What Is a Sauna? Everything You Need to Know

You've probably heard that sitting in a sauna is good for you. But why exactly is it healthy to sit in 80-90°C heat and high humidity? There are plenty of health benefits to using a sauna, from improved blood circulation to stress relief and better-looking skin. Below, we cover why sauna is good for you, some facts about saunas, and the precautions you should take.

Here are four reasons to use a sauna:

Improved blood circulation: The high heat makes your heart beat up to 50% faster, boosting circulation throughout your body. This can improve skin appearance and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.

Stress and tension relief: For many people, the sauna has a calming effect on the body, helping relieve stress and tension.

Better sleep quality: Many people notice better sleep after using a sauna, since the heat and steam have a calming effect on the body. That's partly because the heat lowers cortisol, one of the hormones released when we're stressed.

Detox and clearer skin: As your body heats up, you sweat and release waste products. The sweat also cleanses your pores, which can reduce breakouts, just remember to shower afterwards.

Here are some facts to make you a bit wiser about saunas. 🌿☀️🫧

Why does it feel hotter when you pour water on the rocks? Pouring water on the rocks raises humidity, making it harder for your body to evaporate sweat. That means you cool down less through sweat evaporation, so your skin feels hotter.

How hot does a sauna get? A sauna typically sits around 80-90°C.

The word sauna is Finnish. The word "sauna" comes from Finland, where it's been a social and family tradition for more than 2,000 years.

What is aufguss? Aufguss, also called "hyvä löyly" (good warm steam) in Finland, usually lasts between 20 minutes and just over an hour. A sauna master pours essential oils over the hot stones, then fans a towel or fan through the air to spread the warm, scented steam. There are usually short breaks along the way to cool down and drink water. Read more about aufguss.

Remember that saunas get very hot, so follow the safety guidelines and don't stay in too long. It's recommended to use the sauna for 15-20 minutes at a time and drink plenty of water before, during and after, since you can lose up to half a litre of fluid.

Avoid alcohol and medication, since it can interfere with sweating and cause overheating before and after your sauna. Don't stay longer than 15-20 minutes, and cool down gradually afterwards. Drink two to four glasses of water after each session. Don't use the sauna if you're feeling unwell, and if you start to feel unwell during your session, step out.

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Enjoy your sauna 💜