Sauna Guide
The most frequent questions
There are a few tips and regulations for the best possible experience in the sauna. We have put together the most important information on "how to" enjoy the sauna and how you can get the best benefits for your health.
A large towel – possibly a second one to rest your feet on. A spa robe is the only item of clothing you are permitted to wear in the sauna area. Sitting nude without a towel on sauna seats and benches is not permitted due to hygiene reasons.
Clothing prevents or inhibits the benefits of the sauna. Sweating and evaporation should not be restricted at all. The body should be allowed to cool off in the sauna on its own, simultaneously avoiding excessive heat buildup. In addition, clothing is inappropriate due to hygiene reasons.
- Saunas should be avoided immediately after a cold or surgery.
- After a skin operation, the scar should have healed completely and all stitches, staples, etc. should have been removed, otherwise infections might result.
- People with cardiovascular problems should not go in the sauna.
- People suffering from kidney or liver complaints should first consult their physician.
- People with epilepsy should not go in the sauna.
As a simple rule of thumb: If, due to your current health condition, you are uncertain as to whether a sauna is suitable for you, always contact your personal physician.
A sauna session generally lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. Afterwards, we recommend spending a few minutes moving about in the fresh air and refreshing yourself with cool water. You should take a break of 30 minutes between two sauna sessions. The precise duration and number of sauna sessions will vary according to the visitor. In general: Only spend time in the sauna as often and for as long as you feel good.
The number of recommended weekly sauna sessions varies. As long as you have no medical complaints or pre-existing conditions, and you continue to feel the positive effects of the sauna, there are basically no restrictions.
Saunas are especially beneficial for the immune system. Regular sauna visits improve breathing and cleanse the skin. Furthermore, saunas are good for the metabolism and relax tired muscles. Recent scientific research also indicates that regular visits to the sauna reduce the risk of stroke.
We advise against using a sauna in your third trimester. At that point, you should only spend time in a sauna if it is something you have done regularly in the past, meaning that you are used to the high temperatures. In all circumstances, you should only opt for the gentle sauna variants, not overdo the time you spend in the sauna, and avoid cooling off abruptly in the cold-water pool. We strongly recommend consulting your personal physician beforehand.
The heat of the sauna increases your pulse rate and, similar to sport, more blood flows through your veins. Experienced sauna-goers are even able to release more serotonin, a hormone which promotes sleep.
The room climate of the sauna is dry and hot – sweat that forms when you enter the sauna evaporates immediately and is invisible. Only after a few minutes does more persistent sweat become visible.
From a health perspective, infusions are not absolutely necessary. That said, the increased humidity associated with an infusion increases the overall sense of well-being and intensifies the sauna experience. The fragrant aromas that are used are true balsam for the soul…
The general recommendation is that you only eat after your final sauna session. Water and juices should be drunk in large amounts during the sauna process in order to replenish fluid loss. Avoid alcohol and coffee since their side-effects are intensified. Before going into a sauna, wait at least for one hour after your last meal – allowing your body to focus on digestion.
The muscle relaxation that occurs as a consequence of visiting a sauna is a pleasant effect for athletes after training. The increased blood flow helps to mitigate aching muscles and shortens the recovery phase.
The embrocations we offer in the steam bath have special benefits. Due to the pleasantly humid-warm climate, skin absorption of nutrients is facilitated. A peel with salt promotes a radiant complexion and stimulates cell renewal. Please note that the steam bath is also a nude area at the Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus.
In contrast to the surface warmth produced by the sauna, infrared radiation affects the deep-seated musculature directly. The soothing warmth relieves tension as well as joint problems. Whereas hot air is responsible for stimulating sweating in the sauna, in the infrared cabin it is infrared radiation that creates the heating effect, penetrating deep within the skin. A visit to an infrared cabin lasts 20 minutes. Due to the lower temperature in comparison to a sauna, this variant is especially suited for people with cardiovascular problems.