Saunas are a go-to place for relaxation and recovery for many.

Apart from stress relief, the small, heated room gives many more health benefits to its users.

Some personal trainers even urge clients to use thesaunaas it has positive effects on the bodyafter a workout.

A picture of an infrared sauna room

However, many believe that the idea of the sweat-room came from Northern Europe around the 20th century B.C.

No surprise there, as two of the countries lie within the arctic circle with bitterly cold temperatures.

Saunas have also evolved throughout the years.

A woman drinking a glass of water

Toxins and water weight come out of your body when hitting the small heated room.

It is imperative to drink lots of water before the sweat session to combat possible dehydration.

Don’t risk your health.

A woman wearing a towel inside a sauna.

Drink water your body will thank you for it.

Infrared saunas use less temperature than regular dry saunas.

According toHealthline, infrared saunas have average temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water flowing from shower

The lower temperatures might be ideal for new users to let the body adjust gradually to the warmth.

Dr. Alejandro Junger shared in an interview withGoopthat he uses the sauna almost daily for about 15 minutes.

Wearing little clothing is optimal for the sweat session.

A woman relaxing inside the sauna.

A heavy sweating session requires breathable clothes for better results.

Sauna suits, yoga clothes, and swimwear are also other options (viaInfrared Living).

Again, wearing less clothing is advisable for the sweat session.

One important thing to also take note of is to wear light-colored clothing.

Dark garments can block the sauna’s infrared light which can hinder its effects on the skin and body.

As for jewelry, remove the accessories.

The heat can be harmful to wearables like smartwatches.

Also, melted makeup on the face can begross.

Should you take a shower before or after an infrared sauna session?

Public saunas require their guests to be clean before entering their infrared sauna rooms for sanitary purposes.

Showering may be necessary before hitting the sauna.

It is also advisable to shower after the session to get rid of the sweat and toxins.

Your body will thank you for it.

Using the infrared sauna while ingesting alcoholic beverages can alter the body’s ability to maintain blood pressure levels.

There are too many health complications, including cardiac arrhythmias and heat stroke.

So, it’s best to skip the sauna after happy hour.

For people with colds, the sauna can help alleviate symptoms as the heat promotes drainage.

Although, the heated rooms do not treat colds.

High temperatures are beneficial for people with asthma, arthritis, and chronic fatigue.

Finland has used the sauna method since ancient times (viaThe New York Times).