A sauna is a small room designed for either wet or dry heat sessions. It is constructed of wood and when heated, the heat can range anywhere from 80°C to 100°C. The room is typically made of all wood and will have seating which includes benches and temperature control settings. A sauna typically features dry heat that can have humidity that can go up to 20%. 

 A sauna can provide humidity up to 20% by pouring water onto the hot rocks inside of the sauna. Depending on the type of rocks used in the sauna, some rocks can absorb and release heat when water is poured onto them which creates steam. 

There are many health benefits to using a sauna and frequent and regular use can induce positive physiological effects. There are many benefits such as weight loss, skin rejuvenation, improved cardiovascular function, improved stress management, improved sleep, relaxation, detoxification, increased metabolism, pain reduction, bolster skin health, increased blood circulation, and even pain reduction. 

If it is your first time using a sauna, it is recommended that you use it for about 5-10 minutes. If you have pre-existing health conditions, you should consult your primary care physician to see if using a sauna is appropriate for you. Once you are accustomed to using your sauna, the recommended time that you sit in a sauna is 15 – 20 minutes. 

Your body releases natural endorphins which aids in pain reduction and is frequently compared to a “runner’s high”. As the heat in the sauna climbs, so does your internal temperature which in turn will dilate your blood vessels to improve blood circulation which will then carry more oxygen in your bloodstream to improve your body’s organic healing process. 

It is best to use a sauna without any clothing and this is where owning your own sauna will provide you with the freedom to use it without any clothes on. Your body will not be restricted with any clothing and your skin will be open and free to perspire without the restriction of clothing. If you must wear clothing in the sauna, it is recommended that you use cotton clothing as it is deal for allowing your body to naturally sweat. 

 Yes, your body does burn fat when you are sitting in a sauna.

After using the sauna, you should allow ample time for your body to cool off before showering in a fresh air environment. It is not recommended that you shower immediately after getting out of the sauna. 

It is not recommended to use your cell phone in a sauna, although convenient, the high temperatures can cause significant damage to the electrical components inside of your phone. It is better to unplug, relax, and enjoy your sauna session without a phone. 

It is not harmful to use a sauna daily and in fact the more frequently you use your sauna, the more health improvements you will experience. Studies show that it is perfectly fine to use a sauna daily and we just recommend that you stay well hydrated during your sauna sessions. 

Your body does have natural detoxification pathways and a sauna will help with detoxifying your body. It is recommended that you use the sauna for 15 – 20 minutes at a time and doing so at least 3 times a week will accelerate the detoxification process in your body. 

Do not wear dirty or tight fitting clothing as the dirty clothes can release bacteria and or dust into the air. Remember that a sauna is an enclosed space so you would be inhaling the toxins that are released from dirty clothing. Tight fitting clothing will not allow your body to sweat naturally and it will feel very uncomfortable. Clothing with polyester and or PVC is not recommended as the high heat environment of a sauna can cause those materials to melt.

Yes, it is important to stay hydrated while using a sauna and taking sips of water throughout your sauna session will help keep your body hydrated.

You should avoid large meals before using the sauna as the high heat may make you feel very uncomfortable on a full belly. We also do not recommend that you consume alcohol before using the sauna as alcohol dehydrates the body. Do not use recreational drugs before or during sauna use.

Using a sauna regularly has many health benefits and the high heat environment will dilate your blood vessels so your blood stream will be carrying much more oxygen through them. This process is called vasodilation. The oxygen rich blood will help to reduce inflammation in your joints and will help sore muscles heal as well. 

Be mindful of others while using a public sauna, everyone is there to detoxify their bodies and to relax. Leave your cell phones outside of the sauna as unwanted phone calls can disrupt the people in the sauna, also keep in mind that your electronics can be damaged due to the heat produced inside of the sauna. Wear clean clothing and always use a towel to cover the bench that you are sitting on as a courtesy to other people that will sit on the same bench that you are using later on.

It is not recommended to go barefoot in a public sauna as you can end up with athlete’s foot. We recommend wearing comfortable slippers to avoid direct skin contact on the sauna floor. However, if you own your own sauna – you can go in barefoot as your sauna is only used by you and the people that you trust to use it. 

Stretching and or laying down in a sauna and extending your limbs will help the heat from the sauna reach your entire body evenly. This will help you enjoy the full effects of sauna therapy. Stretching promotes blood flow and so does sauna usage, the two hand in hand will have positive benefits for your body.