How sauna keeps us fit in autumn
Fit into autumn with sauna. Although the days are getting shorter and the temperatures outside are getting cooler, we enjoy autumn to the fullest. The colorful foliage tempts us to take long autumn walks and the clear air gives us rosy cheeks. When we come back from outside to the warm room with red cheeks and cold feet, there is nothing better than going to the home sauna.
Strengthening the body’s defenses in the sauna
With a regular sweat bath, you are optimally prepared for the cool season and can defy the cold weather. The alternation of dry, hot air and cold water really gets the body’s defense system going. And with it also the metabolism! In this way the body is purified. The musculature relaxes. The skin also feels good, as it is better supplied with blood and thus optimally supplied with nutrients. The rosy complexion appears immediately after the sauna session.
Positive training effect
In addition, the cardiovascular system is positively influenced in the long term: the vessels dilate in the heat and contract again in the cold. This training effect can have a lasting effect against high blood pressure. And of course you already know this: the high temperatures in the sauna make the happiness hormones bubble up. This also helps you stay healthy!
A sauna bath reduces stress
Taking a sauna helps you relax and regulates the level of cortisol in our blood. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when we are stressed, and too much cortisol can lead to a number of health issues, such as problems with the immune system and sleep. A sauna bath lowers cortisol levels in our blood and stimulates serotonin production instead. Serotonin, the happy hormone, helps improve mood.
Sauna sessions can improve sleep
Research has shown that sauna visits can lead to deeper, more relaxed sleep. In addition to releasing endorphins, body temperature rises in the late evening before bedtime. This slow, relaxing release of endorphins is key to promoting healthy sleep.
Taking a sauna simply feels good
Not only does saunas feel good, they are good for your body. Be it the physiological changes that occur during sauna warmth, or simply the time spent in the calming and tranquil retreat of the sauna, every experienced sauna-goer agrees – it just feels fantastic! As we go about our stressful daily lives, the sauna is an indulgent retreat where we can relax and unwind our bodies and minds. Sauna bathing truly means “feeling better”, “looking better” and “sleeping better”!
Frequently asked questions
Finnish sauna or bio sauna for beginners?
Especially in the colder months of the year, when sauna season is in full swing, many people enjoy the comforting warmth. Therefore, starting your sauna season earlier rather than later will benefit you and your body in the long run. If you are not one of those sauna fans who seek relaxation in a Finnish sauna at 86 °F in the middle of summer, you should start the season with a bio-sauna at lower temperatures. In the bio sauna, you sweat at about 140 °F and 40% humidity. The cardiovascular system and heart get a slow but steady workout with this approach.
What aromas are associated with an autumnal sauna visit?
An essential part of a pleasant sauna experience is using the appropriate sauna fragrance for the season. Orange-flavored sauna fragrances are a perfect addition to fall. There are both orange essential oil and blood orange essential oil, which have a slightly different effect than orange essential oil. Orange essence is crisp and sugary and has a stimulating effect; however, it is best used when temperatures drop and it gets dark early in the evening.
The aroma of Indian Sandalwood is described as woody, resinous, warm and seductive. Both the wood and roots of the sandalwood tree, native to both Indonesia and India, can be used. Sandalwood has been shown to have calming and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the ability to soothe and nourish the skin. All properties that are suitable for use in a wellness sauna.
Mountain pine infusions are also helpful for colds stress, and fatigue. Important for rheumatics who are stressed by the cold and rainy weather is the fact that mountain pine has a soothing effect on muscle and joint discomfort.
How many times a week is it allowed to take a sauna?
How often you should go to the sauna depends on your own preferences. Beginners, however, should approach the heat with caution. They will get a feel for what is optimal for them over time. One to two sauna sessions per week, divided into three 15-minute segments, is optimal and should not be exceeded. Because the therapeutic benefits to the body and mind only last for a limited time, maintaining consistent use is critical.
Listening to your own body is paramount to any sauna visit, whether you are a first-time sauna user or a seasoned sauna professional. It’s not just the time you spend in the sauna, but also the circumstances of the day that have a big impact. If the heat becomes too much for you, you should leave the sauna immediately.
