SAUNAS

Saunas (or Banya) are popular in Kyrgyzstan — they are usually of the «Finish» variety, not like Turkish Baths — i. e. a dry heat — rather than steam rooms.

Here are some basic rules for the safe use of a sauna:

• Please use the showers before using the pool and/or Saunas.
  
• Always wear swimming costumes in the pool
  
• No Diving into the dip pool.
  
• No unattended children.
  
• Although we have special non-slip tiles and matting - please be careful on the wet floor
  
• Exercise equipment, where there is any, should be used only under a doctor"s advice
  
• Use of the Saunas is at your own risk and should be on your doctor"s advice. Please note that:.
  
  • You should first take a shower and enter the sauna still wet. Sit back for a few minutes and let the heat permeate your body and open the pores of the skin. Step into the changing room to cool down, maybe take another shower - cooler this time - to get thoroughly clean before re-entering the sauna. Then take your time to relax and enjoy the warmth. Follow the sauna with a peaceful rest and a drink.
    
  • The temperatures in a sauna are of the order of 60 to 100 degrees Celsius. The air can be relatively dry, or water can be sprinkled over the stones to increase humidity. The air must never be completely dry, however, since it could be harmful to the respiratory system.
    
  • However, don"t throw excessive amounts of water onto the stones - the evaporating water is boiling hot and it can make the heat uncomfortable.
    
  • Keep away from the heater when it is hot. The stones and outer surface of the heater may burn your skin. Parents should keep children away from the heater.
    
  • Stay in the sauna for as long as you feel comfortable and cool down your skin as necessary.
    
  • A cool, refreshing swim, bath or shower after the sauna completes your relaxation.
    
  • Rest for a while and let your pulse go back to normal before dressing.
    
  • Since you sweat lot in a sauna, it is important to compensate by drinking enough.
    
  • Never go into a sauna if you have taken alcohol, strong medicines or narcotics. Alcohol is not a good combination with sauna. While a beer or two may be pleasant during or after a sauna, it makes sense not to combine alcohol and sauna.
    
  • Children, handicapped or ill people should not bathe in the sauna on their own.
    
  • The heat in the sauna causes the capillaries in the skin to dilate, (which in effect lowers blood pressure), promotes perspiration and quickens the pulse. Also, dissipating the heat by sweating causes the heart to beat faster. So taking a sauna is actually more dangerous to people with a history of low blood pressure than others.
    
  • If in doubt about whether a sauna is a good idea for you - Check with your doctor.