Sauna Therapy: How I use the sauna for wellness

I am soooo excited to be talking about one of my favorite things ever today, the sauna! If you follow me on Instagram then you probably already know that I spend time sitting in the sauna religiously because I LOVE how it makes me feel! I get so many questions on the sauna: what it is, what it does, and why I like it so much, and so I thought I would do a more in-depth post sharing more about it!

Disclaimer: This is just my personal experience with using the Sauna! Each person is unique and what worked for me may not work for you! Also, if you are pregnant, you shouldn't go into the sauna so make sure you check with your doctor if you have any questions about it. :) 

I started using the sauna about six months ago after I got some test results back that showed that I had a high amount of toxic pesticides in my body. I had no idea what to do to get these toxic chemicals out of my body but my natural doctor gave me a game plan to get my health back on track. The main instruction my doctor gave me was to sit in the sauna at least four times a week. I had never sat in the sauna before and I had no idea that it could offer health benefits! I learned that our lymphatic system holds many of our body's toxins and that when we sweat, it's an easy way for the body to release toxins! There are also other ways to detoxify the body but sitting in the sauna seemed to be the best option for me at the time so I tried it out!

It took me about a week of hating it before I loved it! I remember the first time I sat in the sauna I could barely last five minutes. I felt super nauseous and light-headed and I didn't know how I could possibly stand being in such a hot and stuffy enclosed room. Even though I didn't like it at first, I stuck with it and soon enough I began to absolutely love it! 

Sitting in the sauna can be so relaxing and comforting to sore muscles too. I have worked my way up to be able to sit in the sauna for 15 minutes comfortably and every time I do it, I feel AMAZING afterwards! It took about a month or so but after a few weeks of being consistent in the sauna, my body released 10 pounds (which I think was all the toxicity my body had built up), I had more energy, and my skin was glowing!  

Now, the sauna is just apart of my daily workout routine. I usually go-to the gym and do a 30-45 minute workout and then sit in the sauna for 15 minutes afterwards. I try to go at least four times a week. Immediately after the sauna, I take a rinse-off shower and I feel soooo amazing afterwards. The sauna is not only great for your body and skin but it also can calm down the nervous system and relieve stress. 

I know that there are so many different types of saunas out there and I think they are all great. The sauna I goto is just the basic kind they have at most gyms. I have heard that infrared saunas also have amazing benefits as well and there are even at-home saunas you can purchase! The sauna that comes with my gym membership is the easiest sauna for me to use so thats just what I do. I think as long as you are really sweating, it doesn't matter much which type of sauna you use! 

Since committing to "sauna therapy" as I call it, I have truly never felt better. I can't even describe it other than if I take a week off from the sauna, my body craves it! If you haven't tried the sauna yet I would highly recommend committing to it for a month! Aim to sit in it  3-4 times a week for however long you can comfortably sit in it (don't push it) and see how amazing it makes you feel!!

If you have any other questions about the sauna, feel free to ask them in the comments below!

xo,

Lo