FAQs
1
What should I bring?
You'll want to wear or bring your swimsuit, towel, water bottle, shoes for walking to the brook, perhaps a robe or covering. Space is limited so bring only what you need. Leave extra bags, etc in your car.
2
How should I prepare?
Eat a light meal or snack before arriving. Be sure to hydrate well (non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic) the day before and morning of the sauna. Water and light snacks will be provided. If you have special diet, you may want to bring your own snacks. You'll want to shower before the sauna and do not wear any oils, lotions or scents.
3
What can I expect in the ritual?
You will be greeted and we will review safety guidelines. You will be guided by Joyce through 4 cycles of heating/cooling. Each cycle will include a different experience, which may include any of the following: whisking, salt/honey/herbal scrubs, herbal wash, sound, using your senses, cool water. There will be time for hydrating and snacking as needed between rounds.
4
I've never been in a sauna. What can I expect?
The sauna is a wooden structure heated by a wood burning stove to 160-180 degrees. We will typically sit in the sauna for 10-20 minutes before going outside for a cooling/rest/rehydrate period. While in the sauna, water will periodically be poured on the sauna stones to create a steam. If, at any time, you feel the heat is too much, you can sit on a lower bench or exit the sauna. During the cooling part of the cycle, we may use water in various ways, interact with Nature, take a dip in the brook, or work with sauna plants.
5
Who shouldn't go in a sauna?
Some people with heart disease, pregnancy, some neurological conditions, inflammatory diseases, acute infections, medications that limit temperature regulation, implanted medical devices, recent alcohol/drug use, or advanced age may not respond well to sauna use. If you have any of these conditions, you will want to consult your medical provider to discuss if sauna use is appropriate for you, or if there are modifications you should consider.
6
What are the benefits of sauna?
There's science supporting sauna use and health benefits, and many people report feeling better with sauna use. Benefits include: Relaxes and soothes muscles, reduces aches and pains, boosts the immune system, detoxification, eases stress and tension, improved sleep and relaxation, improved skin condition, feeling more peaceful and grounded, improved energy levels, improved cognition, improved cardiovascular function and sports recovery. And maybe the most important - reconnecting to one's body, inner self, others, Spirit and Nature!