Simple rituals for a sauna - how to do it

We know there are lots of questions in Ireland about how to really do a sauna. So in this post we will describe the basics of a sauna, what you need, and so on. A kind of Sauna 101 class. Let's begin. 

A ritual sauna, also known sometimes as a Nordic sauna, is an ancient tradition that has been practiced for centuries in many parts of the world. It typically involves sitting in a hot and humid room, followed by a cool shower or jump into a cold body of water, and then relaxing in a cool room.  Although depending on your personal taste you may skip the cold part (we do recommend it though)!
his practice has many benefits, such as detoxifying the body, improving blood circulation, and reducing stress. In this article, we will guide you through steps to performing a simple sauna and explain the benefits in brief.
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What you need to have
Before starting a sauna, you will need the following items:

• A sauna room or a designated space
• A sauna stove or a heater
• Stones (if using a traditional sauna stove)
• Water
• A towel or a robe
• Optional: birch branches, essential oils, or other aromatherapy products

A step-by-step guide to what to do

1. Preparing the Sauna Room:
   The first step in performing a ritual sauna is preparing the sauna room. If you have a designated sauna room, ensure that it is clean and dry. If you don't have a sauna room, you can create a makeshift sauna using a tent, a yurt, or even a small shed.
2. Heating the Sauna:
   The next step is to heat the sauna room. If you have a sauna stove, light a fire and place the stones on top of the stove. If you are using a heater, set it to the desired temperature. Wait for the room to heat up to the desired temperature, usually between 70-100°C.
3. Adding Water:
   Once the room is hot enough, add water to the stones (if using a traditional stove) to create steam. The steam will help to humidify the air and make it easier to breathe.
4. Entering the Sauna:
   When the sauna is ready, enter the room with a towel or a robe. It is recommended to sit on a towel to absorb sweat and to protect the benches if you have them. Start by sitting on the lower bench and gradually move to the higher bench as your body gets used to the heat.
5. Staying in the Sauna:
   Stay in the sauna room for 10-15 minutes, or until you feel comfortable. It is important to listen to your body and not stay in the sauna longer than you can tolerate. If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, exit the sauna immediately and cool down.
6. Cooling Down:
   After exiting the sauna, cool down by taking a cold shower or jumping into a cold body of water. This will help to close the pores and prevent sweating. If you have access to snow, you can also roll in it for a more intense cooling experience.
7. Resting:
   After cooling down, rest in a cool room or outdoors. It is recommended to rest for at least 15 minutes to allow your body to adjust to the temperature changes.
8. Repeating the Process:
   You can repeat the sauna process up to three times, with cooling breaks in between. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking water or herbal tea throughout the process

Benefits of saunas

There are many benefits to performing a simple, ritual sauna, including:

• Detoxification: Sweating helps to remove toxins from the body, leading to better skin health and overall wellbeing.
• Improved blood circulation: The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood flow and reduces inflammation.
• Stress relief: The sauna experience can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, leading to better mental health.
• Boosted immune system: The heat can help to stimulate the immune system and improve overall health.

Hopefully this gives a simple introduction to how and also why saunas are used by so many people. If you want to come by us to try it out just check out our booking options on the website!  

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