How to Use Sauna with Rocks for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

By George From Sweat N Chill Zone •  Updated: 12/17/23 •  10 min read

Here’s a Youtube Video about How to Use Sauna with Rocks for Beginners


If you’re wondering how to use a sauna with rocks for beginners, then you’ve come to the right place.

Getting started involves a series of steps, starting from adequate hydration prior to your sauna session. This is followed by taking a pre-sauna shower and performing necessary body preparations.

Understanding and adjusting the sauna temperature is crucial alongside knowing how to enter the sauna correctly. You will need to learn about the proper positioning of rocks in a sauna, as well as determining the suitable duration for your initial sessions.

Creating steam using rocks is an essential part of a classic sauna experience. Inside the sauna, finding optimal sitting or lying down positions can augment comfort and relaxation.

Mastering breathing techniques can greatly enhance your overall spa experience.

Paying attention to your body’s signals during a session is vital keeping in mind cooling down strategies and post-sauna hydration. Resting periods between multiple sessions, timing your meals, and selecting the best stones for use in the sauna are critical components to consider when using a traditional stone-based sauna for optimal comfort.<

how to use sauna with rocks for beginners

Hydration Prior to Sauna Session

Welcome, sauna first-timers!

Let’s start with the basics. Hydration is the key to a blissful sauna experience. You see, using a sauna – especially a traditional one with rocks – will make you sweat profusely.

Drinking one to two glasses of water before entering ensures that your body is well-prepared for this delightful detoxifying process.

Pre-Sauna Shower and Body Preparation

In any case, cleanliness is essential for maximizing the benefits of your impending sauna session.

A quick rinse-off in the shower will remove any oils or dirt from your skin and prepare it for the invigorating heat ahead, enhancing your sauna etiquette for beginners.

Understanding and Adjusting Sauna Temperature

Moving on to choosing your ideal temperature.

Professional saunas are usually pre-heated and maintained within a typical range between 150°F and 195°F (65°C – 90°C).

You should find what works best for you when you’re just starting with a traditional sauna.

How to Enter the Sauna Correctly

To make sure you liberate every drop of sweat from those pores, strip off all clothing and jewelry before entering—this allows your skin to breathe freely during what’s guaranteed to be an invigorating experience.

This is one of my top tips when compiling this beginner’s guide to saunas.

Proper Positioning of Rocks in a Sauna

Your goal should be ensuring good airflow through the stones.

Placing larger stones at the bottom followed by smaller ones on top works perfectly when heating rocks in any sauna – it’s an absolute game-changer for the novices out there.

Duration of Initial Sauna Sessions

All things considered, it’s best to err on the side of caution during your first few sessions.

Anyone new to hot stone saunas should set an initial time limit of about 5-10 minutes, or less if the heat feels too intense. Better safe than sorry, right?

How to Create Steam in a Sauna with Rocks

If you want to amplify the humidity and better distribute that freeing heat, ladle water onto the heated rocks intermittently – this sauna rock usage tutorial wouldn’t be complete without mentioning it!

Optimal Sitting or Lying Down Positions Inside The Sauna

You see, heat rises so whether sitting or lying down will primarily depend on how much warmth you are comfortable with.

Lower benches will have cooler temperatures compared to higher ones.

Breathing Techniques for a Relaxing Sauna Experience

An easy technique is this: inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth slowly—remain calm and composed in there!

Listening to Your Body’s Signal During the Session

A crucial part of ‘Sauna basics For Newbies’ is learning to listen closely to what your body tells you during this healthful practice—remember each person experiences heat differently.

Cooling Down and Hydration Strategies Post-Sauna

Upon exiting, slow down as rapid change in temperature might make you dizzy—take another warm-to-cold shower if desired then rehydrate as soon as possible after exiting.

Resting Period Between Multiple Sauna Sessions

If you are planning on going for round two, aim to rest for at least 15-20 minutes allowing your body temperature to normalize before going back in.

Timing Your Meals and Saunas for Maximum Comfort

Wait a couple of hours after eating before stepping into the sauna.

The reason?

Digestion increases internal body temperature, and the sauna will further elevate it which could cause discomfort.

The Best Stones for Use in the Sauna

Lastly, let’s talk about the best stones to use. Peridotite stones are commonly recommended due to their density and ability to evenly distribute heat without cracking under high temperatures—avoid decorative rocks that can explode when heated.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to use a sauna with rocks for beginners! Remember: the key is personal preference combined with listening closely to what your body tells you. Enjoy your session!

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Using a sauna with rocks is traditional in the world of saunas and does bring about a certain sense of relaxation.

Many individuals are unaware that there’s a method to using them correctly, especially those who are beginners and it’s important to know how to use them for optimal benefits. This knowledge can be really useful if you’re thinking about creating your very own personal wellness retreat at home. Our post on how much home saunas cost can offer some insight into the initial investment you’d need for such an endeavor.

It might also interest you to know that using a sauna is not just all about relaxation, there’s an element of detoxification involved as well. Saunas, particularly those with rocks, help expedite the detoxification process by stimulating sweat production which flushes out toxins from the body. You can find more details on our page titled how much does a sauna help detox.

You may also be wondering about how to increase the heat in your sauna once you have successfully set it up with rocks. This is actually quite simple and involves placing more rocks into the heater or adjusting your sauna’s controls.

You can read more about it in our article on how do you make a saunahotter. Finally, if you’re already experienced with using traditional saunas and are looking at exploring other options, we have a helpful comparison between different types of saunas on our site – whether infrared or steam would be better for instance; head over to our post on

My Personal Take about How to Use Sauna with Rocks for Beginners

Hey, buddy!

It’s me, George, your go-to guide when it comes to all things related to saunas and cold plunges.


Now that I think about it, perhaps you’re curious about how to use a sauna with rocks for beginners – well you’re in the perfect place!


I just posted a comprehensive blog titled, “How to Use Sauna with Rocks for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide“, that reveals all the secrets in an easy-to-follow format.

You see, navigating the world of saunas should not be intimidating. In this guide, I’ve simplified everything into digestible information like:

In any case, remember there’s no rush – mastering these techniques is a journey and not a race. Words of advice though? Give it a try and trust me, you’ll soon look forward to every sauna session as an exciting retreat!


I promise you’ll end up feeling invigorated with more energy than before.

With optimism and eagerness, let’s embark on this incredible wellness journey together!


Frequently Asked Questions about How to Use Sauna with Rocks for Beginners

Before you go…

Takeaways:

1. Hydration is key: Before entering the sauna, make sure to drink one to two glasses of water to stay hydrated. Sweating is a major part of the sauna experience, so it’s important to keep your body hydrated.

2. Prepare your body: Take a pre-sauna shower to cleanse your skin and remove any oils or dirt. This will also help your body adjust to the heat and prepare for sweating.

3. Find the right temperature: Make sure the sauna is pre-heated and set at a comfortable temperature for you, typically between 150°F and 195°F (65°C – 90°C). It’s important to find a temperature that suits you and ensures a relaxing experience. These three takeaways highlight some crucial steps for beginners to have a safe and enjoyable sauna session. By staying hydrated, cleansing your skin, and finding the right temperature, you can fully appreciate the relaxation and health benefits of using a sauna with rocks.

If you’re unsure about the best way to use a sauna and steam room, our guide will clarify everything for you.

George From Sweat N Chill Zone

George, the passionate founder of Sweat N Chill Zone, is an ardent advocate for holistic wellness through the healing powers of saunas and cold plunges. With a background in health sciences and a fervent dedication to sharing the benefits of thermal therapy, George curates an informative space, offering insights, tips, and expert advice to help individuals optimize their health and well-being through the transformative effects of heat and cold treatments. Through Sweat N Chill Zone, George aims to inspire and educate, fostering a community centered around rejuvenation and vitality.

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