Sauna Guide

The Finns popularized the sauna in our modern era, but they are not the only group of people to have a long history involving one form or another of sauna use. Perhaps the most well known group of people to use the sauna other than the Finns is the Native American people. Their sweat lodges were, and are, very similar to the traditional Finnish saunas used today.

The highly efficient and powerful infrared rays heaters used today trace their roots back to the early 1900’s in Germany, were the far infrared ray sauna was first pioneered. Decades later, advances were made in Japan by Dr. Ishikawa of the Fuji Medical Research and Development Department. Today’s carbon coated ceramic infrared saunas are a result of these early advances.

Ever since infrared ray saunas took root in places other than Japan, they have grown in popularity very quickly. Much of the infrared sauna popularity has come from their being a preferred healing modality in the health community, as well as among private home users. Over the years, large amounts of research have gone into showing just how effective far infrared ray (FIR) saunas are at improving health.

Clinicians and researchers have been studying and using infrared saunas in Japan for many years. Many of the results of these studies are jaw dropping. Here is a quick sampling of some of the findings: – Removes accumulated toxins by improving lymph circulation which are often at the core of many health problems. – Stimulate the hypothalamus, which controls the production of neurochemicals involved in such biological processes as sleep, mood, pain sensations, and blood pressure. – Enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the blood cell to the body’s soft tissue areas. – Promotes regeneration and fast healing. – Increases metabolism between blood and tissue. – Enhances white blood cell function, thereby increasing immune response and the elimination of foreign pathogens and cellular waste products.

In Japan, there is an “infrared society” composed of medical doctors and physical therapists dedicated to further infrared research. According to their findings, the health benefits of infrared therapy support the idea that infrared saunas should be seen as a method of healing. Dr. Sasaki Kyuo, M.D., has done extensive research on the therapeutic uses of infrared therapy. She is the author of “The Scientific Basis and Therapeutic Benefits of Far Infrared Ray Therapy.” Dr. Kyuo reports successful treatments of many illnesses by using infrared therapy. The list of illnesses include: facial numbness; shoulder, back, and knee pain; weight loss; lower blood pressure.

Dr. Kyuo also explained how research done in the US supports her findings. “One of the reasons FIR has beneficial results in a variety of illnesses is the ability of FIR waves to remove toxins, which are often at the core of many health problems. One study done by American researchers showed that the sweat released by users of a FIR sauna was different than the sweat of people using a conventional sauna or doing normal exercise. The non water portion of sweat released in a FIR sauna was cholesterol, fat soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.” The sweat of people using a conventional sauna was found to be 95 to 97% water while the sweat of those using an Far-infrared thermal system was 80 to 85% water with the non-water portion principally cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals (such as mercury and aluminum), sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid. Far-Infrared, Technologies that Harness the Sun, Valerie Free, 2001.

Sharing his opinion of infrared saunas, after researching them for himself, G. E. Poesnecker, N.D., D.C. said that “photobiotherapy (far infrared therapy) will become one of the premier healing tools of our future. It will eliminate the need for many of today’s common surgical procedures. I can see the day when every household in the country will have a (FIR) unit on hand. When used properly, it is a safe, effective, natural tool that can enhance, rather than oppose, the body’s own innate healing powers.”

Just as various ancient cultures have enjoyed the health benefits of the sauna, so also do we get to enjoy the valuable results of infrared saunas. Meanwhile, additional research continues to come out of labs around the globe and show us evermore ways to improve our health and wellness by using FIR saunas.

Popularity: 26% [?]

With the onslaught of cold winter weather upon us, warm weather lovers everywhere are bring home a new cold weather fighting device for themselves and as gifts for their loved ones. The portable infrared sauna is a handy new way to stay warm and relax in spite of the cold.

Aside from the more common benefits of portable infrared saunas such as muscle relaxation, enhanced circulation, and intense caloric burning, people are finding an additional use for their portable saunas. They are a powerful tool for staying warm in spite of the cold weather.

The first thing we lose when the weather turns cold is the ability to comfortably relax outside on the porch or in the yard. Portable infrared saunas are so easy to use that you can set them up wherever your favorite spot outside is and instead of being cold, you will be relaxing in your sauna.

One thing to keep in mind with infrared saunas is that it doesn’t take much to warm yourself up. The heat from FIR saunas dilates the blood vessels and raises the heart rate, which greatly improves the bodies ability to warm itself and then maintain that warmth long after your sauna session has ended.

Problems with circulation often underlie difficulties with staying warm. If you are always turning up the thermostat trying to warm up at the expense of the people you live with, then getting your blood flowing by heating up in a portable sauna will be what the doctor ordered.

The portable nature of these infrared saunas allows for a more social experience. Sauna users don’t need to leave the room. If you are the only person in the living room who feels cold, you can simply step into your portable infrared sauna without ending your conversation or missing the rest of the movie.

The tense, cold muscles that are an annoyance to all of us who are constantly feeling chilled to the bone are easily remedied with FIR saunas. Infrared ray heat is able to penetrate several inches into our bodies where our deepest muscles can be warmed from within.

Every fall most of us feel the urge to box ourselves into our homes and let the winter time blues kick in. The power of a portable infrared sauna can break us out of this vicious cycle.

Popularity: 33% [?]

A family sauna is a great place for family bonding and relaxation. It’s no wonder that more and more families are installing saunas in their home.

Buying the right sauna requires knowing a few things first…

First of all, do you want a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna? If you’re not sure about the difference, this is something you want to know before you purchase a family sauna kit.

Here are some other important things you’ll need to know to make the right choice…

What Size Do You Need?

This one is pretty obvious… Before you buy a family sauna kit, you need to know how many people your sauna needs to be able to hold.

2 to 4 people? 10 or more? Of course, you’ll also need to know if the space you’re considering for your sauna will be big enough.

This leads us to…

Outside or Indoors?

If it’s indoors, you’ll need to know that the size of the sauna you want will fit the space you’re considering.

If you want to set up your sauna outside, you can set it up in your front or back yard, patio, or poolside if you have a pool.

Before you consider outdoor placement, check your local building codes first. You may need to obtain a permit before you set up an outdoor sauna.

What Kind Of Kit?

This is something you’ll want to give some thought to…

There are pre-cut sauna kits and there are modular sauna kits.

So what’s the difference?

Pre-cut sauna kits include all the necessary components to assemble a full size sauna.

Pre-cut kits cost less than modular sauna kits, but you’ll need some handyman skills or you’ll have to hire someone to assemble your sauna.

You’ll have to frame up your own walls and provide your own insulation.

Assembly instructions are included when you purchase, but you’ll still need some moderate carpentry skills or good aptitude for piecing things together.

Pre-built sauna kits are much easier to assemble than pre-cut kits, but they do cost more as a result.

In addition to being easy to assemble, an advantage they have over pre-cut kits is they’re easy to relocate. If you want to move your sauna to a different place, piece of cake…

You simply have to detach the panels and then reattach them at the new location.

Pre-cut sauna kits don’t offer that kind of portability.

Read more about home saunas, sauna benefits and buying a family sauna

Popularity: 100% [?]