April 28, 2007

How to Bathe in a Finnish Sauna

Sauna Tip! Don’t smoke in the sauna. Also, if you are bathing in a sauna with other people, realize that the sauna door should not be kept open so long that it cools the sauna for those sharing it with you.

There is no one right way to take a sauna. Above all you should be in good company, so that you can enjoy the experience in peace. Beginning users should use the sauna judiciously to start. As long as you feel comfortable, you may stay in the sauna, or repeat a hot-cold cycle as often as you wish. Avoid using a sauna if you have a fever or an inflammatory disease or injury, if you are pregnant, or if you have been drinking. You may want to consult your physician if you have a disease, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma or skin disease.

To get the most of the sauna, you will need:

� At least half an hour of time, preferably more, so you have ample time to relax.
� A large towel to dry yourself
� A smaller towel to sit on
� A bathrobe to wear while cooling down

Sauna Tip! Peseytyminen - One brings a bucket of cold water, soap and scrubbing brushes into the sauna and scrubs the body. Traditionally, people would pair off to scrub each other’s backs.

Try this first, and once you’ve tried it out, you can change it to suit your taste:

Disrobe completely. It is also important to remove watches, rings and all other jewelry because the heat of the sauna may distort the metal and burn the flesh that wears it. Contact lenses and glasses should also be removed. Let’s face it, modesty is a universal trait - or is it vanity, and the suspicion that we look rather better clothed than we do disrobed? The first-time sauna bather often finds this casual intimacy in the company of new acquaintances, if not total strangers, a little daunting. The only way to deal with this is to simply take the plunge.

The chances are you’ll discover your beer gut or your birth marks are in good company, and any self-consciousness is soon dispelled by the camaraderie of the visit. Bathing suits or towels don’t really belong into the sauna, but I feel everyone has a right to experience the sauna in comfort. If a towel makes the sauna less intimidating, by all means use one.

Sauna Tip! It goes without saying that a sauna bather would be unwise to engage in sexual activity amid the intense heat of the bath. Also, to do it in front of other bathers might be viewed by some as being very rude.

Start by taking a shower. This helps to keep the hot room clean.
Enter the sauna and sit on the upper bench. You may want to use a small towel to sit on.

Sit back for a few minutes and let the heat permeate your body and open the pores of the skin. You may adjust the air moisture by throwing water on the stones of the heater. The steam will make the room feel hotter.
It is good to meditate, take a small nap or ponder over days events.

Would you like to take sauna to another level than just sweat at the gym? Would you like to almost reach a high level of peace and serenity? For additional information contact - Sylita Thomas and visit the website http://www.saunasteampower.com and get a free chapter of “The Sauna and Steam Bath Guide Revealed”.

Sauna Tip! 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.

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