Of course, I have a thermometer and hygrometer to measure humidity, too. And I bring two towels usually to keep my benches clean, and a small towel to wipe sweat.

Speak to an employee if the temperature in the facility doesn’t seem warm enough. Through the sweat and heat, your body’s system adapts to the sauna’s new environment. In a sauna that’s heated to 185 degrees, skin temperatures rise to 104 degrees within minutes, and the average person will lose a pint of sweat — both being big changes for the body. As your heart pumps and your body works to keep you cool, it needs the right preparation and nourishment to work optimally, so you can reap the benefits of your sauna session. Traditional saunas have been used for centuries as dwellings, bath houses, birthing places, and wellness retreats. Originally small log cabins, these structures featured a prominent central fire pit that heated stones to a high temperature over many hours.

Sauna Construction

For some, the sauna bathing session involved the use of a far infrared sauna. Early Finns built their wood fire saunas by bodies of water and would dive in during the cool down period, even if the water was frigid. Today, most facilities have showers or pools to cool off in or you can simply step outside if the day is crisp. Try to make your cool down as long as your warm up, so your body has time to return to normal between cycles. You can use this little break to rehydrate too, but stick to water. Discounts cannot be combined or redeemed for cash value. Medical services are provided by an independently-owned physician practice.

Immediate Benefits

The temperature settings are variable and the control panel settings range from room temperature to a maximum of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to note that there are potential risks involved with saunas, including dehydration and a possible temporary decrease in fertility in men.

Saunas have long been recognized for their potential health benefits, ranging from relaxation and stress reduction to improved circulation. In fact, extensive research shows the positive impact of frequent sauna use on longevity.

But it’s unclear whether saunas affect blood pressure in the long term or just temporarily. Please remember to stay well hydrated on a daily basis and replace your electrolytes. Drinking plenty of fluids daily is absolutely necessary to achieve maximum health benefits and desired results. There’s also a basket of rocks above the stove where water can be thrown to increase “löyly”, or steam, and make the sauna more humid. Read more about Sauna ceiling charring here. Although they’re often used for similar reasons, especially after a workout or a stressful day, the benefits of using a steam room vary slightly based on their differences.