A burning cabin
Like its neighbor spas the hammam, the sauna offers a steam bath. But unlike the first, which diffuses humid heat, the wooden cabin diffuses dry steam.
When water is poured over the volcanic stones using the wooden ladle, a hot wave spreads inside the room. The temperature then rises in a few seconds in the oven and oscillates between 60 and 100 ° C! “The sauna will facilitate the evaporation of sweat and not sweating”, explains Tiffany, hydrotherapist at the Thalazur thalassotherapy center in Cabourg. In other words, it is normal if you do not sweat profusely since the sweat evaporates invisibly through the pores of the skin.
The benefits
A detox and purifying gesture, sweating evacuates toxins from the skin. The sauna also invigorates the blood circulation when followed by a jet of cold water. The Finns have found another trick to stimulate their circulation – they gently whip their torso and legs with a bunch of birch branches.
The heat released by the sauna relaxes the whole body. At the start of the day, this practice brings dynamism. At the end of the day, this activity prepares you for sleep.
The right timing
Because of this hot atmosphere, the sauna is contraindicated for people suffering from cardiovascular, circulatory disorders or any other risky pathology.
Sauna enthusiasts must remain vigilant, taking care not to exceed 15 minutes. The ideal is to sit in the cabin for 8 to 15 minutes.
But we do not play with fire, as soon as discomfort arises, we leave the sauna. More broadly, as soon as the sweat no longer evaporates and begins to trickle down on the body, it is time to leave the room.
To avoid overheating
If we are not used to the sauna, we go there gradually. Avoid pouring too much water on the stove, under penalty of exposing yourself to a “burst of steam” which could cause discomfort, explains the specialist in thalassotherapy. We respect the golden rule: listen to your body and not force your body.
Settle in well
When sitting or lying down, take a towel to avoid burning your skin on hot wooden planks! The highest bench is the hottest. The lowest bench is where the heat is lowest.
The right reflex when leaving
After a sauna, a good lukewarm soap shower (even cold for the bravest) is essential. In addition to gently lowering the body temperature, this gesture cleanses the skin and completes the removal of impurities from the pores of the skin.
Thanks to Tiffany, hydrotherapist at the Thalazur thalasso in Cabourg.
>> To read also: Go to the sauna, it’s good for your cardiovascular health
Hammam: how to enjoy it safely
