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The Finnish Sauna: 16 Steps To Total Pleasure |
By:
Pertti Olavi Jalasjaa |
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Once fully acquainted with the sauna and confident of its
operation, sauna enthusiasts develop their own styles, rituals
and methods of enjoying the sauna. There are many guidelines but
few if any fixed rules to getting the most pleasure and
fulfillment out of a sauna, as everyone is free to blaze their
own trail to sauna satisfaction.
As well, the same road need not be taken each time a sauna
enthusiast embarks on the journey, for there may be occasions
when the bather wants a sauna session that is less relaxing and
more invigorating or vice versa.
So much of sauna enjoyment comes down to matters of preference
and choice, yet most sauna enthusiasts agree on the fundamentals:
Since a sauna can impact the cardiovascular system in the same
way as jogging, tennis or a vigorous exercise program can,
bathers should behave responsibly.
Never take more heat than is comfortable, and never push the
limits of endurance.
Although saunas are known to relax pregnant women, expectant
mothers are encouraged to discuss sauna use with their doctors.
Anyone with a chronic illness like epilepsy or diabetes, a
serious circulatory or heart problem, or a skin or respiratory
ailment should also consult with a doctor.
People with high blood pressure who are accustomed to regular
saunas are usually advised to continue using the sauna but in
moderation.
For obvious health and safety reasons, people under heavy
influence of drugs or alcohol should not use the sauna.
Consider the following steps on your road to finding fulfillment
in the sauna:
1. Be prepared to give the sauna plenty of time to do its work;
a leisurely sauna is far more beneficial than a rushed one. One
to 2-1/2 hours is ideal for total relaxation.
Several sessions can be spent in the sauna if they are separated
by short cooling-off and rest periods. A longer drying-off and
rest period can be very relaxing after the final sauna session.
2. After eating a large meal, always wait at least one hour
before using the sauna. Some people find a sauna first thing in
the morning to be very invigorating and a great way to start the
day. Other people believe evening is the ideal time to use the
sauna, as it can help get your mind and body ready for bed.
3. Preheat the sauna to a temperature of your liking by setting
the thermostat. Many sauna enthusiasts enjoy the heat at about
180°F (82°C), which is in the middle of the popular temperature
range of 170 to 190°F (77 to 88°C).
4. Bathers not accustomed to sauna heat should start at a lower
temperature of about 160°F (70°C) and allow their capacity for
enjoying hotter temperatures to develop.
5. Wear as little as possible, preferably nothing. A loose towel
can be used if necessary. Remove any watches, jewelry and
glasses that would become uncomfortably hot.
6. Many sauna bathers start with a brief warm shower to wash off
body oils and dirt.
7. Enter the sauna and relax on the top level for 10 to 15
minutes. (Choose the lower level if you prefer a moderate heat.)
Many bathers spend about half of their time in the sauna
reclining. When you are reclining, raise your feet above head
level by using permanent footrests installed on the wall, or
place a portable footrest under your ankles. Portable headrests
and backrests are ideal for achieving greater levels of comfort
and enjoyment.
The sauna's dry heat will increase your blood circulation and
eventually bring your body to the perspiration point. Do not,
however, expect to perspire heavily during your first session in
the sauna.
Do not remain in the sauna for longer than 30 minutes, as any
exposure beyond that time can be not only uncomfortable but
hazardous as well. Remember, the sauna is not a test of
toughness.
8. Shower again, or take a cool refreshing swim. Hardy types may
prefer an icy dip or a roll in fresh snow, weather permitting.
Sudden temperature changes can be invigorating. Exposure to
extreme cold, however, must be followed by an adequate soak in
the sauna heat to avoid catching a chill.
9. Rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow your body to cool down
slowly, and then repeat the cycle of heat, shower and rest.
10. When returning to the sauna, throw on several scoops of
water with the sauna ladle to create steam and to increase the
humidity in the room. Raising the humidity level from a low five
to eight percent to a more comfortable 15 percent will allow
your skin to remain completely wet with perspiration. You should
develop a heat and humidity combination that will bring you the
most enjoyment. Some bathers like it super dry, and some prefer
it quite humid. You must determine your own preferences.
11. The birch whisk (or vihta, as the Finns call it) can now be
used to stimulate blood circulation on the skin. Whisking the
entire body will also induce very heavy perspiration.
12. Once your body is warm, your skin pores will open. This is
the time to vigorously scrub your entire body clean. If you are
sharing your sauna session with a companion, don't forget to
offer to scrub his or her back, too.
13. Experienced sauna users know that the final cleansing of the
skin and pores happens in the heat of the sauna session that
follows a vigorous scrubbing.
14. Have a warm shower, and then, being careful not to chill
your body, follow it with a cooler one to close the pores of
your skin. Avoid extreme cold and drafts until your body's
temperature has returned to normal.
15. Allow your body to dry without hard toweling it. Give
yourself at least 20 minutes to relax and cool down before
getting dressed. If you are at home, feel free to climb right
into bed and enjoy a deep and refreshing sleep.
16. Many sauna enthusiasts like to have a light snack after a
sauna session. Accompanied by a refreshing cool beverage, small
salty sausages or crackers can be a delicious treat and will
help the body replace the water and salt that were lost during
the session.
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Article Source: http://www.friendsofvista.org/articles/article30716.html |
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