With time and practice, you will learn how to maintain the correct degree of humidity,
by pouring the correct quantity of water onto the stones in order to ensure suitable air
exchange (through the small window located below the bench).
This profusion of heat is not to everybody's liking: at first, try experimenting with a
small amount of water, and progressively adapt your method.
In any case, a couple of minutes before leaving the sauna, occupy a seated position (on
the stool or the lowest bench) so that your body can adjust to a vertical position.
... after
Once you have finished your sauna, your body needs oxygen: breathe lightly, prefera-
bly through your nose and walk around in a relaxed, easy manner (do not remain comple-
the sauna
tely still as the blood in the dilated vessels "drops" to below average levels).
Do not await until you feel the first cold shivers before having a refreshing shower!
Cold water is the best thing to restore normal body temperature and to remove all
perspiration residue from the skin:
- using the shower and following blood flow direction, begin with your outer right foot
going right up to the groin, before changing direction to go back down the inner side;
follow this process for the left foot and leg.
- Continue with the right arm, the left arm, bowels, stomach, before proceeding to the
face and head;
- lastly, concentrate on the back and spine.
Freezing water has the best "toughening" effect on the body, however warm water
can also be used.
Immersing yourself in a bath of cold water also helps heighten the effects of the sau-
na: once immersed (maximum, 10-20 seconds), try to breathe lightly, without restraining
your breathing.
If you suffer with high blood pressure, only use sponge baths or showers.
At this stage, you may have a foot bath using hot water in order to speed up body accli-
matisation; subsequently, you may also continue applying cold water in order to enhance
the effects of temperature variations on the vascular system and then proceed to have ano-
ther hot foot bath (these temperature extremities must not cool you down excessively).
Relax: wrap yourself in a soft bath robe and lie down on a bed until sweating ceases
and the heart restores a normal beat.
To maximise the purifying effect, only drink liquids once you have finished your sauna
session: drink approximately 1-2 litres of liquids rich in mineral salts and/or herbs (not su-
gary); they will help the body to restore correct hydration levels. When you feel the need,
drink liquids.
34
ATTENTION! Never pour the essences or essential oils directly on the stones:
they may catch fire! If you are using the bio sauna, do not pour the essences or
essential oils directly into the steamer water; use the container incorporated
in the steamer cover.