sauna by flow design
Finding Flow with Sauna & Bathing
Embark on a transformative journey through the serene sanctuary of the sauna and invigorating cold baths. Experience profound relaxation in the sauna's gentle warmth, followed by a refreshing plunge into icy waters. Feel tension melt away and energy surge as you embrace the contrast. Discover the power of 'Finding Flow' in this harmonious practice, uniting mind, body, and spirit for holistic well-being and inner transformation.
Sauna & Bathing Practice
Regulate
Begin your practice by regulating your breath and body temperature. Take some deep breaths and feel your body starting to relax as you prepare for the sauna experience. Adjust the heat in the sauna to a comfortable level and get ready to begin.
Observe
While in the sauna, be mindful of your body's reactions and sensations. Observe how the heat affects your body, how your breathing changes, and how your mind quiets. Be present in the moment and notice any tensions or discomfort that arise.
Connect
In the warmth of the sauna, connect with your inner self and feel the deep connection with your body. Allow yourself to let go of stress and worries and open yourself to receive healing energy from the sauna and water. Focus on being present in your own experience and open up to receive whatever may come.
Heal & Transform
Let the sauna and bathing be a time for healing and transformation. Allow the heat and water to cleanse your body and soul, releasing you from negativity and stagnation. Allow yourself to let go of old patterns and limitations and open yourself to receive healing energy and transformation.
Integrate
After the sauna and bathing, take time to integrate your experiences. Reflect on what you've experienced and how it has affected you on a physical, emotional, and mental level. Allow yourself to integrate these new insights and experiences into your daily life.
Restore
Conclude your practice by restoring your body to a state of balance and harmony. Take time to rest and replenish your energy after the sauna and bathing. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and give it the nourishment it needs to restore itself.
Through this process you create a deeper connection with yourself and experience a holistic sense of well-being and balance in body and mind.
Essential Oils in the Sauna
Using essential oils in the sauna can enhance your overall sauna experience and provide various benefits. Here's how you can use essential oils in the sauna:
Dilution: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted before use. Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, before applying it to your skin or adding it to the sauna.
Direct Application: Apply the diluted essential oil directly to your skin before entering the sauna. You can massage it onto your chest, temples, wrists, or other pulse points for maximum absorption and benefit.
Sauna Rocks: Add a few drops of diluted essential oil to the sauna rocks or water bucket. As the water evaporates from the rocks, it will release the aroma of the essential oil into the air, creating a pleasant and aromatic atmosphere in the sauna.
Towel Method: Apply a few drops of diluted essential oil to a damp towel and hang it in the sauna. As the sauna heats up, the aroma of the essential oil will be released into the air, providing a subtle and continuous diffusion of the oil throughout the sauna session.
When it comes to choosing essential oils for use in the sauna, it can be helpful to consider the following options based on their properties:
Focusing:
Cypress: Can help enhance concentration and promote mental clarity.
Rosemary: Known to stimulate the mind and increase focus.
Peppermint: Provides a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help focus the mind.
Eucalyptus: Has a refreshing aroma that can help clear the airways and improve mental clarity.
Nourishing:
Lavender: Calming scent that promotes relaxation and peace of mind.
Geranium: Can help balance emotions and promote inner harmony.
Frankincense: Known for its earthy and soothing properties, which can promote a sense of calm.
Ylang Ylang: Provides a sweet and floral scent that can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
Invigorating:
Orange: Has a bright and uplifting scent that can provide energy and joy.
Lemon: Provides a fresh and invigorating aroma that can help stimulate the mind.
Bergamot: Known for its invigorating properties and for promoting positivity.
Grapefruit: Provides a refreshing scent that can help boost energy levels and improve mood.
When using these oils in the sauna, be sure to follow recommended guidelines for dosing and safe use of essential oils. It may also be wise to blend the oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid sensitivity.
Principles for Sauna Practice
By embracing these principles, the sauna practice becomes a transformative journey that addresses the multidimensional nature of human existence, fostering holistic well-being and self-discovery.
Holistic Integration
Comprehensive Approach: Design sauna sessions that seamlessly integrate physical, physiological, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and existential elements, promoting holistic wellness.
Harmonious Fusion: Emphasize "Harmonious Fusion," where the sauna experience becomes a harmonious integration of sensations, thoughts, emotions, and awareness, creating a space for deep relaxation and renewal.
Intention Setting
Clear Purpose: Begin each sauna session with a clear intention, allowing participants to align their experience with personal goals, whether it's relaxation, detoxification, or mental clarity.
Reflective Practices
Journaling: Encourage participants to journal their sauna experiences, reflecting on the physical, emotional, and mental effects of the session, fostering self-awareness and insight.
Group Reflection: Facilitate group reflection sessions to create a supportive environment for sharing experiences, insights, and challenges, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Adaptability
Personalized Experience: Empower participants to customize their sauna experience based on individual preferences, needs, and comfort levels, promoting inclusivity and empowerment.
Modifications: Provide options for adjusting sauna temperature, duration, and aromatherapy choices to accommodate diverse preferences and sensitivities.
Physical Principles
Heat Exposure: Utilize varying degrees of heat exposure to promote relaxation, stimulate circulation, and release toxins, supporting physical health and vitality.
Movement Integration: Integrate gentle stretching or movement exercises within the sauna session to enhance flexibility, mobility, and overall physical well-being.
Physiological Principles
Breathing Techniques: Incorporate breath awareness and deep breathing exercises to enhance respiratory function, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, fostering a sense of calm and balance.
Hydration: Emphasize the importance of staying hydrated before, during, and after the sauna session to support optimal physiological function and prevent dehydration.
Psychological Principles
Mindfulness Practices: Integrate mindfulness techniques such as body scanning or sensory awareness exercises to cultivate present-moment awareness and mental clarity within the sauna environment.
Stress Reduction: Provide opportunities for mental relaxation and stress reduction through visualization, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
Spiritual Principles
Inner Connection: Create a space for inner reflection, contemplation, and connection with oneself or a higher power, fostering a sense of spirituality and inner peace.
Gratitude Practice: Encourage participants to cultivate gratitude for their bodies, minds, and the rejuvenating experience of the sauna, enhancing overall well-being and contentment.
Existential Principles
Existential Reflection: Offer moments for contemplation on life's meaning, purpose, and existential questions, inviting participants to explore deeper aspects of their existence.
Connection with Nature: Foster a sense of connection with the natural world and the cycles of life, encouraging participants to appreciate the beauty and vitality of the surrounding environment.
By adhering to these principles, sauna practice becomes more than just a physical experience—it becomes a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and renewal.