The traditions associated with sweat bath have always been different in different cultures. Thus, Scythians and Russians preferred dry and hot saunas, and sometimes put drugs and alcohol on the heated rock for intoxicating vapors. Other peoples didn’t favor such practices. Islamic people bathed in cooler and steamer hammams. Some cultures, for example Americans Indians, sang chants, while others bathed in meditation and silence.
There are, however, tips that can be successfully used in almost all kinds of sweat bathing. Take a look at them and choose the ones that look appealing to you.
• When visiting sauna, don’t be in a hurry. Allow yourself to enjoy the process. Besides, sauna needs time to be properly heated. Remember, that sauna sweating is the relaxing and stress relieving experience.
• Try not to eat and not to abundantly drink before going to sauna.
• When sauna bathing, don’t put on any constricting garments like bathing suit, towel or a think cotton piece of cloth like bed-sheet will be appropriate.
• You can add some herbs, oils or honey to the water to generate a wonderful smell in the sauna.
• Alternate periods of sweating and cooling of. Approximate time spent in the sauna is from 10 to 20 minutes (depending on the person). After that a cold shower, snow or just cool place are required.
• Having your body massaged after it had heated is a wonderful experience. Ask your friend or an experienced masseur if there is one near to scrub your back.
• Whipping with a Finnish vihta is another earthly pleasure in the sauna. Finns say that a sauna without a vihta is like a food without a salt.
• After two to four sessions, allow yourself to dry naturally and only then put on some loose clothing.
Finally, keep in mind that the purpose of going to sauna is relaxation and body purification. That’s why try to do everything possible to make your sweat bathing pleasant and comfortable.
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