Sauna Welcome Guide

sauna & compression Feb 18, 2025

FIRST TIME?

Important Things to Know Before Booking…

You will need to read this sauna welcome guide all the way through and contact us at [email protected] prior to booking if you have any questions.

Review all Precautions & Contraindications thoroughly and consult your doctor if you are unsure if you can use the sauna safely.

 

What to Expect

You will be greeted by Missy and shown to the private sauna area, where you will have 30 minutes to undress to your comfort, relax in the dry heat of the sauna, freshen up with an aromatherapy towel, dry off, use the yoga & fitness equipment at your discretion, and get dressed. If you want to boost the benefits of your experience, we recommend booking a compression or coaching session with your Sauna Session. Or try all three for the ultimate recovery day!

Before your Sauna Session:

  • Double check you have read the sauna safety precautions & you have no contraindications with the use of the dry sauna & infrared light (information can be found in the Sauna Safety section below).

  • Please do not use any topical products including lotions and oils prior to your sauna session; these products may affect  perspiration as well as stain the wood of the sauna. 

  • Bring an extra change of clothes, your own water & towel

  • Make sure you are well- hydrated and avoid intense exercise and/or eating any large meals for at least one hour before your session

  • Remove contact lenses, glasses, and jewelry for your comfort

  • Shoes, clothes, and personal items can go in bins under the bench!

  • We also request that regular or recent tobacco users do not use the sauna as the wood surface absorbs tobacco odor released from the pores of the body, and can cause damage to the sauna and/or allergic reactions to other clients.

Entering the Sauna:

  • The Infrared Sauna and music will be on and ready for you to enjoy

  • Be mindful and always enter and exit the sauna slowly and carefully to avoid slipping or falling

  • You may enter the sauna in any clothes, swimwear, or nude; we just ask you to use the towel provided within the sauna to sit on during your session

  • Breathe, meditate, and enjoy the music and relaxing Infrared light & heat therapy

  • For your safety, do not fall asleep in the sauna

We suggest (start slow):

  • 10-15 minutes inside the sauna (beginners)

  • 15-20 minutes inside the sauna (intermediate)

  • 20-30 minutes inside sauna (experienced/maximum time)

 

After the Sauna:

  • A cool and wet aromatherapy spa towel to clean off with after will be in the small basket on the table near the door of the sauna; you may use this towel to cool and cleanse your skin

  • Dry off with the plush bath towel

  • Get dressed and place all used towels inside the laundry hamper inside the Recovery Room

  • Breathe, Meditate, and take some time to gently and mindfully stretch with assistance from the yoga equipment (or, if you need guidance or longer recovery, enjoy the support of a provider with a somatic coaching session or added benefits from compression therapy!)

  • Wipe off any fitness/yoga equipment you used with the wipes provided.

  • Be sure to leave the room at the end of your 45 minute booking to ensure the spa attendant has time to clean the room before the next client

     

 

**Staying in too long can risk overheating and dehydration. If you feel dizzy, uncomfortable, or unbearably hot, please stand up slowly, exit the sauna immediately but carefully, and notify a staff member.

 

 

General Use & Clean-up 

Please keep noise to a minimum to maintain a peaceful environment for those in adjacent rooms. Also be sure to clean up after yourself, wipe down any equipment used, and leave the Recovery Room in the same condition you found it. Although you have private use of our Recovery Room during your booking, we do not provide secure lockers at our studio and are not liable for loss or damage to your personal belongings.

Topical Products & Tobacco Use

Please do not use any topical products including lotions and oils prior to your sauna session; these products may affect  perspiration as well as stain the wood of the sauna.  We also request that regular or recent tobacco users do not use the sauna as the wood surface absorbs tobacco odor released from the pores of the body, and can cause damage to the sauna and/or allergic reactions to other clients.
 

 

 

The Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Detoxification: Sweating is a natural and effective way for the body to eliminate toxins. Infrared saunas induce a deeper sweat, enabling the release of heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and other harmful substances.

Pain Relief: Infrared heat penetrates muscles and joints, promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation. This can alleviate chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness, aiding in the recovery process.

Improved Circulation: As the body heats up in an infrared sauna, blood vessels dilate, leading to enhanced blood flow. This can help lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and boost overall circulation.

Stress Reduction: Infrared saunas induce a sense of relaxation and calmness by stimulating the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This can effectively reduce stress, anxiety, and even improve sleep quality.

Skin Health: Sweating in an infrared sauna can open up pores, promoting a deep cleanse that removes dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. This can lead to a clearer complexion, improved skin tone, and a healthy glow.

 

 

Sauna Safety

Health & Safety Considerations

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after a sauna session to prevent dehydration. Make sure you’re hydrated before going into an infrared sauna, and drink a glass of water or electrolyte replacement drink prior to your session. You can also bring water into the sauna, especially if you’re sensitive to higher heats.

Limit Session Time: Avoid spending excessive time in the sauna to prevent overheating and fatigue. Follow the recommended duration based on your experience level. Start slow!

Consult with a Healthcare Professional: If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna to ensure it is safe for you. If you feel ill or have a fever, wait to use the sauna until you’re feeling better.

Avoid Alcohol, Drugs, & Food: Do not consume alcohol or drugs before using the sauna, as they can impair judgment and increase the risk of heat-related injuries. It is not advised to eat large meals for at least one hour prior to your sauna session.

Be Mindful & Slow: Be aware and always enter and exit the sauna slowly and carefully to avoid slipping or falling. Never fall asleep while using the sauna. Discontinue sauna use during an electrical storm to avoid any risk of shock. Do not place objects inside or on the roof of the sauna.

 

Get Approval from a Licensed Medical Provider:

  • Heart disease, high/low blood pressure, or any other cardiovascular conditions

  • Diabetes, obesity, and/or any other chronic disease or condition

  • Any nervous system or sensory disorder that may affect perception of heat

  • Medical conditions that affect heat sensitivity and/or the ability to sweat

  • Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants

  • Artificial Implants, Stents, and Pacemakers

  • Alcohol or drug abuse/dependency, or currently under the influence

  • Currently taking any prescription medications

  • Pregnancy (or breastfeeding/lactating)

  • Recent injury or surgery

  • Over 55 years of age

  • Bleeding disorders

     

If you have any chronic health conditions, are unable to sweat, have sensitivity to heat, have an infection, experiencing fever/illness, or are under medical care, get cleared by your physician before your first session. 

If you have a recent joint injury, it is suggested to not heat the area for at least 48-72  hours after injury, until the hot and swollen symptoms subside.

 

Additional Infrared Sauna Precautions & Contraindications:

  • Contact lenses

  • Menstrual Flow

  • Over-the-counter drugs

  • Recent or chronic alcohol use

  • Elderly & Young Children

  • Elimination of Medications / Healing Reactions 

  • Intense Exercise within 30 minutes of sauna use

  • Any acute illness, pain, recent injury, or ongoing medical issue

     

Even though infrared saunas have been found to be fairly safe, you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your health and safety.  If you are unsure whether sauna use is safe for you, consult your physician.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Any information provided in this document is general information only and may not be construed as a substitute for medical or health advice or instruction. You should consult appropriate physicians or health professionals on any matter relating to your health before using the Infrared Sauna or Recovery Room Yoga & Stretch equipment. All specific medical and/or health questions should be presented to your own physician or health care professionals.  Self-treatment of any disease with an infrared sauna is not recommended without direct supervision of a licensed physician.