Saunas can be an excellent benefit to your health and wellbeing. But there are a few ways that you can maximize the efficacy of this practice and ensure that you are getting the best results from your time in the sauna. Following these tips regularly and in combination with each other can lead to a much more satisfying and effective sauna experience.
Position in the Sauna
Something as simple as the way that you sit while in the sauna can make an impact on how helpful it might be for you. Most people stay on the benches in a regular seated position. But if you spread your body out or even lie down it can more evenly spread the effects of the sauna throughout your body. It can also allow your muscles to feel the healing effects of the sauna more swiftly to relieve the aches and tenderness.
Drink Water
This one is a bit obvious but you should definitely be drinking plenty of water if you are planning to make a trip to the sauna. You are going to be sweating a lot and at the same time, your body will be needing that water to complete its healing processes.
It has been shown that the average person who spends time in a sauna can lose up to half a liter of sweat from their body. Replacing this lost water is paramount to the healing process and can greatly boost the results you receive.
Alcoholic beverages should also be avoided because they can severely dehydrate you as well.
Keep Track of Your Time
If you are new to saunas it might be difficult to tell how long you should be staying in to get the most out of the practice. It can also vary greatly depending on the person and a lot of it is going to depend on how you feel about it.
A lot of practitioners stay in the sauna for around fifteen minutes then take a short break in order to bring their temperatures down. They sometimes repeat this process up three or more times. But as always don't stay in for longer than you feel like you can handle, and if you have any health concerns it may be best to consult a doctor. They may have suggestions for how long you should be making your sauna cycles.
Don't Forget to Shower!
In addition to being courteous to your sauna comrades, showering before a sauna has been known to increase the perspiration effects. It has an additional benefit in that it can cleanse your body of unwanted dirt and grime that would otherwise hinder the use of the sauna.
A lot of users also find that taking a shower after you get out of the sauna on your last cycle can leave you feeling refreshed. A quick tip for this is to not use soap or body wash in your post-sauna shower, just rinse off with cool water.
Open Your Pores
Since the effects of the sauna largely rely on your body sweating in high temperatures, it can be hugely beneficial to get your skin working through the process. All you have to do is scrub your skin and your pores will begin to open up. Combine this with your pre-sauna shower for the best results.
In the Nude
The most effective way to use a sauna is without any clothes at all. Clothing can make it more difficult for the body to get the heat of the sauna.
Most people find that wearing only a towel is the best option when they don't have access to a more private sauna. However if at all possible being completely exposed to the sauna is going to be the most effective.
