Sauna Protocol

Read before using the fire wood sauna

Our wood-fired sauna is a part our wellness practices, designed to promote deep cellular cleansing, cardiovascular health, and nervous system relaxation. If this is your first time using a traditional wood-fired sauna, please read this guide thoroughly to maximize your health benefits and ensure safety.

Hygiene and Facility Protocol

To maintain a high standard of hygiene for all who uses the sauna, please strictly adhere to the following rules:

• Clothing: Since the sauna is a shared space, always use your bathing suit. We recommend to use one without underwire.

• The Towel Rule: Always sit or lay completely on the towel provided while inside the sauna room and when sitting on the bench in the resting area. Is you rest your back on the wall use the towel on your back. Leave the bath robe outside.

• Footwear: Leave your sleepers on the ground covered by pine needle. Step bare foot on the landing area by the door and go inside the sauna bare foot. 

• No Lotions or Perfumes: Please shower before entering the sauna to remove synthetic lotions, body oils, or heavy perfumes.

• Watch and joules: Leave them in your room.

The Authentic Hot and Cold Protocol

To unlock the true benefits of contrast therapy (vasoconstriction and vasodilation), we recommend following this traditional cycle:

Phase 1: The Sweat (10 to 20 Minutes)

Enter the sauna and seat on the top bench. If you are a beginner, sit on the lower bench where temperatures are milder.

Note on the Wood Stove: The heat from a wood-fired stove is deeper and more radiant than an electric sauna. Listen to your body—do not stay inside past the point of comfort. Sauna might lower your blood pressure and you can feel dizzy when you stand up. Be careful.

Phase 2: The Transition and Cleansing (5 to 15 Minutes)

When you exit the heat, do not rush immediately into a freezing or cold shower.

• Sit in the sauna resting area for 5 to 15 minutes to allow your body to continue its natural sweating and toxic cleansing process without shocking the system prematurely and clothing your pores.

Phase 3: The Cold Shower

Once your heart rate has naturally stabilized, introduce the cold elements. You have two options for your cold rinse:

• The On-Site Cold Rain Shower: Located directly in the sauna resting area for instant contrast.

• Private Lodging Showers: You may walk back to your room to use your private shower.

CRITICAL SHOWER METHOD: When taking your cold shower, always start with your extremities first. Rinse your feet, legs, hands, and arms first to safely prepare your circulatory system. Then shower your body. Your head should always be the very last to hit the cold water.

Phase 4: Hydrate and Rest

Drink plenty of fresh water or herbal tea. Rest for a duration equal to or longer than the time you spent inside the heat before attempting a second cycle.

Safety Regulations & Restrictions

• First-Time Users: Limit your first session to a maximum of 10 minutes.

• Stoking the Fire: Guests are strictly prohibited from opening the wood stove door, adding logs, or altering the fire. Your dedicated on-site assistant will handle all wood stoking and temperature regulations.

• Water on Rocks (Löyly): Only use the provided wooden ladle to splash small amounts of water onto the heated stones. Never pour large buckets of water at once, as this can cause severe steam burns or crack the stones.

• Hydration: Drink at least 8–16 ounces of water before and immediately after your session.

• Prohibited Items: No alcohol, glass bottles, or electronic devices (phones/watches) are permitted inside the hot room. Alcohol drastically increases the risk of dehydration and dangerous blood pressure drops.

Sauna Duration Guidelines

• Beginners: Start with 5 to 10 minutes maximum to let your body acclimate to the heat.

• Regular Users: 15 to 20 minutes for safely reaping health benefits.Sauna Type Matters

• Wood stove & Steam Saunas: These run very hot (140°F – 200°F). Keep sessions to 15–20 minutes.

• Infrared Saunas: These operate at lower, gentler temperatures (120°F – 140°F), often allowing you to safely stay inside for 20–30 minutes.

Alcohol, Substances, and Medication Restrictions

Combining intense heat with these substances can cause sudden changes in blood pressure, heart strain, or fainting, making it one of the most important safety rules the sauna.

To ensure your safety, the use of the sauna while under the influence of any altering substances is strictly forbidden:

• Alcohol: Guests must never consume alcohol immediately before or during a sauna session. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and dehydrates the body. When combined with the intense heat of a wood-fired sauna, it causes an extreme drop in blood pressure, which leads to dizziness, fainting, heat stroke, or severe cardiac strain.

• Recreational Drugs: The use of any recreational substances or narcotics prior to entering the sauna is strictly prohibited. These substances interfere with the body's natural thermal regulation (its ability to sweat and cool down safely) and cloud cognitive judgment, significantly increasing the risk of accidents, burns, or heat exhaustion.

• Prescription Medications: Guests taking medications that affect heart rate, blood pressure, circulation, or the body's ability to sweat (such as beta-blockers, diuretics, antihistamines, or tranquilizers) must not use the sauna without prior written clearance from their physician.

Guest Disclaimer & Liability Waiver

Health Notice & Contraindications:

Sauna use involves intense heat and rapid temperature changes that place stress on the cardiovascular system. Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant, have a history of heart disease, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, circulatory issues, or are taking prescription medications.

Acknowledgment of Risk & Release:

By signing below, I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in the use of the wood-fired sauna and contrast facilities at Serene Woodland in North Carolina. I agree to follow all posted regulations, hygiene rules, and staff directions. I assume full responsibility for my own physical safety and well-being. I hereby release, waive, and hold harmless Serene Woodland in North Carolina, its owners, and staff from any and all liability, claims, or demands arising out of any injuries, dizziness, slips, or health complications resulting from my use of the sauna facilities.

Medical & Substance Acknowledgment:

I certify that I am not under the influence of alcohol, recreational drugs, or any intoxicating substances that impair my judgment or physical tolerance. I acknowledge that combining alcohol or drugs with intense sauna heat is extremely hazardous to my health. I further understand that if I am taking prescription medications that alter my circulation, heart rate, or blood pressure, I assume all risks associated with entering the sauna facility. I release Serene Woodland from any liability regarding health complications arising from a failure to disclose or adhere to these substance guidelines.

Copy de code and sentence below and send them to your Airbnb hosts:  

Code # slkd6RDB for “I understand and accept the terms and conditions of the sauna protocol of Scott and Liliana”