Sauna: relaxing skin, body and mind
20.1.2017
Translation: machine translated
Going to the sauna stimulates blood circulation and blood vessel elasticity. Regular sessions can boost the immune system and are perfect for regeneration. They also improve your circulation, strengthen your heart and rid your body of toxins.
The skin plays a part in regulating body temperature. During a sauna session, body temperature rises, blood vessels dilate to let more blood through and our bodies sweat more to cool down. This activates our metabolism and increases the activity of certain immune cells. When cooling down after the sauna, the skin vessels retract.
Sauna tips
- Go to the sauna once a week for two visits (never exceed 3 visits).
- After sport, wait at least 30 minutes before going into the sauna.
- Don't go into the sauna when your body is frozen: warm up beforehand.
- Before entering the sauna, shower and dry yourself well.
- The ideal position is lying on your back or sitting with your legs slightly bent. This ensures that the whole body is in the same temperature range.
- The first pass should last between 8 and 12 minutes, and the second 15 minutes maximum. A short, intense passage is better than a long one where you sweat very little.
- It is advisable to pour water over the stones at the end of the passage, as the humidity in the air increases by 50 per cent and thus increases the sensation of stifling heat.
- Pauses are important: to cool down, get out in the fresh air for 10 to 15 minutes and move around a bit. Come back in before you feel cold and take a cold shower. Always start with the part of the body furthest from the heart (e.g. the feet).
- Two minutes before the end, get into a sitting position and let your legs swing so that your circulation can get used to the upright position again.
- After you've finished your passages, take a cold shower (don't lather up) and slather your skin with cream. Then rest and don't forget to drink plenty of fluids.
You can relax in an infrared cabin, a sauna (with or without infrared) or a steam sauna.
What do you need for the sauna?
- Thongs are a good thing: in humid places, there's always the risk of catching fungus and many floors are cold.
- Two to three large towels: one to sit on in the sauna, one to dry off after a shower and maybe one more to cover up in the relaxation room.
- To rest after coming out of the sauna, it's best to wrap yourself in a comfortable bathrobe.
Madeleine Bello
Senior Brand Communications Manager
Madeleine.Bello@digitecgalaxus.chI draw inspiration and energy from nature – whether I'm hiking, skiing in the mountains or travelling to new places. I also have a passion for photography, music, TV series and good food.