Taking a sauna the right way: The most important tips and tricks

Taking a sauna properly is something you have to learn. Taking a sauna strengthens the immune system and prevents colds, but there are still a few things you need to keep in mind. If you do it wrong, you will do yourself more harm than good.

How to take a sauna properly

To get the best health benefits from visiting a sauna, there are some basic things you should keep in mind.

• Under no circumstances should you go to the sauna with a full stomach. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting nauseous from exposure to the heat. But you should also not go to the sauna with an empty stomach. The ideal time to go to the sauna is about an hour to an hour and a half after eating.

• Before you go into the sauna, take a good shower to remove the greasy film on your skin that could clog the pores when you sweat.

• Dry yourself very well after showering. This will encourage you to sweat in the sauna afterwards.

• Avoid wearing too much clothing. Only go to the sauna with a bikini, swimming trunks or a towel tied around you.

• Be as quiet as possible in the sauna and try to relax.

• Be sure to bring a large towel or sheet. Spread it out on the bench and sit on it. Sweat on the sauna benches is very uncomfortable for everyone else and for yourself too.

• If you are a sauna beginner, you should prefer the lower benches at first. This is because hot air rises, so it is a lot hotter on the upper benches.

How to avoid discomfort in the sauna

What is always important when taking a sauna is how comfortable you feel. After all, a sauna session should never become a torture. Only stay in the sauna as long as you feel comfortable.

• If you feel unwell, you should leave the sauna immediately, as you could faint or have a heart attack.

• To avoid fainting or suffering a fainting spell, you should get up from the reclining position about two minutes before you leave. Sit as upright as possible. Move your legs to keep the blood circulating well through your body.

• As a rule, you should not stay in the sauna for more than 15 minutes at a time. Eight to twelve minutes is ideal. However, the duration of a sauna session varies from person to person. Health, stamina and constitution of the person play a role here.

• In many places, the so-called “Aufguss” is performed in the saunas. After a warm-up phase of about five minutes, water is poured onto the hot stones. This phase lasts about five minutes. This is followed by a phase of so-called post-sweating.

• During an infusion, you should not enter the sauna.

• To preserve your health and breathe fresh air, it is advisable to leave the sauna every two minutes.

To leave the sauna

To avoid harming your health, you should also leave the sauna properly.

• Take a cool shower after a sauna session.

• You’ll boost your health if the shower water and air are cold.

• After taking a sauna, take a warm foot bath. The warm water allows the heat from the body to dissipate.

• You can prevent colds with the help of a foot bath. At the same time, a footbath will also prevent profuse post-sweating.

• After a sauna, allow your body to rest and relax. Lie down for at least half an hour and relax.

• Drink only after your last sauna session. Alcohol is taboo after taking a sauna. Mineral waters with a high magnesium and calcium content are best. Diluted fruit juices are also good for this. Make sure you drink at least one litre.

• Massages are also a good way to relax and do something good for your body after a sauna.

Utensils and what else you should consider

To feel good in the sauna you should bring the right bathing utensils.

• Always bring plenty of towels and a sheet when you go to the sauna. Outside the sauna you can also wear a bathrobe.

• You should also bring a shampoo and shower gel as well as bathing shoes.

• Wear bathing shoes to avoid infections.

• Wrap yourself in a towel when you enter the sauna.

• Go to the toilet before taking a sauna, as the heat stimulates kidney activity.

• A warm foot bath as well as a warm shower before going to the sauna dilates the blood vessels and acclimatises the body for the heat.

• Do not go to the sauna under stress or after exercise.