Understanding the world of saunas
There are several ways to experience a sauna. Here are the three main categories to know:
| Type | Heat / humidity | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Finnish sauna | High heat, low humidity. Water poured over hot stones (the “löyly”) | Intense, wood-scented steam |
| Dry sauna | High heat, no water added | Dry heat, deep sweating |
| Infrared sauna | 43 to 65 °C, heats the body directly | Gentle, gradual, ideal at home |
| Hammam (steam room) | Humidity close to 100 %, lower temperature | Steamy, damp |
Worth remembering: the traditional sauna and the infrared sauna aim for the same thing (sweating and relaxation), but by very different routes. The first wins people over with its intensity and its ritual, the second with its gentleness and accessibility.
Preparing for your first session
- ✓Hydration: drink plenty of water before, during and after the session. The body loses a significant amount of water through sweating.
- ✓Clothing: as little as possible. In Finland people often bathe naked; in public, a cotton towel or a swimsuit is enough. Avoid synthetics, which become uncomfortable in the heat.
- ✓Jewellery: take it off before going in, metal heats up quickly and can burn the skin.
- ✓Mindset: set aside this moment without rushing. The aim is to let go and enjoy the full cycle, from warming up to winding down.
Step-by-step guide
1. Go in and find your comfort
Rinse off quickly, then go in calmly. Start on a low bench (cooler), and move up to a higher bench gradually as you acclimatise.
2. How long to stay
| Type of sauna | Beginner | Regular user |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional dry sauna | 8 to 10 min | 10 to 15 min |
| Infrared sauna | 15 to 20 min | 30 to 45 min |
Leave the sauna immediately if you feel dizzy, whatever the planned duration.
3. Enriching your session
- ✓Breathe slowly and deeply to deepen the relaxation
- ✓Sit on a towel, for hygiene and comfort
- ✓Add a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, pine) to the water poured over the stones
4. After the sauna: care and recovery
- ✓Let your body cool down: at least 10 minutes, sitting or lying down somewhere cool
- ✓More experienced users can follow with a cold plunge or a cool shower; beginners should favour a gentler cool-down
- ✓Rehydrate: 2 to 4 glasses of cool water, no alcohol or sugary drinks
- ✓Finish with a lukewarm or cool shower to close the pores and end the session
The benefits of regular use
- ✓Heart and circulation: heat raises the heart rate and improves circulation, an effect comparable to moderate exercise, which can lower blood pressure over time
- ✓Relaxation and sleep: the warm, quiet environment encourages the release of endorphins, reduces stress and improves sleep quality
- ✓Muscle recovery: the increased blood flow brings more oxygen to tired muscles, which helps reduce soreness and inflammation
The figure to remember: one study found that using a sauna 4 to 7 times a week was associated with a 40 % lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with once a week.
Safety: the essential rules for beginners
The golden rule: listen to your body. Dizziness, nausea, light-headedness: get out immediately. A good session should be relaxing, never gruelling.
- ✓Beginners: no more than 10 to 15 minutes per session, especially in a traditional sauna
- ✓Hydrate before and after, never alcohol before or during a session
- ✓Keep a bottle of water within reach between rounds
- ✓Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant, or if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition
- ✓Avoid the sauna if you have a fever or feel unwell
- ✓Always start gently: short sessions, lower temperature
Building your own routine
- ✓Beginner: 1 to 2 sessions a week
- ✓Cruising pace: 3 to 4 times a week or more, depending on your schedule and how you feel
- ✓In the morning, to start the day with more energy
- ✓In the evening, for deep relaxation and better sleep
- ✓Consistency matters more than intensity: a lasting routine is one you enjoy keeping
Why choose Ørigin?
A sauna is a long-term investment, for your health as much as for your living space. At Ørigin, the promise fits in one sentence: Nordic wellbeing, without the complications. An exceptional product, and people to guide you.
- ✓Uncompromising sauna quality: thermally modified Nordic pine, naturally stable and moisture-resistant, made to order by craftsmen in the great Nordic sauna tradition
- ✓Outstanding service: an advisor guides you from the first conversation to your first session, with a 24-month warranty
- ✓A simple, bold and effective choice: assembly, the circuit breaker and the electrical connection are included in the price shown, with no nasty surprises, and minimal maintenance once installed (1 to 2 times a year)
Delivered and installed in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Want to live this experience at home? Configure your sauna now: choose the model, the finishes and the options that suit you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a sauna every day?
Yes for experienced users, as long as you listen to your body. Beginners should start gradually, always prioritising hydration and rest.
What should you wear in a sauna?
Nothing, traditionally. In public or by preference, a clean cotton towel or a simple swimsuit is fine.
Should you shower before or after?
Both: a quick shower before cleans the skin and encourages sweating, a cool shower after rinses, closes the pores and brings your body temperature back down.
