The alphabet of a healthy heart – the sauna

Going to the sauna trains the body. To make sure the body temperature doesn’t rise higher than one or two degrees above average, the body has to activate its regulation mechanisms. For this, circumference vessels are widened, the heart frequency and pumping performance are augmented, and a larger amount of sweat is produced. The sweat evaporates and produces an evaporation chill on the skin’s surface. This cools the vessels directly below the skin. A subsequent cooling by way of a cold shower, a quick immersion bath in cold water, some fresh and cold air in winter, or the renowned cold affusion, will lead to the body reacting contrary to the prior reaction. The circumference vessels pull together and all blood is concentrated in the body center to retain warmth. This contrast between hot and cold offers a kind of interval training for the body. It stimulates the immune system as well as the blood circulation and can positively affect the heart and blood regulation.

Two to three rounds of about ten minutes each are sufficient for the effect to set in. It is recommended to begin with a low temperature and then work your way up. Make sure to remove any jewellry and makeup before entering the sauna. Quickly shower and dry your skin beforehand to speed up the sweating process. Cool your body off after every sauna round and rest for 10 to 15 minutes after that before beginning a new round. Don’t forget to drink while resting in order to stay well-hydrated. Take your time and enjoy relaxing. For hygiene reasons it is obligatory to sit on a towel in the sauna. In between sauna rounds, use sandals to protect your feet from athlete’s foot and from a chill. Also avoid entering a sauna on a completely full or empty stomach. Evenings are the ideal time for visiting the sauna, as the process will guarantee a recreative sleep.

If you have no health issues whatsoever and are not pregnant, you can visit the sauna once or twice a week. If you are affected by existing medical conditions, you should consult a general physician. Especially with cardiovascular illnesses, a high or low blood pressure or vascular diseases, it is highly recommended to discuss sauna-use with a doctor beforehand. An infection or fever can also be reason to avoid the sauna. In any case, you can enjoy a sauna visit fully when keeping to all the general rules. Relax your body and soul and strengthen your immune system against the cold season.

Did you know that you should not visit the sauna for at least 24 hours before a scheduled exam that includes the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), such as with the seca mBCA? The fluid loss in a sauna process can influence the body’s liquid ratio for a short amount of time. This could falsify the results, leading to imprecise and unreliable measurements of the body composition.

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