Sweat Serenity is a sanctuary for wellness across the globe, honoring traditions thousands of years old while embracing innovation. They’re launchpads for adventure, cradles of community and a quiet space to focus on self-care and reflect. But above all, these sacred spaces are about the experience: a chance to leave your worries at the door and immerse yourself in warmth and renewal.

It’s important to hydrate before hitting the sauna, especially if you have a condition such as high blood pressure or a heart disease. In addition, drinking alcohol or taking medications that interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature can increase your risk of complications—including dehydration, lowered blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms—and even death in extreme cases, Dalleck says.

The Essential Guide to Saunas, Sauna Heaters, and Accessories

Sauna bathing also can irritate certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. So talk to your doctor before you use a sauna and make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce the risk of irritation.

Many people use saunas after exercise to help muscles relax and speed up the body’s natural healing process. The intense heat in a sauna opens up blood vessels, delivering more oxygen to the muscles and reducing the build-up of lactic acid from muscle fatigue. In some studies, regular sauna bathing has been shown to decrease the occurrence of injuries and reduce recovery time. However, the medical evidence is mixed. While some studies point to potential health benefits, rigorous research is lacking in the area.