What is a sauna infusion anyway?
During an infusion, the hot stones of the sauna heater are slowly doused with water, to which fragrant aromas have been added. In public saunas, the sauna master, usually the bath attendant, literally celebrates the infusion. Using the traditional wooden ladle, he scoops the water from the wooden bucket before gently sliding it onto the stones. The silence in the sauna is broken by the hissing of the evaporating water. Humidity increases due to the resulting steam, which is distributed throughout the sauna by towel waving.
What is a three-round infusion?
After the first infusion, the sauna master takes a break of about one minute before starting the next infusion. He repeats the procedure a total of three times – hence the name “three-round infusion”. In this way, the temperature is raised gradually. In order not to disturb the celebration, no sauna guests are allowed to go in or out during the infusion, except in case of an emergency. A sauna session should last about 8 to 12, maximum 15 minutes.
What additives are commonly used with the infusion water?
To make a fragrant infusion, natural herbs or essential oils are added to the water. Menthol, eucalyptus, lavender, citrus aromas such as orange, lime, lemon, or lemongrass are often added. Menthol and eucalyptus clear the respiratory tract and relieve cough symptoms, especially during colds.
Menthol even helps with concentration problems. Citrus aromas have an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as disinfecting and invigorating. Kitchen herbs are also suitable for an infusion. The scent of herbs can have an anti-inflammatory, relaxing as well as stimulating effect.
What does an infusion do?
The increased humidity caused by the infusion slows down the evaporation of your own sweat. This further increases the body temperature. On the skin, the steam causes a real glow. In order not to overtax the body, it is recommended to enter the sauna cabin only immediately before the start of the infusion. The fragrances added to the infusion water provide an additional feeling of well-being by having a positive effect on the mind and body.
What comes after the last round of infusion?
Many sauna guests linger briefly after the last infusion before leaving the sauna room. Then they cool down slowly in the fresh air and with a warm foot bath, before going on to complete refreshment with a dousing shower, cooling pool, showers and/or ice. After that, you go to rest, wrapped in warm blankets, which can last from 15 to 30 minutes.
Then it is time for the next sauna session. As a rule, sauna fans take a total of three saunas, each with cooling down and resting. Only after the last sauna session should you drink fluids. Water with sufficient magnesium and calcium is best, since trace elements are lost through sweating. Alcohol should be avoided.
Advantages of the three-round infusion
The three-round infusion offers a variety of benefits that intensify the sauna experience and enhance the health effects. Here are some of the most important benefits:
- Increased circulation: the changing temperatures and intensities optimally stimulate the body’s blood circulation. This results in an improved oxygen supply to organs and tissues, as well as an effective cleansing of the body.
- The immune system is strengthened: The intense heat and the various infusions promote the strengthening of the immune system. The body is stimulated to form defenses and protect itself against pathogens.
- Relaxation and stress reduction: The three-round infusion provides a calming and relaxing atmosphere. The alternation between heat and cooling as well as the essential scents of the infusion have a stress-reducing effect and bring body and mind into balance.
- Improving skin health: regular use of the triple infusion can have a positive effect on the skin. Sweating opens the pores and cleanses the skin. It also improves blood circulation to the skin, which can lead to a fresher and more radiant complexion.
Minimize circulatory risks and stay hydrated
To minimize the risk of circulatory problems, sauna guests should start their sauna sessions slowly and gradually increase the temperature and duration. Take care of your own body and leave the sauna immediately if you feel unwell or dizzy. An appropriate cool-down phase after each sauna session, for example by taking a cold shower or a short bath in a cold-water pool, also helps the circulation to regenerate.
It is also advisable to drink sufficient water before taking a sauna. This helps to compensate for the loss of fluids during sweating and to keep the circulation stable. Even after a sauna session, it is advisable to keep drinking small sips of water to keep the body sufficiently hydrated.
