In our modern lives, full of stresses and responsibilities, it’s important to prioritize self-care and relaxation. Indulging in activities such as sauna therapy and massage can greatly contribute to our overall well-being. But the question that often arises is, should you use the sauna before or after a massage? Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of each approach to help you make an informed decision.

What is sauna therapy?

Before diving into the topic at hand, let’s take a moment to understand what sauna therapy is. Saunas have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and detoxification. Typically, a sauna is a small wooden room or enclosure with controlled temperature and humidity levels. The heat in a sauna can help improve circulation, induce sweating, and provide stress relief and many other health benefits.

There are three main types of saunas—infrared saunas, dry saunas, and steam saunas—each with its unique way of working. Infrared saunas use radiant heat to warm your body directly, while dry saunas heat the air using hot rocks, transferring that warmth to your body through the air. Steam saunas, or steam rooms, create a hot and steamy environment by using boiling water. Steam rooms have a lower temperature compared to the other two saunas but have higher humidity levels.

Benefits of Sauna Before Massage

Getting a massage before a sauna can offer potential advantages. Here are some good reasons why you might consider getting a massage before your sauna session.

Sauna Prepares Your Muscles for Massage: The heat from the sauna helps to relax your muscles, making them more receptive to massage techniques. 

It helps you to relax: Spending time in the sauna can make your mind and body relax. This gets your body ready for the good effects of a soothing massage.  

Stress relief: Using the sauna before a massage can help relieve stress. The warmth and relaxation in the sauna calm your mind and body, reducing stress levels. This, in turn, enhances the benefits of the massage, creating a more complete and rejuvenating experience.

However, keep in mind that getting an immediate massage after a sauna is not a good idea. After the sauna, you are still sweating, so make sure to take a break, shower, and rinse yourself before getting a massage. It can be uncomfortable if the masseuse touches your body while you are still sweating.

Benefits of Sauna After massage

Many people prefer hitting the sauna after a massage for its potential benefits in aiding recovery. Here are some good reasons why hitting the sauna after the massage may be beneficial:

It can extend relaxation: Once the message has released tension from your muscles, spending time in the sauna can help prolong the relaxation. The heat can further soothe any residual soreness or muscle stiffness.

Reducing soreness: A massage might cause mild soreness in your muscles, but hitting the sauna afterward can promote faster recovery from muscle soreness or tension.

While hitting the sauna after the massage offers numerous benefits, it’s important to note that immediate massage can cause dehydration so therefore it’s important to drink a lot of water before or after taking the sauna and be dehydrated.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use the sauna before or after the massage depends on your personal preferences and goals. Many people prefer using it before the massage for benefits such as Getting muscles ready for the massage, enhancing relaxation, and relieving stress. On the other hand, some people favor using the sauna after the massage, as the heat reduces muscle soreness that might occur post-massage and prolongs the relaxation effect.

Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and communicate with your massage therapist. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific needs and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What should you not do after a sauna?

Avoid cold shower

After a sauna session, avoid taking a cold shower immediately, as it can shock your system. Instead, slowly cool down by resting in a comfortable environment or taking a lukewarm shower.

Not hydrating yourself properly

it’s important to stay hydrated after sweating in the sauna. Replenish your body’s fluids by drinking water or electrolyte-rich beverages.

Avoid heavy meals

Avoid heavy meals right after a sauna session. Your body is in a state of relaxation and digesting a large meal can put unnecessary strain on your system. Opt for light, nutritious snacks to refuel your body post-sauna.

Avoid Intense physical activities 

Intense physical activities immediately after your session. Your body has been through a detoxifying process in the sauna, and engaging in vigorous exercise right after can lead to overexertion. Instead, give your body some time to rest and recover before jumping into any strenuous workouts.