Overview:
Properly pronounced as “SOW-nuh”…
Finnish sauna bathing is a custom that dates back at least 1000 years. It is meant to be a relaxing process of transitions between hot and cool. This series of warm up, cool down, warm up, cool down, etc. can go on for a while. After sitting in the sauna for a suitable amount of time, go sit outside for a little bit and bring your core temperature back down. Some of the more die-hard sauna enthusiasts will jump in the snow or pour ice water over them. I promise it’s wonderful and exhilarating! No matter how you sauna, just be sure to replenish fluids. 
Health Benefits:​
In Finland, they say that humans are at their most glowing and beautiful 30 minutes after taking a sauna. While this may be true, saunas do have many incredible health benefits: relieves stress, burns a surprising number of calories, flushes toxins, soothes and relaxes muscles and joints, cleanses and improves the skin, improves pulmonary performance, invokes a deeper sleep, boosts immunity, fights illness and depression, activates the sebaceous gland to make your hair look great naturally, and is overall a great way to spend a rejuvenating evening with loved ones. 
How to Sauna:
A sauna is divine, particularly when done in the traditional Finnish way…
  1. Turn the sauna on to your desired temperature while preparing for the sauna bath. You can start with 150°F or try for the more traditional 200°F. Lay towels onto the benches and fill the bucket (for steam) with water. 
  2. Remove jewelry, glasses, or contacts.
  3. Take a shower BEFORE entering the sauna. It is imperative to remove bacteria and any excess chemicals or body products, which could damage the sauna or impede the health benefits.
  4. Dry off. Use the robe and slippers provided. Naked is best, but a swim suit also works. And don’t worry, you won’t be cold for long.
  5. Start with 5 minutes or so of a DRY sauna (don’t add water to the rocks).
  6. Relax, meditate, enjoy silence.
  7. You will be able to stay in for longer as you go, so simply exit to cool off and re-enter for as many times as you desire.
  8. Once you have done a dry sauna begin adding water to the rocks above the heater, using the ladle and bucket provided. For the final cool down, take a cool shower to close the pores in your skin and don’t get dressed until your body has stopped sweating. And make sure to DRINK WATER!
Rules and Tips:
  • Children are not allowed in the sauna at any time, whether in use or not in use.
  • Use the sauna at your own risk. If you feel faint or dizzy, take a cold shower immediately. Remember, you are at 9,000 feet which dramatically changes how your body reacts to dehydration, heat, air, etc.
  • DO NOT USE the sauna if you experience the following: a clear case of illness, serious heart disease, serious lung diseases, infections, high blood pressure, kidney disease, epilepsy, thyroid hyperfunction.
  • DO NOT sauna on an empty stomach.
  • DO NOT consume alcohol before or during the sauna.
  • NO GLASS IN THE SAUNA.
  • Drink water before, during, and after.
  • Don’t push it! It takes time to develop tolerance. Stay in for as long as you are comfortable and take plenty of cooling down breaks in between.
  • The heat will most likely damage your phone, so it’ not a good idea to bring it in the sauna.
  • If you’re worried about your color-treated hair, a wet towel wrap will provide protection.
  • If you’re unsure of anything, just ask.