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How to Properly Use a Sauna: A 3-Step Guide for Beginners

2025.06.27

The Correct Way to Maximize the Benefits of Sauna

Saunas promote mental and physical refreshment and offer numerous health and beauty benefits. However, to fully enjoy these benefits, it’s important to use the sauna correctly. Especially for beginners, knowing the right way to enter can provide a “totonou” experience. “Totonou” refers to the unique sense of refreshment and relaxation associated with saunas, which many enthusiasts find captivating. In this article, we introduce 3 easy steps for sauna beginners. By understanding these steps, you can have a safe and effective sauna experience. Even first-timers can enjoy it with peace of mind, as we explain detailed procedures and precautions, so let’s take the first step into the world of “totonou” together.

Basic Way to Enter a Sauna

For beginners who are starting to take an interest in the allure of saunas, knowing the correct way to enter a sauna is crucial for a more effective “totonou” experience. Here, we will explain the basic steps in detail.

Step 1: Preparation Before the Sauna

First, always take a shower before entering the sauna. Wash your hair and body to remove oils and dirt, making it easier to sweat. If there is a bath available, it’s also recommended to soak lightly to warm your body. However, if your body is already hot, such as in summer, you don’t need to force yourself to soak. Next, since it’s hard to sweat with water droplets on your body, make sure to thoroughly wipe off the moisture with a towel.

Step 2: Time in the Sauna Room

Now, enter the sauna room. If it’s your first time, starting with about 5-7 minutes is a good idea. Choose a comfortable spot to sit, take deep breaths at your own pace, and relax. Sweating sufficiently during this time promotes internal circulation. Also, as a courtesy to others, keep conversations to a minimum and maintain a quiet demeanor.

Step 3: Transition to the Cold Bath

After spending an appropriate amount of time in the sauna room, slowly enter the cold bath. Caution is required here as well. To avoid shock from sudden temperature changes, gradually acclimate from your feet instead of submerging your whole body at once. Naturally, rinse off sweat before entering the cold bath. It’s recommended to stay in the cold bath for about 1-2 minutes, but do so without overexerting yourself, considering your physical condition.

Step 4: Rest Time

Finally, it’s rest time. Lie quietly for about 7-12 minutes in an outdoor air bath space or a reclining chair. At this stage, your heart rate will settle, and the “totonou” sensation is said to occur. Repeating this series of processes (sauna → cold bath → rest) as one set, usually 2-3 sets, can further enhance the effects.

Points to Note for Beginners

When using a sauna facility for the first time, pay attention to the following points.

Hydration

Since a large amount of water is lost through sweating, regular hydration is essential. However, instead of drinking a lot at once, take small amounts frequently.

Enjoy Without Overexertion

There’s no need to stay for a long time from the start. Everyone has different endurance levels, so enjoy at your own pace. If you feel discomfort or abnormal sensations, leave promptly.

Conclusion

By following these procedures and precautions, you can be guided to a safe and effective “totonou” experience. Most importantly, it would be delightful if it becomes a health and relaxation method that you can actively incorporate into your daily life! Why not continue to challenge yourself to create even more comfortable and fulfilling times?

Answering Beginners’ Questions About Saunas

What should I do to prepare before entering a sauna?

Before entering a sauna, it’s essential to thoroughly wash your entire body. This makes it easier to sweat and maximizes the sauna’s effects. Also, lightly wipe off any water droplets on your body to promote sweating. Make sure to hydrate beforehand as well.

What exactly does “totonou” mean?

“Totonou” refers to a state of relaxation both mentally and physically, achieved by warming the body in a high-temperature sauna and then rapidly cooling it in a cold bath. This process improves blood circulation and helps relieve muscle tension. By entering correctly, you can enjoy this pleasant sensation.

Is there a recommended sauna routine for beginners?

For beginners, the following steps are recommended: 1. Warm up in the sauna for about 5-10 minutes. 2. Cool down in the cold bath for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. 3. Relax in the rest area for 5-10 minutes. Repeating this set 3 times can make it easier to “totonou.” However, adjust the time and frequency according to your physical condition.

Are there any tips for first-timers to feel at ease?

For first-timers, there may be concerns about crowded places or high-temperature environments. It’s a good idea to avoid peak hours or try a low-temperature sauna (around 60 degrees) initially. Also, ensure you hydrate and take adequate rest.

Are there any special manners or rules?

In a sauna, be mindful of others by maintaining silence. After sweating a lot, lightly rinse off before entering the cold bath. Also, be careful to enter the cold bath quietly without jumping in. By following these basic manners, everyone can enjoy a comfortable space.

Conclusion: For a Safe and Enjoyable Sauna Experience

Knowing the correct way to enter and basic manners allows even beginners to enjoy the sauna with peace of mind. To “totonou,” proceed step by step at your own pace without overexerting yourself. Always prioritize safety and pay attention to your physical condition.

Key Points for Enjoying an Effective Sauna Experience

Saunas are said to be beneficial for refreshment, health, and beauty, but to maximize their effects, the correct way to enter is crucial. By mastering the 3 steps that allow even beginners to experience “totonou” with confidence, a more fulfilling sauna experience is possible.

First, start with preparation before the sauna by washing off dirt in the shower and wiping off excess moisture with a towel. This preparation stage is essential for creating a state conducive to sweating. Next, spend an appropriate amount of time in the sauna room, relaxing while taking deep breaths at your own pace. Spending this time quietly helps calm both body and mind.

Then, transition to the cold bath, but do so carefully to avoid shock from sudden temperature changes. Finally, lie quietly in an outdoor air bath or rest area and feel the moment of “totonou.” Repeating this process (sauna → cold bath → rest) as one set multiple times enhances the effects.

Also, remember to hydrate and enjoy without overexerting yourself, consulting your physical condition. By following these basic steps and precautions, you can be guided to a safe and comfortable “totonou” experience. As a health method that can be applied to daily life, be sure to give it a try.

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