Saunas use extreme temperatures of dry heat up to 185 degrees to relax the body and muscles. Skin temperature can reach nearly 108 degrees after a few minutes of sitting in a sauna room. Saunas have been used for thousands of years by heating rocks to high temperatures; modern versions use infrared technology to fill a room with dry heat. Still, there are no proven medical benefits for sauna use beyond relaxation, pain and fatigue relief, according to The Mayo Clinic. Understand how to use a sauna properly for the most benefits.
Step 1
Remove dirt and debris from the skin; shower prior to entering the sauna room, especially after working out. Remove contacts lenses to avoid eye irritation; most manufacturers recommend removing contacts prior to sauna or steam room use. Avoid burns by removing all jewelry.
Step 2
Wear what is comfortable; however, check with public facilities on proper dress. Wrap your body in a towel or wear a bathing suit for additional privacy or if using a coed sauna; full nudity is often a preference for same sex saunas. Choose a bathing suit made of natural fibers. The color should not contain dyes that will run or discolor in the sauna. Wear slipper or flip-flops, if required.
Step 3
Drink water to hydrate the body prior to entering the sauna. Carry a bottle of water into the sauna for extra hydration.
Step 4
Adjust the temperature of the room to increase or decrease the temperature. Allow the body to acclimate to the warm temperatures; slowly increase the temperature in a few minutes, if desired.
Step 5
Sit on a clean towel inside the sauna for proper sanitation purposes, suggests Spavelous, an online spa locator guide. Place the towel on the sauna bench. Using a towel also avoids burning the skin; the wood benches in a sauna room absorb a great amount of heat.
Step 6
Drink 2 to 4 glasses of water after a sauna session to rehydrate the body, suggests Dr. Harvey Simon, editor-in-chief of "Harvard Men's Health Watch. Nearly a pint of sweat can be lost during the sweating process.
Tips and Warnings
- Have a robe available for extra comfort.
- Do not use a sauna if you are ill. Check with a medical professional about the safety of sauna use if you are diagnosed with heart diseases. Dr. Simon recommends people diagnosed with uncontrolled blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat and other unstable heart conditions avoid using a sauna or steam room. Avoid alcohol or medications prior to using a sauna.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Bathing suit
- Water bottle
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