Sauna rules
Sauna Guide: Ten Rules for Healthy Sweating
Especially in the winter time, the Sauna for relaxation and strengthens body and soul. However, in order to promote well-being and fully exploit the health potential, some important sauna rules should be observed:
Sauna bathing, but the right way! Rules for healthy saunas
Before sauna bathing
- What is needed
For sauna bathing you need a large sauna towel. So that you can lie comfortably on it, it should be large enough. Usual sauna towels are about 1.80 to two meters long. You will also need one or two smaller towels to dry off, as well as flip-flops, a bathrobe, shampoo and shower gel. And what do I wear in the sauna? For hygienic reasons, there is a textile-free zone in saunas. Therefore, refrain from wearing swimwear in the cabin itself. This would also prevent the body from sweating. If the feeling of shame is great, you can cover yourself with a towel if necessary. In the sauna area itself, it is customary to wear a bathrobe (sauna kilt) or a towel. - Shower in advance
Before going to the sauna, it is important that you shower thoroughly with shower gel - on the one hand for hygienic reasons, and on the other hand the natural fatty film of the skin would delay sweating later. Also, dry yourself well so as not to make it difficult for your body to sweat. A warm foot bath can also be helpful in advance to promote sweating later. - Food and Drink
Eat a light meal about one to two hours before going to the sauna. If you fill your belly shortly before, you put additional strain on your body in the extreme temperatures in the sauna. A full stomach also has an effect on the circulation. But you shouldn't be hungry either, because this can lead to hypoglycemia due to the circulatory strain and a collapse threatens. Also make sure in advance that you drink enough. Only if you have a good fluid balance will your body have enough reserves during the sweating cure. - Stress and hurry do not belong in the sauna
As already described, a sauna bath takes about eight to 15 minutes. After the sweating cure in the dressing room itself, there is a cooling-down and a recovery phase. A total of three sauna sessions in a row are recommended. So take enough time of about two to three hours for a sauna visit. You can only relax if you don't have to look at the clock constantly tensely. To increase the relaxation factor, there is a ban on talking in the sauna. Tip: Use your home sauna, so you have to plan additional time to preheat the stove. Depending on the desired temperature, you should heat up about 40 to 60 minutes in advance.
During sauna bathing
- Lying or sitting?
Lying down is more relaxed than sitting, but whatever you like is allowed: Take the position in which you feel comfortable. For hygienic reasons, make sure that you put your towel under your whole body. The following applies to the choice of seat: The higher up the lounger is, the higher the temperature. If you lie on the bench, avoid getting up abruptly. Sit down for about two minutes beforehand so that the circulation can slowly get used to. - Is a sauna infusion necessary?
A sauna infusion promotes sweating and should always be done at the end of a sauna session. A few ladles of water enriched with essential oils or herbs are poured onto the stones of the sauna stove. The humidity rises and the body's sweat production is really boosted again. Here you can find our Sauna infusion and suitable Sauna accessories for your home sauna. - Personal well-being is crucial!
It is not possible to say in general how long a sauna session lasts. The German Sauna Association recommends a duration of eight to 15 minutes per sauna session. But more than looking at the clock, what counts here is your own body feeling. It may be necessary to leave the cabin earlier at the beginning, while experienced sauna-goers may be able to stay in the sauna even longer than generally recommended.
After the sauna bath
- Showers & Co: Cool down properly
Even if the temptation is great: Don't jump into the plunge pool or shower immediately after the sauna session, but cool down slowly. First, go out into the fresh air and breathe deeply in and out, as the body needs oxygen. Only then take a cold shower. You can do without care products if necessary, as sweat is water-soluble. If necessary, you can also swim in the plunge pool afterwards. Again, you should dry yourself well. A foot bath also increases your well-being. With a subsequent rest, your body can recover well. - Repeat sauna sessions
In order to achieve health-promoting effects when taking a sauna, for example on the immune system, circulation, heart and respiratory tract, the alternation of hot and cold is decisive: After a sweaty sauna session, there is a gentle cooling phase, first in the fresh air and then with the help of cold water. In this way, perform at least three sauna sessions in a row and repeat the sauna visits about once a week - only if you take a sauna regularly will this have a positive effect on your health. - Drinking after the sauna
During a sauna visit, the body sweats out about one liter of water. You should not drink anything during the sauna bath to promote the purification of your body. It is best to compensate for the loss of fluid afterwards, water and juice spritzers are particularly suitable as drinks after the sauna. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and should therefore be taboo.