How to use a traditional Finnish sauna?
Saunas Can Be Relaxing, Rejuvenating and Fun
Sauna is about taking advantage of the tradition, while bringing it back to home and making it your own. Your personal routine and culture may change. In this blog post, we are going to explain how to use a traditional Finnish sauna.
Taking time to prepare for the heat of traditional Finnish sauna
What steps to take before you sauna?
Being Mindful
Have a herbal tea
Hit the Showers
Cold Hydrate
How many Sauna sessions should you take?
Session one:
Dry warm up
10-minute warm up session
Step inside your preheated sauna for a 10-minute warm up session. This session is traditionally done dry, without adding steam or water.
Step outside and shower off. You can take some time here to drink water or tea. This time is usually spent in good conversation. Allow the topics to stay light and away from stressful topics such as work or politics. If you’re outside, enjoy the fire or view you have.
Session two:
Heat things up
8-12 minute session
This session should include water onto the hot rocks. This method can be done in small gradual pours. Some might look for a more intense feeling where a full ladle will be poured at once on the rocks.
You can also use a traditional branch made of tree twigs to gently beat the skin. This is usually done with one person laying down on a towel, while the other takes a bunch of branches in each hand (after being soaked) and lightly or hard beats down the back to the feet. This is quite shocking at first. But is thought to help reduce muscle aches and soften skin.
Exit and wash your body thoroughly; cool down again with a glass of water and light conversation.
Session three:
Deep heat and ice
10-15 minute session
Re-enter the sauna for your final visit of approximately 10-15 minutes or as long as you wish.
Leaving this time, you can take a dive into a cold spring, snow or cold pool. If you have available, a drop bucket filled with spring water this can work as well.
As You Finish your sauna time
Take time by the fire or around a table. Relax, enjoy a small snack of crackers or dried fruit with some tea. Do this as long as you like until fully rested. Once you have stopped sweating, you can dry off, dress and complete your Sauna.
If you plan to purchase an outdoor sauna in Minneapolis, feel free to visit our website and explore range of our outdoor custom saunas or contact us directly at BW Sauna Co.
