Whether you just want to relax or do something good for your body: a visit to the sauna can have a positive effect on your well-being in many ways. However, if you put too much strain on your body and want to enjoy the sauna too much, you will achieve exactly the opposite in the worst case. These are the most common mistakes when visiting the sauna:
In preparation for the sauna session, the body should be showered beforehand and any remaining care products removed. Anyone who thinks that drying afterwards is not necessary is wrong. When it is wet, it is more difficult for the body to sweat. It is therefore advisable to enter the sauna dry.
Especially during your first sauna sessions, pay close attention to how it feels on your body and don’t lose track of the time. Because anyone who sweats according to the motto “as long and as warm as possible” runs the risk of circulatory collapse, even if his health is intact.
It is wise to have two, perhaps three sauna sessions per visit, each combined with an aromatic infusion if possible. Only stay in the sauna as long as it really feels good for you. Eight to fifteen minutes per sauna session is sufficient. Especially in larger sauna rooms, there are usually rooms with different temperatures. Try out what you personally like best.
In addition to the duration, the time of day also has a major influence on the sauna experience. Beginners in particular are strongly advised not to go to the sauna in the evening. They are often not yet used to exposure to extreme temperatures.
If you go to the sauna in the evening, your biorhythm can quickly become disturbed. The consequences are difficulty falling asleep or the increased release of stress hormones. It is also not recommended for people with a sensitive autonomic nervous system. To allow your body to slowly get used to the temperature change, it is best to visit the sauna in the morning.
Just like with swimming, the rule when visiting the sauna is not to eat large meals beforehand. When the body is still digesting, digestion puts a strain on the circulatory system. The extra stress associated with a visit to the sauna can quickly become too much.
However, visiting the sauna on an empty stomach is just as dangerous, because in this case the body is at risk of hypoglycemia. It is best to eat light foods before your visit.
Anyone who is not used to sweating in extremely high temperatures will probably feel the need to cool down immediately afterwards. Before you jump into the cool water, let your body get used to the temperature difference by taking a lukewarm shower. Taking a break and drinking enough water can also help the body process the shock better.
Not all loungers are the same. Experienced sauna goers know that it makes a difference whether you sit on the upper lounger or make yourself comfortable on one of the lower ones. The general rule of thumb is: the higher the lounger, the higher the temperatures. Beginners should therefore start on the lower loungers and slowly work their way up. In addition, the soles of the feet can be protected from the hot ground by wearing bathing shoes.
In short, consuming alcohol and nicotine is not exactly good for your health. Before going to the sauna, it can even lead to a collapse and should therefore be avoided at all costs.
The combination of alcohol, which dilates blood vessels and temporarily lowers blood pressure, and heat can quickly lead to circulatory failure and subsequent collapse. Nicotine, on the other hand, constricts blood vessels, restricting blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.
People don’t just go to the sauna to relax. Many people hope to do something good for their health. However, if you have a cold, it is better to stay away from the wooden hut. Unfortunately, sweating out the annoying cold in the sauna does not help, says Lutz Hertel, chairman of the German Wellness Association. “The most you’re doing is accelerating the disease outbreak,” he explains. “But the sauna doesn’t make her go away any faster.” However, regular sauna sessions, about once or twice a week, can prevent colds.
If the temperature rises above 37.5 degrees, you should avoid the sauna. “The transition from hot to cold disrupts the autonomic regulation of body temperature,” Hertel emphasizes. Also do not go to the sauna if you have infections or open wounds. If you have heart problems, it is best to ask your doctor whether the sauna is an option for you.
A visit to the sauna is not unproblematic for everyone. If you suffer from varicose veins, you should not sweat, but lie with your legs slightly elevated. This allows the blood to flow out and does not “sink” into the varicose veins. After sweating, your legs should immediately receive a cold shower. Patients with high blood pressure or heart problems should definitely consult a doctor before planning a sauna visit. He can check whether the circulatory system is stable enough to withstand the violent changes in heat and cold.
Used sources:
source: watson
I’m Maxine Reitz, a journalist and news writer at 24 Instant News. I specialize in health-related topics and have written hundreds of articles on the subject. My work has been featured in leading publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Healthline. As an experienced professional in the industry, I have consistently demonstrated an ability to develop compelling stories that engage readers.
