-what kind of sauna do you use (ie personal tent like one or wooden)
How long to you sauna and at what temperature?
Do you use your sauna in the summer?
Tips for cooling down would be appreciated!
I've had mine for over two years now. It's the tent like kind which I prefer because I can't breathe hot air.
I use it two to four times per week in the cooler and cold months for 40 to 50 minutes at about 140 degrees. It almost always make me feel better immediately (and helps me lose a couple of summer pounds)
I immediately head right to the shower (I am dripping) and use warm water to start (keep the pores open for a bit) then finish with cool to cold - depending on what I can tolerate.
I am still very very warm after the shower so I lay very still for ten minutes and use my Dakota traction thingy (supposed to do this everyday but don't). By then I'm usually OK but in the winter it's only about 65 degrees in my room (I turn down the heat when I go in the sauna).
I have a really tough time cooling down. Thinking maybe I could sauna in the summer for shorter periods at lower temps???
any input would be appreciated!
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
Wow! You can sauna much better than me. I am really struggling. I use the tent type also and when I sweat, all is good. But I have episodes where I do not sweat. I sat in it 40 mins once without any sweating. My blood pressure jumped up to 150/100 (normally 117/70). That really scared me.
I put the thing away but my doctor wants me to use it even if just for 5 mins. So I finally got the nerve to try it again for 10 mins and sweat profusely so felt great afterward. Then two nights ago I did 10 mins without sweating. When I got out I was hot and my head hurt and my eyes were very dry. It scared me again.
I don't get it. On my own, I sweat like a man. What is it about the sauna that sometimes I do not sweat?
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
wow - that is weird about the not sweating - have you asked your Dr. about it? Especially since you do sweat in other situations.
Thanks for your response.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
In Detoxify or Die, she mentions not sweating.
I use mine in the summer. I just used it a while ago .... I turn it on, get in in about 10 min. and stay for the rest of the hour, so about 50 min. I shower, get dressed (if I lived alone, I would probably just sit in my towel), and sit still for a while with a cool drink (usually kombucha mixed with water). That's what I'm doing now. It takes time to cool down at least a half hour.
I had a wooden Sunlight Sauna.
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
Six, I have that book. I'll dust it off and see if I can find what she says.
I love kombucha! Do you make your own?
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Good, I'm glad you have it, I sweat, so I don't remember what she says, just that she talks about it!
Yes, I do make my own kombucha.
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
Six - What is kombucha?
Also,luvs - I would love to hear about that non sweating thing if you figure it out.
Posted by keltyl (Member # 14050) on :
I was leaving a dept store recently, and a girl who works in the store asked if she could ask me a few questions.
Now that the hot weather is here, can't hide my picc under long sleeves and she noticed it and asked about it.
Told her I had Lyme. She said "oh can I talk to you, my little sister has it." She was telling me about a friend of hers that makes kombucha, but when she mentioned mushrooms, wasn't sure if it was good for us.
She is suppossed to have her friend call or email me. Is this what you are talking about? Something concerning mushrooms?
Posted by Hoosiers51 (Member # 15759) on :
Sometimes afterwards I feel a little weak from the heat, and prefer to just lay down and cool off.
So I just spread a towel on the ground (not on carpet though, because of the sweat)...I'll put it on linoleum or tile...and I just kinda lay there and chill out for 5-10 min.
Then I drink some water, just kind of leisurely stroll around, then get in the shower.
I don't really buy into the idea that you need to get in the shower right after the sauna to wash off the sweat/toxins.
I think it's probably better to fully cool off (10 min at least), then shower.
If you don't have a filtration system on your shower, it's probably best anyways to let your skin cool down, so you don't readily absorb all the toxins in shower water, especially if it is city water which is treated with lots of chemicals.
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
Hoosier: Good point about shower filters - it's very important to have a shower filter to get out those nasty chemicals. Our skin absorbs a lot of 'stuff' - and I worry especially about the chlorine they put in our water to purify it. A necessary evil, for sure, but we need to be aware and filter it out of our water. (both drinking and bathing)
Posted by lemonlime (Member # 25975) on :
About not sweating: I have read on doctors sites and in articles that if you don't sweat in a fir sauna, it is because your body is holding on to a lot of toxins. So sometimes it may take awile to begin to sweat. Probably its so too if sometimes you can't sweat that day, your body is trying to hold on to the toxins.
I also read that the sauna keeps working up to an hour after you get out. That's a good thing. And from a Naturopathic dr.s site she says no one should shower for at least 30 minutes as the toxins are still being released. And if you shower too soon you end up breathing back in some of the toxins your body just released in the skin. Her added advise is to sit or lay quietly for at least 30 minutes and drink good water with trace minerals (electrolites). And yes a showerhead filter to remove chlorine is important. I have read that the only filter that will also remove flouride from drinking water is reverse osmosis systems they cost about $130.00 or so.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I have a whole house filter to remove some of the bad stuff from the water. I know that I continue to sweat for about a half hour after the sauna, but I typically don't have a half hour to sit around afterward. I'd have to cut down how much I sauna to do that.
Some people refer to the kombucha scoby as a mushroom, but it is not. It's a "symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast". The yeast is saccharomyces (sp?), the kind that's good for you.
I use my IR sauna every day to every other day. About 130-135 degrees for 45 minutes, then put a towel on the floor and lay down for about 10-15 minutes, then shower.
I just got it a few weeks ago, but it's getting over 100 degrees outside here now and I'm still using it so I'm sure I will through the summer.
I don't really have a hard time cooling off, but I know some ppl do.
Maybe you could get a few bags of frozen peas or some ice packs and rotate them to various points of your body to help you cool off? Like under your feet, at the base of your spine (briefly), your forehead or top of head, and in your hands? Obviously not long enough to damage your skin.
You could also get an oscillating fan and aim it right at you while you're doing the ice packs.
Like other ppl have posted, it may be a good idea to not jump right into the shower, and take at least 10-30 minutes to cool off first, then when you do get in the shower I've always read to keep the water temp cool. Additionally, try to use pure organic body soap so you don't get all of the sulfates and artifical stuff into your system.
I think the IR saunas still are supposed to have a good effect at 110-120 deg, as long as you are sweating, although I'm not sure if there are incremental benefits for going up closer to 130 or 140 (like the "artificial fever" aspect... your body temp may not get as high to produce as much of a bacteria killing or immune stimulating effect?? not sure and haven't read anything that indicates this has been studied at all)
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
I've read one theory where 110 to 120 is a better temp because it causes a more oily sweat vs. a watery sweat and gets out the heavy metal type toxins. I have already chelated heavy metals (twice) and my dr. keeps on top of that. I feel so good at the high temps that I always go there. I agree, though, as long as you sweat it should be beneficial.
I like the idea of waiting before the shower. It's very cool in my basement and if I could sit or lay still for a bit with a fan down there I would be somewhat cooled down before I even get in the shower. The cool shower would then make sense.
I use Kiss my Face Olive Oil soap (Zero toxins according to the Cosmetic Database) and all my other body products are very low toxin.
Can someone ease my mind about the "toxins reabsorbing into the skin theory"? Should I pat myself down - I meant I am dripping in sweat.
I have the type of sauna where I can stick out my hands and feet so I drink water with added electrolytes the entire time in the sauna.
Thanks again everyone for your feedback. I am very excited about using my sauna this summer now!
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
I was taught to shower right away.
I will call a manufacturer tomorrow.
Or a few.
lemonlime - what is the NDs site please ?
Posted by stork (Member # 24167) on :
I am also curious if you should wipe yourself down after sauna if you shouldn't shower
I have done cold showers before, I don't see how this could hurt as would be seemingly little/no risk of toxin reabsorption...
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
Now I'm confused! I'm going to research. Sounds like one of those things that experts disagree on.
Posted by gwb (Member # 7273) on :
I've read that one should shower using a vegetable based soap after using the infrared sauna. This prevents the pores from being clogged up again. I used coconut soap to shower with afterwards. Guess there are differences of opinion on this.
Gary
Posted by Faith6 (Member # 14072) on :
I try to use my FIR sauna 3 times a week. It has taken me a year to work up to that. In the beginning 10 - 15 minuets or just breaking a sweat was all I could do.
I set it at 140 degrees for 1 hour and get in right away as it heats up. As it gets too warm I open the door to cool off. The cool air seems to make me sweat more. It usually stays around 120-130 degrees
If it feels like too much that day I do less. I drink a couple large glasses of water just before and just after, and also wipe up sweat during so the toxins don't reabsorb. I take a shower soon after also.
I am now excited that I can sweat by 10-15 minuets and am starting to get some odor again!!!
[ 06-07-2010, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: Faith6 ]
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
It is very important not to rush in hurry right after the sauna. I recommend scheduling your time in such way that you will have at least 15 minutes of free time after the sauna. First and most important rule is to allow your body to cool down a little. Immediate switching to cold environment can be a shock.
Then take a shower of bath to wash away sweat. Try not to use soap or gel. Your pores are open after sweating and chemicals can easy clog them and penetrate into your body.
Your sauna which gave you such a wonderful sauna session deserves some attention too. Turn it off and unplug from an outlet, and then wipe with soft cloth any sweat or water that could left on it. It will make your sauna to stay new and serve you longer.
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
another verification of the 15 minute 'relaxation' after sauna (and suggest bath before - I think the one above did, too)
How do I use the sauna?
What is sauna etiquette?
Always consult with your personal physician before using any sauna.
Drink around12 ounces of water for every 15 minutes you are in the sauna (drink lots of fluid!).
Start with 20 minutes per day and gradually increase. After a few weeks, may increase to 30-40 minutes up to twice per day. If you suffer from serious medical problems, start with 15 minutes.
The number of sessions and amount of time spent in the sauna should be discussed with your physician. This should be individualized.
Use twice per week up to twice per day.
The best time for sauna is first thing in the morning or last thing before bed.
Showering prior to using the sauna can increase the amount you sweat.
Bathing attire is suggested but shorts and a t-shirt are fine.
Relax! Time spent in a sauna should be enjoyable - forget all your worries.
You can sit, lay, stand or meditate, whatever is comfortable for you.
It is claimed that the closer you are to the infrared coils, the better the penetration of the IR energy. This is not proven, the benefits of this product are only theory.
Rest for at least 15 minutes after the sauna session with a shower or relaxation techniques.
At any point during your sauna if you do not feel well, leave immediately, especially if you feel weak, lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous. If symptoms do not resolve, seek medical attention! You may experience ``healing reactions,'' which are temporary symptoms that occur as toxic substances leave the body - these may be odors, rashes, tastes, fatigue, headaches, or gastrointestinal changes. This may be normal, but if symptoms are severe, medical attention should be sought.
You can use a small towel to wipe off the sweat. Some days you will sweat more than others. It is not recommended to talk while in the Far-Infrared Sauna. Watch a calming television program, meditate or listen to relaxing music.
When finished, take a shower, warm or cool but not hot. Avoid using soap as it leaves a film and clogs the pores. Wash off the sweat with a skin brush or loofa by brushing all over, including the face and hair. It may be somewhat uncomfortable at first, but it will soon feel wonderful. Brushing enhances the cleansing effect. Shampoo and conditioner use only if needed as most contain chemicals which are toxic to the body. Also skip most lotions and creams which also contain harmful chemicals.
After the sauna drink a glass of water with Lyte CL Solution to replenish essential minerals lost through sweating. Sit or lie down for at least 10 minutes. These simple steps allow your body to reap the full benefit of the sauna experience. As you become healthier, you will sweat more easily. Also, to heat up the sauna will take longer. The body dissipates heat more efficiently and fewer cellular toxins are there to be removed.
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
I got my daughter a dry brush to brush her skin before she gets into the sauna. I was skeptical about this, but thought we'd try it anyway.
It seems to stimulate blood flow, which increased sweating.
Posted by lemonlime (Member # 25975) on :
I am sorry I did not book mark that ND re: fir sauna- I did just try to look but I don't remember what town I googled. I know it's always better to have a link so we all can read it ourselves and know for sure.
Last year I joined a womens fitness club only because it had a fir sauna ( cost was $19.00 per month)there temp were set at 130-135. I could stay in for an hour. And always followed the advice gotten from that ND. P>S> that fitness club closed it's doors it couldn't pay it's rent.
Anyway I was looking into getting a fir sauna. Then I decided to wait and see what my new doc had to say as there are so many to choose from and they all say they are the best. Anyway My new Doc told me to get a particular fir sauna - it is portable tent but something I read on the website he gave me to get really caught my interest- something to do with temp and the waves on this one are particulary for detox. So I got it yesterday. Set it up and the thing heats up in like two minutes- it was so hot my feet were burning and I got out after like 5 minutes than got back in and out etc anyway now the manufacturer of this sauna recommends taking a very hot shower immediately after leaving the sauna but says to stay in sauna,after it shuts off, awhile to cool down and let the body come down on its own- it says to stay in for minutes.
Well I waited after sauna shut off. Got out waited 10 minutes and then took a Hot shower- I use no soap- I have to say I felt so darn good my brain fog was soo cleared up and I had some energy.
This was different than the big walkin fir sauna from the fitness club- this new suana was really good- I suspect because it is just for detoxing. They had one for relaxing too ( at the website) but I got the one my doc recommended.
I am impressed althought using it seemed a little awkard and I had a couple issues with it. It comes with a folding chair and the bottom of the chair is metal and I burned my legs, and it has metal zippers which get hot too. I do think they should have a temp control on it but perhaps it wouldn't detox as well - But I think I will try to take the chair out and sit on the floor tho I don't think I could stay in more than 5 min at first. I did call the website and told the girl about these issues and she said she would have the manf call me back. But I want to keep it it works for me.
And yes we can use a towel to wipe down-
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
Today I took a sauna for about 45 minutes and I did wipe up as I perspired.
I rested for about ten minutes on a towel and felt fairly cooled down when I went into my shower and also rested when I got out of the shower for about ten minutes.
I feel pretty good - but I felt good using the "old" method, too. I think resting and cooling off prior to shower may allow me to sauna more in the summer, though.
lemon- I have a chair like you described - but I sit on a pillow case (towel actually bothers me to sit on) and also put a towel or something on the back of the chair. I don't have an issue with the hot chair anymore and it soaks up a lot of sweat. Not sure about the zipper - mine is plastic and doesn't heat up.
I also wrap a towel around my neck (I have the kind where my head sticks out). This keeps the sauna cleaner.
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
lemonlime thanks for looking.
I went to a Sunlights' dealer store in OH they had very low sauna package prices and they went out of business too !