest level of the provided benches at first to avoid getting lightheaded.
Step 2
Create steam by pouring water on the hot rocks inside the sauna. Do this only after you are acclimated to the heat inside the sauna. The popping and hissing you hear coming off of the rocks is normal, as is the rush of heat you will feel from the steam.
Step 3
Remain in the sauna for anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour. Dr. Andrew Weil says that you can work up a healthy sweat in 10 to 20 minutes. Beginners should only stay in the sauna for up to 30 minutes so that the body can get acclimated to the heat; experienced sauna users can stay for an hour with no detriment.
Step 4
Shower off or jump into a pool after you exit the sauna to lower your body temperature. You can either dry off and be done, or enter the sauna for another round.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear only towels or light clothing inside the sauna. Have water ready to drink after you exit the sauna.
- Metal jewelry should not be worn in the sauna as it can become extremely hot to the touch.
Things You'll Need
- Towels
- Water
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