FAQ
Bring: A towel or two, shorts or a swim suit, something to hydrate with, and an sense of adventure.
Enjoy yourself, this is about relaxation and renewal. The SaunaMeister will answer any questions you have, walk you thru the entire process, and be nearby during your session.
It depends on the sauna. As a rule of thumb, allow about two feet of bench space per person. Gratitude comfortably accommodates 7–8 adults, while Abundance accommodates 3–4 adults. We’ve found that people often rotate in and out, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the löyly (steam/heat).
The traditional Finnish sauna is a no clothing experience. The Finns have been doing sauna since the beginning of time, before clothes were invented and they tend to stick to tradition. “In sauna we are all equal – everyone looks the same from behind.” We discuss this at greater length elsewhere on the site.
However, we are not in Finland and American culture is different. Here in Abundance Sauna we practice modesty and ask that in public situations that swimmies or shorts are worn. A towel is also acceptable as long as it stays in place. Thank you for understanding.
Our Saunas have 2 rooms, changing room and the hot room.
This varies from person to person, sauna to sauna. Everyone experiences the heat in different ways. There are no prizes for outlasting everyone else.
Time is a bit of a mystery in the sauna, there is no clock to time your stay in the hot room. Come and go from the hot room as often as you like. We suggest you listen to your body and stay as long as you are comfortable. If you begin to feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, or sleepy cautiously leave the hot room, take some time to rehydrate and recover.
We suggest when you first go in, allow your body to acclimate to the ambient temperature which will be between 160°-200°. Allow yourself to be in discomfort for a moment or two. You will begin to perspire. This is known as Viavihiki – First Sweat You are in there to sweat, roll with it.
Cool water is available to wet down the benches, bodies and walls (avoid the ceiling, the drops heat up and are a form of torture), fill a bucket with cold water, and regularly douse yourself if you like. Keep that bucket nearby to pour on yourself or get a quick drink of water.
There are typically three rounds, the first is usually feels the most intense. When you think you have had enough you have. Step out and take a break. The second round may feel more relaxed. Your body has acclimated to the temperature extremes, again stay until you have had enough then step out for a break. Enjoy additional rounds until you feel finished or your session has ended. These times vary with each individual, you decide when you have had enough, then come out and take a break to cool down.
Again, this varies from person to person, sauna to sauna. A short answer until you cool down. Part of the Sauna magic is repeated heating and cooling of your body. It is said this is where the therapeutic qualities kick in.
Come out of the hot room, go outside and sit on the bench, have a cold drink, HYDRATE, watch the cloud of steam form around you, contemplate your purpose in this world. Take a chilling shower from the built-in exterior shower. Perhaps climb into the portable pond for a more dramatic cooling experience.
If there is a pond or swimming pool, wade in.
In the winter many daring folks roll in the snow. The sensation on your skin is unrivaled.
The objective here is to bring your body back to a more normal ambient temperature, when you start to feel a chill, go back in.
Löyly is the aromatic steam that is created when you pour the birch tea on the stones (kivet). The steam then rises and fills the room with heat. In Abundance, the corner adjacent to the door is the hot corner, which is the spot where the Löyly is most intense at first, before it begins to dissipate.
Simple to remember, the more water you put on the hotter it will feel.
Start with small dippers, and as you grasp the nuances of the procedure, add more as needed.
Some spots on the stove are hotter than others, for example: the spot right behind the chimney is usually a hot spot.
There are several methods for creating Löyly.
- Use the dipper, the long handle allows you to reach the hot spots without exposing your hand to the steam.
- Sprinkle the vihta (birch whisk or switch) over the stones, use caution not to expose your wrist.
- Place the vihta right on the stones, slowly pour the birch tea through it for a slow constant aromatic steam, remember to take it off before it dries out, or just keep it wet.
Please do not use any oils or perfumes on the stoves other than the tea provided.
Traditionally, Yes. Got Sauna is a small sauna, soap, shampoo and oil based products can be slippery on the floor.
If you would like to wash up afterward, you are welcome to use the outdoor shower during warmer weather. Please note: this shower does not generally provide privacy, please no nudity.
It is not recommended, if it is completely necessary then make sure it is in a plastic container. Never any metal or glass in the hot room, the metal can heat up and be a burn hazard and broken glass will shut the whole operation down.
We suggest hydrating first and during breaks.
No. these items will get very hot and could potentially cause a burn. We suggest you leave these items home or in your car. Got Sauna is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged personal property
In the sauna your body will be focusing on sweating, all attention will be on the exterior systems. We recommend eating after sauna. If you must have something before, have a small snack to tide you over. You will have a veracious appetite soon after your sauna. Perhaps some grilled sausage or smoked salmon.
Expect to feel cleansed, refreshed, and renewed. Many people say they’ve never felt so clean. The Finns call this feeling Saunan Raikas — “Sauna Fresh.”
You may also feel rejuvenated, inspired, and surprisingly clear-headed, with a sense of foresight and perspective.
And don’t be surprised if your first instinct is to take a nap. Your body has just been through an intense heat experience and may need a little time to recover. Give yourself some time to rest and rehydrate before driving or operating heavy machinery.
At Got Sauna, we are all about safety. The Sauna is an extreme environment. As a precaution, we do not allow people who are intoxicated or high to participate. We reserve the right to refuse sauna use to any one we believe to be at risk or intoxicated. Safety first.
Got Sauna is a mobile sauna, with a true sense of adventure. We are up for just about anything, Give us a call.
Send us an email. we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Sure, see below: Thank you Finnish Sauna Society
If you have any questions about using sauna consult your physician before use. Generally, sauna should be avoided if:
- You have chronically low blood pressure
- You have been diagnosed as a heart attack risk
- You are someone who is a dehydration risk
- You are pregnant you should avoid the higher temperatures of the sauna.
- You have a fever, infection, or sickness
- You are recovering from recent surgery
- You have any other health concerns
All of the above reasons are examples of folks who should not take a sauna without the expressed consent of their physician. We are not doctors we cannot advise on any health concerns – if you have concerns consult your personal physician before using the sauna. We are all about safety for everyone in the sauna.
All guests are required to read and sign a waiver before using the sauna.
- Ages 16–18: May use the sauna with an additional signature from a parent or legal guardian.
- Ages 8–15: May use the sauna when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Under age 8: Children must be under the constant supervision of a parent or legal guardian, both inside and outside the sauna.
- Guests of advanced age: We welcome guests of all ages. If mobility or physical assistance is a concern, please plan to have a companion available to provide support as needed.
Our priority is for every guest to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and rewarding sauna experience.