Correct sauna – when not to go to the sauna
When should I not go to the sauna? Already in ancient times, people appreciated the healthy and restorative effect of steam and sweat baths. How popular and widespread sauna visits are seems to depend primarily on which country you live in. The further north it goes and the lower the temperatures drop, the more popular sauna visits are.
The effect of a visit to the sauna on the human organism
In order to find out when to refrain from visiting the sauna, it is important to know the effect of different types of saunas on the human organism. Under certain health conditions, which can be both long-term and temporary, it is advisable to refrain from visiting the sauna. In the sauna, the human body is exposed to strong heat and temperature stimuli. In the sweat room or steam bath, temperatures range from 80 to 110 degrees Celsius. If you are brave, after sweating, you dare to jump into the plunge pool filled with cold water with temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius or less.
Which sauna is right for me?
Contrary to common belief, however, the human organism is able to cope with these extreme stimuli and temperature differences, provided there are no health restrictions. A deep feeling of relaxation and lightness spreads through all limbs. Mentally, most sauna visitors feel like they have been reborn.
Not everyone can tolerate the sauna heat
Those who decide to visit the sauna regularly should inform themselves beforehand about the mode of action and consider whether the physical prerequisites are given in order to achieve the desired feeling of well-being. Each sauna visitor reacts differently to the heat and temperature conditions. While one better tolerates the hot and Finnish sauna, the other prefers a visit to the steam room, because he copes better with high humidity than with dry heat.
The infusion and its special effect
The infusion has a special effect, because it pushes the temperatures in the sweat cabin even higher. These increased temperatures are due to the fact that stones are placed above the furnace. These heat up, then when water is poured over them, the moisture evaporates with a hiss, raising the temperature and humidity for a short time. Therefore, many visitors with circulatory problems leave the sauna before the infusion is performed.
Activate defenses
The high temperatures in the sauna activate the body’s defenses, get the circulation going, and then provide total relaxation. Body temperature rises by about 2 degrees Celsius, while the skin warms by 3 to 10 degrees Celsius. The heart beats 50 percent faster, blood vessels dilate and muscles relax.
Lose unnecessary ballast
For those who want to get rid of unnecessary ballast and toxins, a visit to the sauna is the optimal choice. Through sweating, the human body loses up to one liter of water in 15 minutes. Blood is the largest supplier of water. During the sweat bath, a large amount of water is removed from the blood so that it liquefies. In the next step, the body compensates for this water loss by withdrawing muscle, tissue and fat mass.
When am I not allowed in the sweat room?
Especially people with regular circulatory and blood pressure problems should avoid visiting the sauna, as the high temperatures can affect the organism and lead to dizzy spells, nausea, and even more severe circulatory and blood pressure problems. Inflammatory conditions are exacerbated by high temperatures. People suffering from rheumatism, varicose veins and vein difficulties are affected. For them, a visit to the sauna is recommended only in the non-inflammatory intervals.
Caution for heart disease
Heart difficulties are exacerbated by increased heart rate. People who take blood thinners due to heart disease should not be in the sauna under any circumstances, as the withdrawal of water causes the blood to thicken. Those suffering from kidney and liver diseases should avoid visiting the sauna or ask a doctor for advice beforehand, because a large part of the fluid and nutrient supply runs through these two organs.
People with epilepsy and those who have recently suffered a stroke are not allowed in the sauna, as the increased temperatures can further weaken the already pre-stressed organism and lead to renewed seizures or strokes. The same applies to people with elevated intraocular pressure.
Sauna is good for the respiratory system
Since a visit to the sauna has a relaxing and clearing effect on the respiratory tract, asthmatics can also visit the sweat cabin. However, it is advisable to refrain from cooling down in the plunge pool or shower afterward, as the respiratory tract can contract abruptly due to the strong temperature gradient.
You should pay attention to
Caution is also advised for allergy sufferers, as they not infrequently react with extreme breathing problems to the essential and often non-natural ingredients in the infusions. Pregnant women and children should not be exposed to the high temperatures in the sweat cabin for more than 10 minutes. Out of consideration for other sauna visitors, it goes without saying that a visit to the sauna is cancelled in the event of acute infections such as flu, colds, and sniffles.
Caution with drug interactions
Last but not least, it should be noted that interactions are possible with medications that are to be taken regularly for certain complaints or diseases. These interactions can lead to significant health limitations. Medical consultation before visiting the sauna is advisable for those affected in any case.
Important note: The information provided is in no way a substitute for professional advice or treatment by trained and accredited physicians. The contents of Saunazeit Magazine cannot and must not be used to independently diagnose or initiate treatment.
