ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

 

Sauna Safety

There are many health benefits to repeated sauna exposure but it's important to ensure that individuals can tolerate heat and cold exposure with minimal risk.

  • Individuals who are using prescription drugs or have chronic medical problems should seek advice and clearance from their GP prior to attending.

  • Sauna heat exposure can have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health but anyone with a chronic or recent cardiovascular issue (including peripheral vascular disease, heart arrhythmia's, blood pressure problems, implants, angina, myocardial infarction or stroke) should get clearance from their doctor prior to attending.

  • Please don't attend if you have a fever or are actively sneezing and coughing or have tested positive for covid within 2 weeks.

  • Open wounds, skin infections, acute trauma to limbs and post operative wounds that aren't fully healed are contra-indicated.

  • Please inform us if you are pregnant, have specific allergies or have skin problems (important regards clay, salts, essential oils). For pregnancy, please see more information below.

Safety during the session:

  • Please be aware that the sauna has trip hazards (this includes stepping into the tent), an open hot sauna stove and potentially slippery surfaces caused by water and ice. We will look to make the environment as safe as possible but please be careful at all times. You must acknowledge this and enter at your own risk.

  • The sauna has ventilation but exposure to airborne illnesses and contaminants is undertaken at your own risk. 

  • There will be space to leave your belongings but property is left at your own risk. We advise bringing only essential items.

  • Please do not bring your own products or lotions into the sauna and it is advisable to arrive showered to facilitate optimal temperature regulation.

  • Customers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to enter the sauna.

  • Please do not smoke or vape on site.

 
 

Sauna Etiquette

  • Visit the toilet and drink water before the session. (Try and avoid eating for at least an hour prior to attending).

  • Please wait for the aufguss master to invite you into the sauna. They will explain the aufguss, the theme, the oils, the timing of the session and safety instructions.

  • Leave your gown, water bottle and footwear outside the sauna. Please don't take ice into the sauna: rubbing ice on the skin can be detrimental to the sweating and thus the cooling process. 

  • Consider a sauna hat as this keeps the head cooler.

  • Enter the sauna quickly to minimise heat loss.

  • Place your towel on the bench before you sit down to maintain bench hygiene.

  • Please avoid dripping sweat on the wood, use your towel to wipe sweat from your body.

  • Respect others during the aufguss. Meditation/relaxing aufguss should be very quiet/silent.

  • Avoid leaving the sauna during the ritual as this affects the heat and essential oils within the cabin. However,  listen to your body- if you feel unwell please leave immediately. The aufguss master will advise on the safety protocol.

  • After the aufguss, cooling down is essential. It is recommend that you air-cool first and then use the shower (start with the limbs, then torso and finally head) or swimming lake. Rest and rehydrate after this.

  • Rehydration with mineral water, teas and isotonic drinks are recommended.

  • Alcohol is not permitted before or during the sauna sessions.

  • Avoid rushing to and from the sauna. Relax and embrace the whole sauna process!

 
 

What to bring:

  • Sauna towel for sitting on

  • Towel for drying.

  • A pestemal / hammam wrap if required for modesty.

  • Swimwear for outside the sauna/shower - swimwear is optional in the sauna.

  • Bath robe (recommended).

  • Sliders / flip flops.

  • Water bottle / hydration fluids.

 
 

Swimwear policy:

Sauna without a swimming costume is common practice in many European countries. The body can sweat more freely and the skin has a more efficient cooling process. Sweat doesn't get trapped in the costume which avoids skin irritation and prevents water soaking deep into the sauna benches. Above all it just feels nicer. However we are aware that this isn’t common practice in the UK so we have an optional swimwear policy. Please respect other clients at all times.

 

Children and Pregnancy policy

Children over 14 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult until they are over 18. Some countries introduce children to the sauna at a younger age but slowly increase their exposure over time. This is because adaptation to heat is less efficient than in adults. 

We would advise not to attend as there is some evidence that high temperatures can cause health risks to a developing foetus (particularly in the first trimester). If you wish to attend it is advisable to get clearance from your GP first. Certain essential oils are also contraindicated in pregnancy so the aufguss-master needs to be aware.