How Often Should One Have a Dry Sauna?

Suggested Sauna Frequency

• The prevailing belief is that you should have a sauna about three times a week for a duration of approximately 20 minutes. However, this is a guideline and not a set rule. You can use a sauna as often as you like provided that it does not affect your health adversely. Consult with your physician concerning your sauna use.

Suggested Session Length

• Your sauna session should last approximately 5 to 20 minutes. If you begin to feel lightheaded, leave the sauna immediately. Taking a shower prior to entering the sauna is advisable; showering will clear and open the pores of your skin and help provide you with the full benefit of the sauna. Take another shower after you have finished your sauna to leave your skin refreshed.

Precautions

• You should not use the sauna if you’re under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. If you plan to take your sauna immediately following exercise, you should wait at least 15 minutes to allow your body to stabilize before entering the sauna. Pregnant women are discouraged from using saunas. When you have completed your sauna, replenish your body’s fluids by drinking lots of water.

Enhancements

• While the heat of the sauna is beneficial on its own, you may choose to enhance your experience with aromatherapy, which is the introduction of fragrances, such as eucalyptus, to the sauna. The suggested method is to add a few drops of oil to a ladle of water, and pour the water over the sauna’s rocks. The water will immediately turn to steam and send a layer of heat throughout the sauna.