Sauna sessions have been popular in the Finnish culture for centuries and have now gained a worldwide following due to its therapeutic benefits and positive effects on one’s skin and overall health. Traditional saunas use a combination of hot rocks and water to produce steam that creates a warm and relaxing atmosphere. However, if you have never experienced a infrared sauna before, it’s essential to prepare yourself for the experience. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of gearing up for your first traditional sauna experience.
Choose Your Sauna Clothing Wisely
Traditional saunas are often seen as a clothing-optional environment, but if you are not comfortable with that, there are different approaches to consider. One option is to wear a bathing suit or swimming trunks paired with a towel or robe to wrap around yourself as you move from the sauna room to the chill-out area. Another option, more common in Finland and Northern Europe, is to wear a modest towel called a ‘pefletti’. These are cotton towels that are held in place with a button or a rubber band.
Stay Hydrated
Sauna sessions can leave your body dehydrated since you lose water through sweating. So, make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna visit to replenish your body’s fluids and avoid dehydration. You can also bring a jug of water with you into the staffed sauna room or the less formal, mixed-gender sauna.
Bring a Towel
Bringing a towel helps you to stay comfortable and hygienic during sauna sessions. Use your towel to sit on in the sauna room and to dry yourself off after sweating. Additionally, it’s important to keep your towel dry when leaving the sauna to avoid catching a cold as well as keeping the sauna benches free from sweat.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is a crucial part of the sauna session, and it’s recommended to follow the “10 minutes in the sauna, 10 minutes outside in the cold” rule. This cooling-down period provides an opportunity for your body’s thermoregulatory system to reset and refresh itself before returning to the heat. Throughout the break period, you can sit in a separate chill-out area, a hot tub, or take a shower, which is particularly important to rinse away the sweat.
Be Prepared for Aftercare
Aftercare is essential after a sauna session. It involves some basic steps like taking a cool shower to rinse your body, and it is also advisable to moisturize your skin to prevent it from feeling dry and tight. You could also try a sauna whisk massage, a traditional technique, to stimulate blood circulation, and exfoliate your skin using your towel to enjoy the full benefits of the sauna experience.
Conclusion:
Traditional sauna sessions offer several benefits for your mind and body. Following specific guidelines is essential to get the best experience out of it. Make sure to choose your clothing and bring a towel to avoid discomfort and be prepared for aftercare. Stay hydrated and take breaks often to keep your body in top condition. Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to book a traditional sauna session and gear up for an unforgettable experience.
