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What Happens When You Buy a Used Sauna?

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Sauna Shopping

Saunas can be an expensive investment, and this means that some folks might start looking to purchase a used sauna. When deciding whether new vs. used is the best option for you, one important factor to consider is how most of the sauna industry operates when it comes to warranties. 

The sauna industry can be a fairly challenging landscape to navigate with so many companies purporting claims regarding important issues concerning health and potential detrimental risk if you buy from the ‘wrong’ company. These scare tactics are easy marketing techniques to lean into to try to sway potential customers into a purchase, but at the end of the day, as long as you buy a quality sauna, and actually use it, your own health will likely benefit tremendously.

If you have found a great deal on a sauna from social media platforms, or Craigslist, you may want to reconsider the situation for the following primary reason: Company Warranty.

Are Sauna Warranties Transferable Between Individuals?

Before you purchase a used sauna from a neighbor, friend, or an internet-based sales platform, you should know this: The vast majority of product warranties on saunas are NON-Transferable between original owner and future owners. 

This warranty that is created upon the original purchase of the sauna is an agreement between the company and the purchaser; not the company and the sauna.

If you are purchasing a used sauna, you will most likely not be entitled to the original warranty that accompanied the sauna. 

Before purchasing a used sauna, call the sauna company directly to find out if the warranty is transferable to the second owner. If it is not, you may want to consider buying a new sauna with your own personal warranty. 

What If You Already Purchased A Used Sauna?

If you have already purchased a used sauna, or have inherited one, and are finding out the sauna needs repair, the onus of these fixes will most likely be on your shoulders. If this is the case, the good news is that most saunas are designed to be user friendly and most parts can be purchased from the manufacturer directly. Which means that most issues can be solved as a ‘do it yourself’ project, or by an electrician or local handyman. 

If the manufacturer is unable to provide the necessary replacement parts, then you can always go to www.infraredsaunaparts.com for many sauna-related items, including for traditional saunas. 

Sauna parts are expensive, so before buying a used sauna, keep in mind that replacing parts can be costly and, sometimes, almost as much as if you purchased a sauna new.

New Saunas vs. Used Saunas: The Warranty Matters 

Even though a used sauna may look very tempting to buy, it is not always the optimal choice. To ensure that you are getting a sauna that comes with a reliable warranty, you will want to purchase directly from a company, not a second-hand reseller. The issue with purchasing a used sauna is that most manufacturers have a warranty between the original buyer, not with the sauna itself. 

If you do decide to purchase a used sauna, be prepared to replace any parts at your own cost as the guarantee of the sauna will likely be non-void once it changes hands from the original owner. 

Among many decisions that need to be made when buying a sauna, consider the challenges inherent in purchasing a used sauna. It is definitely worth the investment for your health and longevity to bring a sauna into your home, just make sure you take your time purchasing the right one, and always ask lots of questions during the shopping process!

Saunas and Massage: A Coupling of Two Healing Modalities

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Cardiovascular Health, Detoxification, Health Benefits, Heat Shock Proteins, Hormesis, Hydration, Infrared Sauna, Mitochondrial Metabolism, Sauna For Quality Sleep, Sauna Sleep

Both saunas and massage can be experiences that render an individual into states of sublime relaxation, and they are both wildly beneficial for health for a multitude of reasons. The unification of sauna and massage may have exponentially positive effects on human physiology. If you are a massage therapist and are considering bringing a sauna into your practice, this article will help you better understand the scientific reasons to merge these two modalities. Conversely, if you are a sauna user who receives massage, you will uncover valuable information on how you can supercharge your next massage session using the sauna!

An examination of the health benefits of both sauna use, as well as massage, demonstrates that the two healing forms have very many overlapping results, although the means to these results varies significantly from one to the other. Is there any point in combining treatment activities that have seemingly very similar results? Or, if you are doing one regularly, is it worth adding the other? 

This article will demonstrate why massage and sauna make a natural partnership, and how you can use both of them in tandem to achieve your health and wellness goals. 

What Are Some of the Shared Benefits Between Sauna Use and Massage?

Massage & Sauna Sauna Only Massage Only

Massage & SaunaSauna OnlyMassage Only
Quality SleepHeat Shock Protein ProductionDigestive Disorders
FibromyalgiaCardiovascular WorkoutScar Tissue
Improved CirculationPhotobiomodulation (near infrared)Nerve Pain
DepressionDetoxificationPost Operative Care
RelaxationHeart Rate VariabilityStrains & Sprains
Sports InjuriesHormesisArea Specific Stimuli
Post Workout RecoveryImproved Pulmonary FunctionBody Contouring
FlexibilityHeat Induced Bio-chemical changesConnectivity
Decreased InflamationSkin RejevenationLowers Heart Rate
Improved ImmunityImproved T-Cell ProductionRelaxing tissue
(1)

With so many overlapping benefits between sauna use and massage, you may wonder – why do both? In reality, the two modalities are significantly different, though complementary. There are benefits derived exclusively from massage that cannot be garnished through sauna use alone, and vice versa. 

Ideally, if an individual or a clinical massage therapist is able to, the two modalities would be used in tandem to enhance the overall benefits to the patient or client.  

Sauna use, for the most part, is something that can be done up to 7 times a week, and this is (generally speaking) not recommended for massage, particularly when addressing postoperative care, or other specific injuries. What this means is that when you do choose to receive a massage you can exponentially increase the overall positive impact on health by using a sauna on the same day. 

How Can Saunas Improve the Efficacy of a Massage?

  • Transference of the autonomic nervous system into states of relaxation
  • Increased uptake in heat shock protein production 
  • Improved circulation
  • Muscle pliability

During every sauna session a cascade of biochemical reactions occur within the body’s systems. The extent of the positive changes that occur while in a sauna continue to be studied and researched in fields of biomedicine as a litany of positive reactions continue to be discovered regularly. 

When using a sauna, the “switch” between the autonomic nervous system’s division from hyperarousal to states of relaxation is easily glided, and an individual will emerge from a sauna session relaxed, with a body ripened for healing. This means that as soon as a massage session begins, the deep work can already start to take effect as the individual will not need to be coaxed into relaxation, since the state will have already been found in the sauna. (Provided that a sauna session was taken first). 

Heat shock protein production is escalated during each sauna session, which means that these microscopic protein chaperones have been released, and are therefore incorporated into the full body circulation via a massage or other similar healing modality (acupuncture, chiropractic work, or physical therapy). (2)

If we consider blood moving throughout the body as an interconnected system of waterways, then a sauna is like releasing a dam, and the massage is like tenderly sculpting the river beds into even more specific avenues. 

The heat of a sauna affects muscle pliability, so if an individual takes a sauna before a massage, then the muscles will have already been tenderized for the massage. Furthermore, muscles will be rendered more flexible after the heat of a sauna and will be more open to the manipulations of the massage. 

Sauna use prior to a massage helps to move the body out of states of hypervigilance (i.e. sympathetic dominance of the nervous system, or fight/flight/fawn/freeze) (3), into states of relaxation where the body’s natural healing mechanism can begin to engage in impactful ways. Using a sauna before a massage allows for an uptake in positive chemical reactions such as the production of heat shock proteins to improve the quality of blood, before an extensive uptake in circulation. 

Should You Sauna Before or After Massage?

In order for the efficacy of sauna and massage use in tandem to truly be experienced, it is important for the order of operations to be clearly followed. In almost all cases it is best to sauna prior to a massage. In doing so, much of the initial work on the table for a massage therapist can already be accomplished in the sauna, and this will allow for a deeper treatment during the massage. 

Rather than spending the first portion of the massage encouraging the client to relax, a sauna can do this first, and the real magic of the massage can begin immediately. The improved circulation that occurs in a sauna as a result of exposure to heat means that the initial uptake in circulation does not need to happen manually by the massage therapist. If blood is flowing in a very robust way before the client lays down on the table then blood flow to the desired areas of the body inorder to reduce inflammation can happen more readily. 

What Is the Best Way to Use a Sauna in a Clinical Setting?

If you are a massage therapist and have brought a sauna into your clinic, or if you are someone engaging these two therapies on your own, you will want to follow this protocol for the best results. 

Take a sauna at a temperature that will induce sweating, but without the risk of dehydration. An individual should stay in the sauna for about 20 minutes (depending on the type of sauna being used, an infrared sauna can be used for a longer period of time). After the sauna, the individual should take a brief shower, not too long should be spent between exiting the sauna and laying on the massage table. This means that a shower should be available for immediate use. A tepid, or short cold shower can be taken to wash away the sweat and any bacteria on the skin, but this is not the time to take a long shower that involves exfoliation, and hair washing, as this can be done after the massage. 

After a short shower, water, or an electrolyte beverage should be consumed before lying down on the massage table. 

After the massage, a more indepth shower can be taken, and the client should be encouraged to consume substantial amounts of re-hydrating fluid. Instead of rushing out, the client should spend some time in a room where they can relax and integrate the benefits of both modalities. 

How To Find a Massage Therapist

Take some time to find a massage therapist that has a sauna, either traditional or infrared, in their practice already, or if you have a sauna in your home, potentially find a clinician who is able to come to your home for the massage (if you feel safe and comfortable doing so). 

Make sure that you find a licensed massage therapist with a good reputation and one that you feel comfortable to relax with. 

Here is a basic guide from the  Mayo clinic on what to ask for when looking for a massage therapist:

Don’t be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
  • Are you licensed, certified or registered?
  • What is your training and experience?
  • How many massage therapy sessions do you think I’ll need?
  • What’s the cost, and is it covered by health insurance? (1)

Take your time finding a therapist that works for you. You are never obliged to stay on a massage table if you feel unsafe, or even have the slightest inclination that you should get up and leave. Always follow your intuition, and be sure to vet your massage therapist well. 

Sauna and Massage: An Ideal Marriage of Healing

In a perfect world everyone would be able to take a weekly sauna followed by a massage. If you are a clinical massage therapist and are able to also offer a sauna to your clients, you will be enhancing your treatments significantly.

Be sure to hydrate well if you plan on using a sauna alongside a massage, and remember that in order to truly benefit from the union of sauna and massage it is important to take your sauna first. Be sure to follow the protocol above, and take a short shower between sessions to keep the body, and muscles warm for the massage.

Take your time and find a massage therapist that is licensed and one that you feel comfortable with. During a sauna session as well as a massage the body is in a compromised and deeply vulnerable state so always ensure that your safety comes first!

Sources Cited:

  1. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/benefits-of-massage-therapy
  2. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/sauna
  3. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know
  4. Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Pete Walker, 12-2018,
  5. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/07/massage-therapy

Post Sauna Cleansing Protocol

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Cold Therapy, Cosmetics & Make-Up, Detoxification, Frequently Asked Questions, Health Benefits, Hydration

If you’ve ever used a sauna before, you know you will want to cleanse yourself afterwards to remove any sweat and toxins released from the body during your session. The openness of the pores immediately following your sauna provides an unique opportunity to cleanse the skin and release any lingering toxins on the outer shell of the body.

This article will help prepare you to maximize your sauna experience by ensuring that you have a few sauna specific guidelines to cleanse your body after your sauna session. 

Pre-Sauna Cleansing Preparation

Towels, and More Towels

You will need a towel inside your sauna that you can sit on, as well as a smaller towel that you can use to wipe the sweat off the brow before it lands in your eyes. If you are able to walk directly into the shower after your sauna session, that is preferred, but you may need to have a post-sauna/pre-shower towel available to protect your naked or mostly naked body from viewing and stay warm! Finally, you will want to have post shower clean towels at the ready as well. 

Remove Make-up and Lotions

Before entering your sauna it is best to remove any make-up and heavy lotions covering the body. While your make-up will come off during the sauna (potentially ruining your towels), this is still an important step as it will allow your pores to open up during the sauna session. A short shower to take off cream, lotions, and make-up may be helpful depending on your personal skincare regimen.

Dry-Brushing

Some skin care experts suggest dry brushing before entering the sauna, while others suggest doing so once you are already in the sauna. You will need to decide for  yourself whether to dry brush in the sauna or before. The recommended frequency for dry brushing is 1-3 days a week. For details on how to properly perform dry brushing for maximum benefit please continue reading below. 

Dry Brushing in the Sauna

Whether you have decided to perform your dry brushing inside the sauna, or before entering, you will need the same tools and will follow the same motions. A dry brush is made of natural bristles and can be hand held in the palm of the hand or may be held with a longer handle. We find that dry brushes with a longer handle will give you the ability to more easily reach all of the surfaces of your body, but the choice is yours!

Dry brushing is purported to help stimulate lymphatic drainage, exfoliate dead skin cells, improve upper level circulation, as well as possibly lessen the presence of cellulite. (1)

A study that was published by the National Library of Medicine found that dry brushing, when performed in a systematic way on the participants, did reduce the appearance of cellulite:

“This technique of lymphatic system stimulation is efficacious in the treatment of cellulite.” (1)

There is clinically significant data to suggests that dry-brushing may aid in the appearance of cellulite on the upper thighs, and lower abdomen (in women only – sorry, men), particularly when the cellulite was linked to the presence of estrogen. (1)

If you are performing dry brushing in your sauna then you will want to wait until the skin is warm enough, but not until there is profuse sweating occuring. Meaning, the skin should still be mostly dry, so this technique should be performed earlier on in your sauna session.

You can begin at the ankles and begin brushing in circular motions upwards towards the heart. Accessing as many areas as possible on both the front and the back sides of the body. Once you have completed one side up to the heart area, begin on the other ankle. After performing dry brushing on both sides of the lower body, then you will begin in reverse (excluding the face), starting with the wrists, arms, upper back – always moving in the direction of your heart. 

You should apply gentle pressure, but not so much that the skin is damaged. Once you have finished, place the dry brush outside of the sauna. Once sweating has begun, you may begin to wipe the skin with a hand held towel. This will remove dead skin cells that will easily be removed from the body when the skin is moist from sweat. 

*** Contradiction: Dry brushing is not appropriate for anyone with eczema, or psoriasis with an active flare up. Other skin conditions may not be appropriate for dry brushing. Furthermore, be sure that you can safely move around your sauna to access the different parts of your body, or enlist a friend or family member if you are lacking in flexibility. 

Spend some time relaxing in your sauna, so you do not feel that you are spending the whole time attending to skin care.

Exfoliating After the Sauna

After your sauna session you will want to shower immediately. If you are not going to be using a cold plunge directly after your sauna, or going into a massage or other treatment, then you will want to cleanse yourself thoroughly after your sauna.

This means begin with a tepid shower, and slowly increase the temperature so that you feel the water to be warm. Use a gentle exfoliant that has an oil base. This will prevent the skin from drying out. You will gently rub the exfoliant over your body in circular motions. Then rinse your skin clean. If you have a particular face cleanser that you use, now is a time to cleanse the skin on your face thoroughly. 

Use a very gentle cleanser for the rest of your body. It is important to cleanse the skin after a sauna session to avoid bacterial infection, however you do not want to dry the skin out. A natural, delicate soap should suffice for most skin types. 

Close with a Cold Rinse

Once you have finished cleansing the skin you will want to finish your shower with a cold rinse. The colder temperature will help to close your open pores and prevent outside substances from getting under your skin. If you would like to enjoy a 2 minute cold shower at this point, you will also receive some additional benefits from contrast therapy. 

Make sure you have a fresh, clean towel waiting for you upon exiting your post sauna shower. 

What Kind of Soap To Use After A Sauna

After a sauna your pores are very open from all of the sweating that has occurred, so you want to treat your skin the same way you would a young child’s or baby’s skin. Use natural cleansers that are free of harsh scents, chemicals, and potential toxins as your skin will be very vulnerable after a sauna.

Further, if you have exfoliated or used a dry brush, then you will have a layer of fresh new skin that will require special treatment.

Moisturize After Post-Sauna Shower

You will want to moisturize your face with your normal serum and day or night cream depending on the time of day that you have used your sauna. You may also want to consider a natural moisturizer on your body to prevent excessive dryness. 

Saunas can dry the skin out, especially if you are using a sauna several times a week for therapeutic purposes, so make sure that you have a moisturizer available that works for your skin type. 

Sauna As a Deep Cleaning From the Inside Out

Taking a sauna is an excellent way to truly cleanse your body from the inside out. The sweat will purify the internal portions of the body, open the pores, and allow for a truly deep cleansing of the skin. By adding dry brushing to your sauna protocol, as well as an exfoliation session, you may be enhancing your overall health in many more ways. 

To make your sauna session as clean as possible make sure you have plenty of towels, as well as a shower readily available. Your post-sauna shower will help to avoid any bacterial infection on the skin and should not be skipped.

Dry brushing is something that can be done just 1-3 times per week and should be avoided in excess or if you have a particular skin condition. 

As with all things sauna related, if you are concerned about how your skin may react to dry brushing, regular sauna use, or what type of soap to use consult with your dermatologist before beginning this or any other protocol.  

Sources Cited:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114606/

Sauna Use During the Holidays: Managing When & How To Eat Optimal Sauna Experience

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Cardiovascular Health, Detoxification, Eating Disorders & Sauna USe, Health Benefits, Sauna & Eating, Time of Day To Use Your Sauna

Baking cookies, roasting delicious food in the oven, and nuts in dishes around the home is synonymous with the holiday season for many people. Sharing food with family and loved ones is a tradition shared by many all over the globe. Unfortunately, by the time the New Year comes around, lots of folks have neglected their sauna or fitness regimen and are struggling to get back into the swing of things. 

Your sauna can be a powerful health ally throughout the month of December. If the temperatures leave sidewalk and street conditions icy, or if you just want to step into the sauna from home and save on time, using a sauna can give you a reasonable facsimile to a cardiovascular workout. Plus, saunas bring so many wonderful health benefits outside of helping you to reach your fitness goals. 

Given the abundance of food-related events during the holidays, if you intend to maintain your sauna routine, it’s important to coordinate your eating schedule accordingly. By continuing to use your sauna throughout the holiday you help mitigate any unwanted weight gain, and reduce excessive toxin intake by continuing to detoxify in your sauna. 

Can You Eat Before Your Sauna?

  • In General: Eat For a Sauna as you Would a Workout or Swim
  • Go Into Your Sauna Fasted for Human Growth Hormone Production
  • Use Your Sauna at a Semi Fasted Point for Weight Management

The general rule of thumb when it comes to eating and your sauna use is that you should, if possible, wait 2 hours after eating before using a sauna. There are several reasons for this, however, it should be noted that if you are diabetic, have low blood pressure, or have specific dietary restrictions such as maintaining ketosis, follow what works for you and is recommended by your trusted healthcare provider to keep you as healthy as possible. 

For most people who are using a sauna to improve cardiovascular function, or to detoxify, you will want to wait around 2 hours after eating before going into the sauna. It is important to remember that the body needs energy in order to properly digest food. Ideally, the autonomic nervous system will be in a fairly relaxed state (parasympathetic dominance, aka rest and digest) while you are eating as this allows the body to pour its energy into the process of digestion. This means that it is best to exercise or go into a sauna after you have finished the process of digestion. 

When in doubt, try to wait two hours after eating, if possible, before entering the sauna. 

One notable exception to the “2 Hour Rule” is if you are using a sauna for the purpose of increasing Human Growth Hormone Production. In this case you will follow an altogether different protocol for sauna use including using a sauna in a fairly fasted state. This protocol also includes limiting the frequency of sauna use to just a few days in the month, but doing 4 sessions in a single day. This is an atypical protocol for sauna use and should not be followed for any other reason than to produce human growth hormone. (1)

If your goal in using a sauna is to decrease all cause mortality from cardiovascular disease then you will want to make sure that you are getting into the sauna as often as possible. (2)

During the holiday season if you are using a sauna for managing weight your sauna protocol will vary somewhat. Ideally, if you are accustomed to some level of intermittent fasting and your body allows you to enter a sauna first thing in the morning before breakfast, this will help you manage your weight while still enjoying the rich foods of the holidays. (3)

Using a sauna frequently, but for less time, will also help to maintain your ideal weight. Meaning the more times that you are able to tap into your temperature regulatory system and push the body to a point of perspiration, the easier weight management will be, even without exercise. 

If you would like to indulge this holiday season in whatever foods you fancy and still step into the New Year looking fabulous, consider keeping up with your sauna use throughout the season.

How Long After Your Sauna Can You Eat?

After you sauna you will naturally want to take a shower and properly cleanse your skin and hair. You will also want to be sure to intake high quality fluids with lots of electrolytes. If possible, take some time to sit or lie down. As your body temperature begins to drop again you will naturally begin to feel hungry. For most people this is about 45 minutes after a sauna session. Eating after a sauna has fewer parameters than before your sauna. So, just make sure that you are hydrating well, cleansing yourself thoroughly, and know that as your internal body temperature drops you will naturally want to eat again (especially if you have been fasting).

Sauna During the Holidays To Detoxify From Rich and High Sugar Foods

If you are not used to rich foods high in sugar and fats, you may be left with somewhat of a yucky or bloated feeling throughout the holiday season. Taking even a quick sauna can help you feel balanced again if these unusual foods throw you for a loop. Be sure that you are waiting to get into the sauna for at least 2 hours after eating and especially be certain that no alcohol has been consumed.

Using a sauna every morning, or every other morning, during the holiday season will help you to release alcohol and other toxins found in foods that you may not be accustomed to. (4) Saunas capitalize on the use of your largest organ – the skin – to detoxify the body. This process of detoxification relieves stress from the internal organs, such as the kidneys and liver – helping the body to feel ‘less cluttered’, much like tidying up the wrapping paper or doing the dishes after a party. 

Additionally, a daily sauna will help to keep you grounded during a season of intensive social engagement. So, if you are feeling uncomfortable from too much sugar or unusual foods, know that you can reliably go into the sauna to find your equilibrium again. 

Step Into The New Year Feeling Fit and Beautiful

Most people set their fitness, health, and weight loss goals for after the New Year, but with access to a regular sauna, you can forego the crowds and ensure that you are maintaining your health and wellness by using your sauna throughout the holidays. 

It is important to feel as if you can participate in fun family meals,knowing that you can find a balance with regular sauna use. 

Remember – unless you have specific dietary restrictions – it is best to wait 2 hours after you eat to enter a sauna, or treat a sauna the same way you would a workout or a swim. If you are using a sauna for Human Growth Hormone production, we recommend you follow the aforementioned protocol, or if you are using a sauna specifically as a weight management strategy, you will want to consider fasting before your sauna. 

As always, consult with your healthcare provider before engaging in any new food restriction or other health methodologies. If you are living with or recovering from an eating disorder, proceed with correct eating for your body and in accordance with the recommendations of your medical doctor. 

Above all else, stay safe and enjoy the holidays!

Sources Cited:

  1. https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/deliberate-heat-exposure-protocols-for-health-and-performance
  2. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/sauna
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295591/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/

Preparing For the Holidays: Alcohol Consumption & Sauna Use

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Addiction & Sobriety, Detoxification, Health Benefits, Hydration

As the holiday season draws near, for numerous people, this signifies an increase in alcohol intake. If you are planning to sauna throughout the holidays and partake in holiday liquor and food-rich cheer, there are a few things to know to help you navigate this time of year successfully, while still maintaining your sauna protocol. 

You can enjoy the holiday toasts of alcoholic beverages and continue to benefit from regular sauna use as long as you do so with a few extra precautions.  Sauna and alcohol use do not mix, and preparing to use your sauna at specific times of the day will help ensure that these activities are never wedded.

By following the basic protocol below you can help offset some of the negative effects of hangovers, holiday weight gain and, most importantly, stay safe!

Alcohol and Sauna Use During The Holiday Season

  • Never Mix Alcohol Consumption and Sauna Use (before or during a sauna session)
  • Be Diligent in Hydration if you Choose to Sauna During the Same 24 Hours as Alcohol Consumption Occurs
  • Schedule Sauna Use During the Holidays
  • Detoxify From Sauna Use & Post Sauna Cleansing
  • Limit Holiday Weight Gain 

For many people an increase in alcohol consumption over the holidays is a natural part of this time of the year. From eggnog to hot toddies, the holiday season brings with it many opportunities to consume alcohol-based beverages. It is important to remember that while sauna use is safe for most people most of the time, one exception to this rule is this: Never Drink and Sauna!

Do Not Use a Sauna After or During Alcohol Consumption

Sauna use has so many health benefits under a wider variety of circumstances and may aid in a plethora of health related issues, however, the one time you should definitely NOT sauna is after or during alcohol consumption. If you have been drinking it is best to sleep for the night and wake up the next morning to sauna once the alcohol has been metabolized through your body’s system.

Alcohol impacts motor skills and decision making, therefore, similar to driving a vehicle, if you plan to drink, make sure you do not drive or sauna! 

Not only does alcohol impair autonomic functions of the body and fine motor skills, it also dehydrates the body. This fact becomes confusing because most folks ingest alcohol via fluids, so even when it feels like you are drinking plenty, these drinks are not hydrating the body. The high sugar content of alcohol affects the body’s ability to metabolize fluids as positive hydration. Expect that every time you consume alcohol, especially in higher quantities, that your body will be at a hydration deficit if you then add sauna use in the mix it is possible to become dangerously dehydrated.

Dehydration From Alcohol & Sauna Use: A Dangerous Combination

During a sauna session you will lose roughly 16 ounces of fluid for every 10 minutes that you sit in a sauna, or about a pint of fluid for every sauna session, though this amount does vary from individual to individual. (1) In order to sauna both safely and effectively, it is important to be deliberate and diligent about hydration. 

Adding the dehydrating qualities of alcohol to the cocktail of heavy sweating that occurs during a sauna session is a nasty combination for your overall health and wellness. This means that if you do plan to keep up with your normal sauna protocol during the holiday season, and also participate in festive alcohol use, you will need to be extra vigilant in your hydrating campaign. 

During the day prior to sauna use be sure to consume plenty of water, electrolyte rich drinks, or coconut water. You will go into your party mode already well hydrated, and will be less likely to fall into a hydration deficit. The following morning, be sure to start your day off with plenty of water and healthy fluids before entering the sauna. 

During your sauna continue to consume water, and after your sauna be sure to take in an electrolyte rich beverage. This will help you recover fluid lost during the sauna session and rehydrate after an evening of holiday drinking. 

Furthermore it can rejuvenate the body to sauna after a night of liquor consumption as the body detoxifies the alcohol during a sauna session. 

Detoxify From Drinking With Sauna Use

If you do decide to sauna after an evening of alcohol use and you have properly prepared through positive hydration, then you may find it an excellent feeling to dip into the sauna and sweat the night away. Be prepared to potentially smell the alcohol in your sweat as you sit in the sauna – this is normal and a positive sign of detoxification. 

You will notice that your hangover can be reduced by getting into the sauna the next morning. Instead of a dull look to your skin, using a sauna actually gives you a nice glow, despite heavier drinking the night before.

When To Sauna During the Holidays

As long as you are well hydrated go ahead and schedule yourself a morning or early day sauna throughout the holidays to not only keep up your sauna protocol and offset holiday related alcohol use. Sauna in the early part of the day allows you to seamlessly transition into the festive spirit of holiday drinking, confident that you’ve already prioritized your body’s well-being with a morning sauna.

With a little preparation you can easily avoid the disastrous encounter of alcohol and sauna use at the same time!

Sauna Use May Help Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

By using a sauna throughout the holiday season you may be able to help prevent excessive bloating or weight gain from holiday liquor consumption. Alcoholic beverages are generally high in sugar and calories, so even if you are not eating excessively over the holidays, simply having a few more drinks than normal can increase your caloric load. You may want to be sure that you continue to use your sauna throughout the holiday season to help ward of any extra pounds.

If you are using a sauna for weight loss, you will want to be sure to sauna frequently, and sit through the discomfort of the heat until you reach the moment when your body begins to sweat. This pivot point of reaching the moment when sweat is excreted is essential if you are using a sauna in order to lose weight. So, frequent sauna use, rather than very long sauna sessions are important to effectively lose weight with a sauna. 

Post Sauna Cleansing

If you are using a sauna after a night of a holiday partying you will want to ensure that you adequately prepare your skin for your session. If you have been sitting in the sauna and sweating out the previous night’s jollies, you will want to follow the sauna up with a specific cleansing protocol. 

Consider exfoliating the skin gently after (or during your sauna session), this can be done using a variety of techniques. Once the exfoliating has occurred, then you will want to cleanse the skin with a gentle soap, and close the pores with a cold shower, or better yet a cold plunge. 

After following this sauna cleansing procedure you will feel good as new (or at least less hungover and uncomfortable). Be sure to hydrate well!

Sauna Use Over the Holiday Season

It is perfectly normal to indulge the senses over the holiday season with increased alcohol and rich food consumption. The negative effects of doing so can be leveraged by continuing to use a sauna over the course of the holidays, provided you do so in a responsible manner. 

This means do not ever sauna after you have been drinking and do not ever consume alcohol while in the sauna. Furthermore, you will need to be even more diligent than normal about staying well hydrated if you plan to drink alcoholic beverages and use a sauna during any 24 hour period. This means drinking plenty of water and electrolyte rich foods/drink.

Saunas may help mitigate the discomfort of a hangover, particularly if you follow the post sauna protocol. Help to avoid excessive holiday weight gain often associated with an uptake in alcohol consumption by maintaining your sauna regiment.

Have a very happy holiday season and keep on using your sauna (responsibly)!

Sources Cited:

  1. https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/deliberate-heat-exposure-protocols-for-health-and-performance

Get Ahead of This Winter’s Common Cold Season: Can Sauna’s Help Prevent Respiratory Based Diseases?

By Saunas.org - Kat | | Cardiovascular Health, Health Benefits, Healthspan, Heat Shock Proteins, Longevity, Lung Health

As the days get shorter, the nights longer, and the temperatures begin to plummet, the inevitability of the cold season may seem hard to avoid. Pulmonary-based illnesses are ubiquitous through the winter months, and may even develop into more serious lung diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and chronic pulmonary infections. 

Based on several studies and several years of cumulative research, there is a growing understanding on how sauna use may effectively prevent, and perhaps even treat, mild to fairly severe respiratory diseases. This article will highlight the most exciting and relevant studies that demonstrate how you may be able to avoid the common cold, or at the least help prevent the evolution of lung conditions into more serious states such as pneumonia. 

There is also specific sauna protocol that ought to be followed if you are planning to use a sauna in the treatment of the common cold or in its prevention.

***There is a growing body of data available regarding the effects of regular sauna bathing on human physiology. Assisting in navigating this labyrinth of research are helpful institutions such as the National Library of Medicine, The Mayo Clinic, as well as other individuals in high ranking medical research positions, all of which make this information more accessible to the average person. To help you dissect the increasing body of research on sauna use, this article aims to extract the most pertinent information for you to help you garnish a better sense of how saunas are affecting your body, and moreover, how to use a sauna inorder to gain the maximum health benefits for you. 

Can Saunas Reduce the Occurrence of Pulmonary Diseases?

  • Common Cold
  • Pneumonia (1) 
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Asthma

While saunas are known for reducing all-cause mortality from heart related conditions, as well as many other wonderful health benefits, regular sauna use may also help tremendously in the prevention and possible treatment of respiratory disease. 

According to the publication entitled ‘Lungs and Ventilation in Sauna’, research indicates that regular sauna use may directly improve lung health by ameliorating vital capacity and volume, ventilation, and forced expiratory volume. (2)

This research suggests that even if an individual is not currently suffering from a lung disease, that by virtue of consistently using a sauna, overall lung capacity is improved in both the volume capacity of the lungs, as well as in the efficacy of breathing. 

Furthermore, if asthma or bronchitis is present in patients, saunas appear to help reduce the symptoms of both of these diseases by improving overall breathing. This finding is based on the Mayo Clinic’s publication that states: “…finding sauna exposure to improve breathing in patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis.” (3,4)

The same publication goes on to share the following findings from a study involving 50 participants and the common cold:

“…in a trial of 25 volunteers who were exposed to sauna and 25 controls, sauna bathing was observed to halve the incidence of common colds.” (3)

Finally, another study also published by the Mayo Clinic looking at pneumonia indicates that: “In a separate analysis limited to pneumonia cases, having regular sauna baths was also associated with a reduced risk of pneumonia.” (3)

There is clearly a significant culmination of research that indicates a strong correlation between sauna use and pulmonary health. From the common cold, to pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis, the data suggests that saunas may strongly aid in reducing the negative effects of these conditions in some individuals. It is always advisable to consult with a medical practitioner before beginning a sauna protocol, particularly if you have been diagnosed with a respiratory condition. Sauna use may not be for everyone, so always use caution and the assistance of a medical professional when embarking on any new health care regime. 

How To Use a Sauna To Assist In Overall Pulmonary Function?

  • Minimum Requirement: 2-3 times per week
  • Ideal: 4-7 times per week

For many individuals, spending time in the sauna is really about socializing, relaxing, and is generally considered to be a recreational activity that occurs perhaps a few times a year, but if you have decided to elicit the aid of a sauna for health reasons, then you will very quickly realize that you will need to use a sauna in very specific ways. 

If you are looking to improve overall lung health or prevent the common cold, then you will want to make sure that you are using a sauna for a minimum of 2-3 times a week (3) for at least 20 minutes. The temperature may vary depending on the heat source, so the focus should be on the internal body temperature of the user, rather than on the temperature of the sauna. It is important to increase the body temperature to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. (5) Ideally, individuals will be able to take a maximum of 4-7 sauna sessions per week to effectively improve pulmonary function.

Research indicates that sauna use needs to be regular and frequent to create lasting positive effects on lung health. The Mayo clinic sites a study entitled ‘Sauna bathing reduces the risk of respiratory diseases: a long-term prospective cohort study’, when it writes: 

“In the first prospective evaluation of the long-term effect of sauna bathing on the risk of pulmonary disease, found moderate (2-3 sessions/wk) to high (4-7 sessions/wk) frequency sauna bathing to be associated with a reduced risk of respiratory diseases (defined as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or pneumonia).” (3,6)

Whether you are looking to improve overall lung capacity for athletic purposes, to improve general fitness, to stave off the common cold, or to help heal a lung-related disease, then you will want to make sure that you are getting into your sauna often (at least 2 times a week), and potentially increasing frequency to 7 times per week. 

Given the wide girth of sauna related research and pulmonary health, there is no question that the data has been tabulated and certainly shines a bright light on the future for saunas aiding in lung health.

Sauna For Overall Immunity Boost For the Colder Months of the Year

In addition to lung specific conditions such as the common cold, saunas may also help as an overall immune booster, particularly during the colder months of the year. Saunas may improve immunity by increasing Heat Shock Protein production, ameliorating circulation and heart conditions, as well as assisting in autonomic nervous system balancing to move the toggle back into states of relaxation and healing. 

More time inside and less Vitamin D, fresh air, and increased indoor communal activities can make the holiday season a ripe time to contract a common cold. Furthermore, cold external temperatures can weaken the immune system as the body fights to stay warm, which can aggravate ongoing lung conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Follow the medical research and consider stepping into a sauna several times a week over the holiday and winter months to improve your immune system and lung health. 

Make sauna bathing a part of your lifestyle this winter and you may just escape the common cold!

Sources Cited:

  1. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/pneumonia

Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungus. There are literally dozens of different causes of pneumonia, grouped by the most common types. These are:

Bacterial pneumonia. This is caused by bacteria, the most common of which is streptococcus pneumoniae. The pneumonia might just affect one small area of your lung, or it may encompass all of both of your lungs. 

Viral pneumonia. Responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases, this type is caused by various viruses, including flu (influenza). People may be more likely to get bacterial pneumonia if they first have viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is usually not as serious as bacterial and typically goes away more quickly.

Mycoplasma pneumonia. Also known as walking pneumonia, this type is considered atypical because its symptoms and physical signs may vary. Also, it causes a milder illness. It most often occurs in older children and young adults.

Fungal pneumonia. Fungi from soil or bird droppings can cause pneumonia in people who inhale large amounts of these organisms. One type, pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), generally affects people with weak immune systems, including those with AIDS.

  1. Lungs and ventilation in sauna. Ann Clin Res. 1988; 20: 244-248
  2. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/action/showFullTableHTML?isHtml=true&tableId=tbl1&pii=S0025-6196%2818%2930275-1
  3. Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds. Ann Med. 1990; 22: 225-227
  4. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/sauna-use-depression-hyperthermia-protocol
  5. Sauna bathing reduces the risk of respiratory diseases: a long-term prospective cohort study. Eur J Epidemiol. 2017; 32: 1107-1111
  6. Frequent sauna bathing may reduce the risk of pneumonia in middle-aged Caucasian men: the KIHD prospective cohort study. Respir Med. 2017; 132: 161-163