General basic rules for sauna bathing

• Before taking a sauna, don't eat any heavy meals. But also don't go into the sauna with a growling stomach.
• In case of chronic illnesses, it is absolutely necessary to get the consent of your family doctor in advance.
• Sauna bathing (taking a sauna) should be avoided,
  • in a clear case of illness
  • in case of chronic illnesses such as
    • serious heart disease
    • serious lung diseases
    • infections
    • high blood pressure
    • kidney disease
    • epilepsy
    • thyroid hyperfunction
  • at the beginning of an existing cold, influenzal infection, ... (On the other hand, taking a sauna regularly is idea as a preventative measure against colds.)
• Always go into the sauna dry (dry off in advance if necessary).
• During the warm-up phase (in the sauna), don't cool the body with ice, or the like.
• A round in the sauna (especially in the warm-up phase in the sauna) should only last as long as it feels good.
• A plunge-bath (in the cool-down phase) should be avoided by persons with high blood pressure or a weak heart.
• The cool-down phase should take at least as long as the warm-up phase.
• When taking a sauna, nicotine and alcohol are considered to be taboo.
• Don't do any sports activities between sauna rounds. This would stress the heart and circulation unnecessarily.
• To provide positive support to purification of the body, you should give your body sufficient fluids after the last round in the sauna. The loss of fluids should be compensated for with water and/or fruit juices, for example.
• After completion of the sauna bath, you should wash yourself with shower gel or soap, and afterwards apply some moisturising cream.