From the great northern tradition come the numerous benefits of the sauna with thermal steam: the deep detoxifying effect (removal of the toxins accumulated in our daily life) joins the relaxing power which helps night sleep; the skin enjoys a higher brightness whereas the tissues gain more elasticity. Furthermore, blood and lymph circulation are improved as well as the effective stimulation of the tissue and gland activity. Actually, the sauna has the same function of a deep body cleansing which makes the skin more resistant against atmospheric agents such as cold, heat, wind and smog.

Just after a session of steam sauna a pleasant psycho-physical relaxation comes up; it is really able to decrease anxiety and produce, in a subsequent phase, a real sensation of energy.

Which is the best moment for a sauna?

Actually, there is no ideal moment; what is really important is that one has sufficient time to make it well and with no hurry. It is surely appropriate to start it after a snack with yogurt and fruit, better if combined with a warm herb tea.

Before beginning it is advisable to have a shower, as it improves the pores opening and the general relaxation.

Both before and after a sauna, alcohols and sugared drinks are absolutely to be avoided whereas juices, warm herb teas and water are highly recommended.

Duration and post sauna

Beginners are not to overcome ten minutes and get up slowly at the end of a session, before going out of the sauna room. Afterwards, a cold shower with light jet will decrease body temperature up to its normal degree.

This is the time for the real rest: wrapped in a bathrobe or cover, one lies down on a bed for around 15 minutes.

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It is also possible to go back into the sauna for a second phase of ten minutes where the same steps of the first are to be followed.

Contraindications

Sauna is not suitable for those suffering from hypertension, lung or heart affections as well as circulatory ailments. However, it is very appropriate to consult a doctor before beginning treatments with high temperature.

Sauna and slimming
The abundant perspiration caused by the sauna takes off around one litre of water and deeply cleanses the skin while removing impurities and toxins. It is plain that liquid loss has to be restored at the end of the sauna by drinking herb teas and fruit juices.

As a matter of fact, the sauna is not a slimming treatment but surely contributes to improve the metabolism.

Sauna and sport activity
The beneficial effects of the sauna act also to advantage of the heart, blood circulation, skin and breathing and improve the resistance against infections such as sinusitis, cold and flu.

So, the whole organism enjoys the multiple positive effects which make it stronger and more active. Also history gives a good example, as in Germany the sauna began to be appreciated in 1936 at the Berlin Olympics where everyone verified the results of the Finnish athletes who had been asking to have the sauna at their disposal.

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