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Sauna Before or After Massage - What is the Best Routine?

Sauna Before or After Massage - What is the Best Routine?

The are a lot of discussions on whether you should sauna before or after a massage. Taking a sauna before relaxes muscles, increases blood circulation, and reduces stress, enhancing the massage experience. Experiment to find out what works best for you. Most individuals believe that using a sauna after a massage helps further relax muscles and promote detoxification. Some people routine love using saunas before massage therapy because the heat from the sauna helps open up pores and improve overall skin health. Deciding whether to take a sauna first before or after a massage is a personal preference that has different end results. 


The most important thing is to observe your body and pay attention to how it responds to each method you choose. Some individuals find that using a sauna before a massage therapy helps them warm up their muscles and release tension, while others prefer to use the sauna after a massage to prolong the relaxation and rejuvenation.

Should You Sauna Before Massage?

Yes, incorporating a sauna session before a massage can be advantageous, as it boosts the overall benefits of the massage. Many individuals question whether they should use the sauna before or after their massage to maximize health advantages. While there are advantages to both approaches, using the sauna before a massage can effectively prime your body for a tranquil massage session. The warmth of the infrared sauna can enhance circulation, resulting in improved blood flow and a more productive massage experience. Not only does time in the sauna help eliminate toxins through sweat, but it also helps loosen muscles and prepare them for massage therapists to alleviate any tension. Integrating regular sauna sessions into your health and wellness regimen can enhance the benefits of both your sauna and massage sessions.


Alternatively, some individuals opt to enjoy a sauna session following their massage. The sauna's warmth can provide additional relaxation for your muscles and aid in the continued elimination of toxins from your body post-massage. By incorporating both sauna and massage benefits, you can maximize the overall wellness advantages of these practices. Whether you decide to utilize the sauna prior to or following your massage, it is essential to tune into your body's cues and prioritize what feels most beneficial for you.

What Are the Risks of Using Sauna After a Massage?

Listed below are the potential risks of using a sauna after a massage.

  • Dehydration: Excessive sweating in the sauna can lead to fluid loss, causing dehydration.
  • Overheating: Prolonged exposure to heat can result in overheating and related symptoms.
  • Lowered Blood Pressure: The combination of massage and sauna can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting.
  • Fatigue: The physical demands of both therapies might lead to increased tiredness.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Massages can increase skin sensitivity, which might be aggravated by sauna heat.
  • Cardiovascular Stress: Heat exposure can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially exacerbating heart-related conditions.
  • Fainting Risk: Sauna use may increase the risk of fainting due to heat and blood pressure changes.
  • Consideration of Sauna Type: Different saunas, such as traditional or infrared, can have varying effects on the body.
  • Listening to Your Body: It is important to pay attention to how your body feels and to take breaks when necessary.
  • Massage Oils: Using massage oils with sauna therapy can enhance benefits but requires awareness of potential risks.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Sauna Before a Massage?

Listed below are the benefits of using a sauna before a massage.

  • Improved Circulation: Sauna heat enhances blood flow, making massages more effective in targeting muscle tension.
  • Enhanced Relaxation: The heat helps relax muscles, promoting deeper relaxation during the massage.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna use can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Detoxification: Saunas help release toxins from the body, offering both physical and mental health benefits.
  • Lymphatic Drainage: Sauna use improves lymphatic drainage, preparing muscles for deeper manipulation.
  • Preferred Ritual: For some, using a sauna before a massage enhances the relaxation and rejuvenation process.
  • Muscle Preparation: Prepares muscles for deeper manipulation during the massage therapy session.

How Does Using a Sauna After a Massage Affect Your Body?

Getting a massage is a great way to relax and unwind, but consider incorporating a sauna before or after is a must. More individuals find that using a sauna after a massage enhances the overall spa experience with additional health and wellness benefits. The heat of the sauna helps to relax the muscles even further, allowing them to be relaxed. Whether you choose to use a traditional sauna heater or an infrared sauna therapy, spending time in a sauna after a massage helps detoxify the body by promoting sweating and releasing toxins like heavy metals.


It’s also important to note that the benefits of sauna bathing are not just limited to detoxification. Using a sauna after a massage can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being. Many people find that incorporating a sauna into their wellness routine can lead to improved sleep, reduced stress, and increased energy levels. If you have access to a home sauna, consider taking a sauna after your next massage to experience the full benefits of the sauna.


The are some people that wonder whether they should sauna before their massage instead. Many experts recommend using a sauna after a massage to maximize the benefits of both treatments. By allowing the body to fully relax during the massage and then further relax in the sauna afterward, you can enhance the overall benefits of massage therapy and sauna bathing.

Can Combining Sauna and Massage Enhance Relaxation?

Yes, Combining sauna and massage therapy leads to an elevated level of relaxation and offers a truly indulgent Spa Day at Home experience. Many people debate whether it is better to enter a sauna before or after receiving a massage. Some prefer to start with the sauna to soften the muscles and prepare them for the deep tissue massage, while others believe that a sauna after the massage can help to further relax the muscles. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and health conditions.


For individuals with conditions such as arthritis or chronic pain, massage therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. By combining the benefits of both sauna and massage therapy, the amplified benefits can provide a sense of rejuvenation and relief. The heat from the sauna can help to relax and loosen muscles, making it easier for the massage therapist to perform a deep tissue massage and target specific areas of tension.


After receiving a massage, entering a sauna can offer additional relaxation and promote the release of any remaining tension. Alternatively, taking a cold shower after a sauna session can help to close the pores and invigorate the body. The combination of sauna and massage therapy creates a holistic approach to relaxation and wellness, providing a comprehensive experience for both the mind and body.


The health benefits of using a sauna and receiving regular massages are well-documented, with studies showing improvements in circulation, stress reduction, and pain relief. Whether you choose to enjoy a sauna before or after a massage, the sauna and massage combination can enhance relaxation and provide a luxurious escape from the stresses of daily life.

How Frequent Should You Do Massage and Sauna?

The frequency at which massage and sauna sessions are utilized varies depending on the individual's needs, objectives, and overall health. A well-rounded approach for most individuals could involve integrating both treatments into a weekly schedule. Typically, having regular massages every 1-2 weeks assists in managing muscle tension, relieving stress, and enhancing overall health. Sauna sessions can be enjoyed more frequently, around 2-3 times per week, as part of a healthy lifestyle to promote relaxation, aid in detoxification, and boost circulation. However, the optimal frequency may differ based on personal preferences, physical well-being, and specific health goals. It is crucial to pay attention to your body's cues and make adjustments as necessary to prevent either treatment from being overused or causing discomfort. Seeking advice from a healthcare provider can also offer customized recommendations tailored to your unique health status and wellness objectives.

Is It Safe to Use a Sauna Before a Massage Session?

Yes, using a sauna before a massage session is generally considered safe for most people and offers several benefits. Many people wonder whether it is better to use a sauna before or after a massage. The truth is, there are benefits to both options. If you decide to sauna before your massage, it can help to soften the muscle tissues and prepare your body for the hands-on treatment. On the other hand, it can help to improve cardiovascular health and promote relaxation in the muscle tissues that were just worked on. One of the main reasons people choose to sauna or massage on the same day is to feel less stressed and to alleviate pain and tension in specific areas of the body.


Another benefit of using the sauna after a massage is that it can help to enhance the effects on your body the 10 minutes on the massage table sauna date back thousands of years, and there is a reason for that. The sauna experience can have many health benefits, and whether you should sauna before or after a massage depends on what you feel is better for your body and your overall well-being.

How Does Sauna Use Influence Massage Therapy?

Using a sauna before getting a massage can have a positive impact on its effectiveness and advantages. Studies show that the heat from a sauna can help relax muscles and increase circulation, making them more flexible and responsive to massage techniques. This can result in better relief from muscle tension and improved outcomes from the massage. Moreover, sauna therapy has been linked to better quality of sleep. The relaxation and reduction in stress from using a sauna can lead to improved sleep patterns and a more restful night. By incorporating sauna therapy into your routine, you can enhance the benefits of massage therapy and support better sleep, as sauna therapy improves sleep. This combination creates a synergistic effect, promoting relaxation and overall well-being.

How Can Sauna and Massage Together Improve Muscle Recovery?

Combining sauna and massage significantly enhances muscle recovery through a combination of heat therapy and massage. Heat from the sauna helps increase blood circulation which makes it generate more nutrients and oxygen to the muscle tissues, removing all the waste and toxins. The heat also increases the elasticity of the muscles and surrounding tissues, making them more receptive to massage therapy.


Massage aids recovery by reducing muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and improving flexibility. Massage helps release muscle knots and trigger points, enhancing the body's ability to self-repair. Combining increased blood circulation from the sauna and proper massage speeds up the recovery period, decreases inflammation, and supports overall muscle health. The holistic approach leverages the benefits of both therapies to support and accelerate the body's natural healing processes.

How to Get the Most out Of Sauna and Massage Combined?

For optimal results when combining sauna and massage, it is most effective to begin with a sauna session before the massage. The heat helps relax muscles, improve blood flow, and open up pores, getting the body ready for the massage. The improved circulation can help release muscle tension and improve the results of the massage. Ending with a massage after the sauna ensures that muscles are more flexible, making it simpler for the therapist to target knots and tension, resulting in a deeper sense of relaxation and better muscle recovery.

What are Do's and Don'ts Before and After Sauna?

These are the Do’s and Don’ts before sauna.


Do’s

Don’ts

Hydrate well before entering.

Avoid eating a heavy meal right before.

Take a shower to clean your skin.

Do not consume alcohol beforehand.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Avoid using oils or lotions on your skin.

Consult a doctor if you have health issues.

Don’t enter if you're feeling unwell.


These are the Do’s and Don’ts after sauna.


Do’s

Don’ts

Cool down gradually post-session.

Don’t shower with cold water immediately.

Rehydrate with water or electrolyte drinks.

Avoid alcohol after the session.

Rest and relax for a few minutes.

Do not rush into strenuous activities.

Moisturize your skin post-shower.

Don’t skip meals; eat something light.

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Jasper Knight the Founder of Secret Saunas photographed in an Auroom Sauna in Estonia

About the Author

I'm Jasper Knight, the founder of SecretSaunas.com. During my travels through Finland and Scandinavia in 2018 I was introduced to the thrilling local ritual of taking daily hot saunas and then cooling off by plunging into the dark icy waters of a frozen lake. This experience was so fulfilling that it felt like an addiction. My desire to return to the forests and lakes of Northern Europe led me to set up Secret Saunas with the mission of bringing that authentic Finnish sauna experiences home.

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