If you have a well controlled and stable heart disease you could benefit from sauna bathing.
The heat helps to protect the inner layer of the blood vessels, just like exercise does, and this is helpful to prevent arteriosclerosis. But if your condition is unstable or if you have recently suffered a heart attack, sauna is dangerous for you. It is always better to check with your GP first.
However fit you are, if you become dizzy, light-headed or unwell, leave immediately and cool down.
Avoid saunas if you have been drinking alcohol, and never drink any while bathing. It increases the risk of heart rhythm problems and blood pressure drops, and can even lead to sudden death.
Remove all jewellery and piercings before you go in, because metal can become very hot and burn you.
Sauna Bathing Guidelines
- Start on the lowest bench and work your way up as you become used to the heat.
- Shower first. Not only is that more hygienic, but it will also make you sweat more.
- You can put some water on the rocks to make it hotter.
- Do not stay for more than 10 to 15 min to start with.
- Cool off by taking a shower or by simply resting a bit outside. More and more people swap the sudden cooling down of an ice cold bath or shower by a more gentle process.
- You can go back into the sauna and repeat the process as often as you like. The final cool down consist of a shower with some gentle soap
- Rehydrate and rest for at least 15 min before going home
Conclusion
Sauna bathing is very safe, as long as you use your common sense. It is very relaxing and it has important health benefits.
It will take at least 30 min as a beginner and more than that when you get used to it, which is a lot of time in our modern world. The only way to know if it is worthwhile for you is to give it a go.
