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.

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.

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

More and more people are enhancing their bathrooms with residential steam shower units.

The health benefits of steam bathing make it a worthwhile investment.

It’s been known for a long, long time by many cultures that heat and steam have therapeutic benefits.

There are two options for adding a home steam shower to your bathroom:

1. you can build your own steam shower enclosure

2. you can buy a self-contained enclosure

Let’s look at both options…

** Build Your Own Steam Enclosure **

This is without a doubt the most difficult option, but definitely doable. In addition to other tasks, three things will need to be done…

Cover it up. The roof of the shower enclosure will need to be covered. You can use an acrylic dome top or material like fiberglass.

Seal it. You will need to seal the enclosure with a steam proof door.

Why these first two steps? Well, you want a home steam shower for its potential benefits, not to mess up your bathroom. If steam is allowed to escape, it will punish drywall, paint, and wallpaper.

Install a steam shower generator. This is the heart of a steam shower. The steam generator is responsible for cranking out the water vapor (steam).

Unless you have the necessary skills, you’ll need to work alongside a plumber and electrician to properly build your steam shower enclosure.

** Buy A Self Contained Enclosure **

Although more expensive than building your own, this option gives you a ready-made residential steam shower.

Steam shower enclosures come in four different flavors:

• Basic
• Deluxe steam shower
• Combo shower and whirlpool
• Combo shower and sauna

Whichever one you choose, your steam shower enclosure will already be sealed properly, include a steam generator and mounted controls for all shower settings.

Basic steam showers usually include a steam jet, soap container, and built-in seating.

Luxury models include a lot more …

• Multiple water massage jets
• Hand held shower nozzles
• Foot massagers
• Fm radio
• Remote control

…and more.

Luxury steam shower units include steam outlets with aromatherapy oil distribution capacity.

You’ll literally have a mini spa right in your bathroom.

And there you are – your options for installing a residential steam shower. It’s not a cheap investment, so choose carefully!

Read more about buying a home steam shower, how to build a steam shower and more at www.steam-sauna-benefits.com

Join Us

It is very easy to get started on your path to fitness. Twenty Four Hour fitness centers have over three hundred clubs located in the whole nation and is open for twenty four hours. There is no long term contract to sign up in. You have the option to pay monthly, but you are offered a complete personal training package that suits your body type, body weight and built so you are ensured with a service that is truly personalized.

Which club do you belong in?

Twenty Four Hour fitness center gives you the option to choose the specific type of club that you desire. The active club involves a group exercise as well as free weights and cardio machines to work off that fat. The sport club also includes everything in the active club but with additions such as basketball, heated pools and whirlpool. The super-sport club also includes the amenities found those in the active club and the sport club but with more additions such as massages, a sauna as well as a steam room. The ultra sport club is the works. It includes most of the amenities found in the active, sport and super sport club, plus a day spa, courts for racquetball as well as an executive locker room.

The Path to Performance

It all depends on what you want to achieve. In Twenty Four Hour fitness centers, a uniquely specialized fitness program is available to anyone who simply wants to improve their performance in a specific sport or is seriously training for competition. The program is designed by athletes.

The Performance program includes a menu plan specifically customized for those intense workouts. A resistance training is also available as well as a full cardio workout. After your exercise, a metabolic rate test is conducted.

This program is designed for those who wants to get started as soon as possible but has no clear and specific idea how. This is clearly the best option for them because all the information on nutrition, resistance training is learned through this program. This is the foundation one needs in order to have results that would last your body a lifetime.

The Components of Fitness

A regular exercise, an intense workout is just part and parcel of your path to health, fitness and well-being. There are other factors that should just as well play a part and which Twenty Four Hour fitness center teaches you.

Food intake is one of them. A menu is provided to those who follow the performance path. This details what you should or should not eat, or at least eat less of, if not completely avoid. Cardio is also one as this enhances your endurance to stress and exercise. Vitamins and supplements are a necessity unless you are sure that you are able to receive the proper amounts of iron, calcium, vitamin C or D or E in a day. If not, it is best to take them in. Resistance training is a feather in your fitness cap and is a necessary tool for being healthy, wealthy and wise.

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Athletes such as boxers and wrestlers sometimes use these sweat suits to rapidly drop pounds when they have a “weigh in” approaching.

And how does this happen?

These suits work by trapping heat inside. You sweat heavily because your body wants to stay cool. This is what a sauna sweat suit is made for.

(Popular brands are Valeo, Bally and Everlast sauna suits)

There is potential danger, and I’ll get to that in one minute…

Are there any benefits of using a vinyl or nylon sweat suit?

These suits can aid in fast weight loss because they can maximize the shedding of water from your body.

You can drop lots of pounds in a short period of time. However, the loss will be water, and that takes me to my next point…

These nylon, vinyl or plastic sauna suits are advertised as workout or exercise suits that can help you lose lots of weight fast. This is an attempt to cash in on the huge weight loss industry.

You will lose weight in the form of sweat, which is water and electrolytes. The bad news is that it will come back when you replace what was lost by drinking water.

Therefore, these so called workout or sauna exercise suits are not permanent weight loss solutions.

Danger!

As I mentioned before, these sweat suits act as heat trappers. Your body has a much harder time cooling itself while wearing one, and your core temperature can potentially rise to dangerous levels if you exercise in one of these suits.

Extreme core temperature elevation is so dangerous that it can possibly lead to heat stroke. Dehydration is possible as well due to loss of fluids.

On the flip side, there are users who say that wearing one of these plastic, nylon or vinyl sauna suits while exercising did help them lose weight faster.

Personally, I say avoid them. If you insist on trying one, please be safe! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after, and monitor your body for any danger signals.

You can read more about sauna suits, sauna benefits, home saunas and more at steam-sauna-benefits.com.

A sauna suit will prevent your body heat from escaping. Wearing a sauna suit during a workout will cause you to perspire much more heavily than usual. The excessive perspiration leads to temporary weight loss because you’re losing your water stores. Some people think they’ll lose a lot of weight by wearing a sauna suit regularly. But keep in mind that it will only help you lose water weight, not fat.

It’s critical that you drink lots of water when you work out in a sauna suit because it’s easy to become dehydrated.

A sauna suit can also be used as part of a body wrap treatment. Its heat trapping properties maximize the effects of this treatment. It also helps to contain the mess associated with the components of a body wrap, like clay and mud.

Keeping warm is another good reason to use a sauna suit. A sauna suit is also good for outdoor activities in cold weather since it holds in your body heat. They improve your circulation and keep your muscles warm due to their heat trapping effect.

Vinyl is a popular material for sauna suits because it’s tough and can handle abuse. With aggressive activities such as boxing or wrestling, there’s very little chance of the suit taking any damage.

A less costly option is a nylon sauna suit. They’re a good choice if you plan on doing intense exercise because you won’t sweat excessively. Good sauna suits made of nylon will have a light rubber coating on the inside to protect them from wear and tear.

Sauna suits are amazingly cheap. A good sauna suit will cost around $100, but you can get a basic one for $10 and up. Many sauna suits come in only a couple of sizes, either small-medium or large-extra large. If you’re a petite female, be cautious of unisex sizes because they might be way too big.

The reason for a sauna suit is to make you perspire more heavily by trapping heat near to your body. So you need to watch for the details that will maximize this ability. Look for jackets with drawstring waists that you can tie. Pants should have elastic at the waist and ankles. There should be elastic on the cuffs of the jacket. Also make sure the zippers are durable and rust resistant.

Each time you wear it, you need to do some basic maintenance on your sauna suit. Bacteria will thrive in the environment you’ve created by working up a sweat. Rinse your suit thoroughly with warm water and the recommended cleaner, and hang to dry.

There's some truth about many claims, but there are also many exaggerated claims. Still, there appears to be some evidence that suggests there are real health benefits you can gain from "sweating it out" in a sauna.

Sweating & Health

We live in a very sedentary age and many people just don’t sweat enough. That only highlights the importance of using saunas and steam rooms.

Like eating and breathing, sweating is very important for your health. Yes, it is that important.

Without sweating, your skin pores become clogged up by stuff like antiperspirants, artificial environments, smog, etc.

Many health and wellness professionals agree that heavy sweating in a sauna will help rid your body of harmful material.

I’ve even read that some physicians recommend home saunas to supplement kidney machines because sweating is such an effective detoxifier.

Depending on the individual, about a liter of sweat can be excreted during a 15-minute sauna.

Heat Effects On Various Systems & Organs

Kidneys. During sweating, blood is sent away from your kidneys and toward your body’s surface. This can help unburden your kidneys and help purge toxins through sweating.

Liver. Congestion of blood in your liver is reduced while you take a sauna. This may improve your liver's ability to detox.

Cardiovascular System. During a sauna, both your pulse and stroke volume increase. Surface vessels dilate as blood is shunted from your internal organs to the surface.

Repeated sauna use may help decrease elevated blood pressure by enhancing elasticity of your arteries, removing toxins from your kidneys and helping to reduce excessive sympathetic nervous system activity.

Immune System. Heating your body several degrees may increase white blood cell activity and destroy microorganisms that are heat sensitive.

Nervous System. Using a sauna inhibits your sympathetic nervous system while strengthening your parasympathetic nervous system. This means a sauna has a strong calming effect on your nervous system.

Detoxification - An important sauna health benefit

You’ve probably read that saunas are good for detoxification.

First of all, heating your body several degrees dramatically increases circulation.

According to Dr. Lawrence Wilson, this helps remove toxins from some hard to reach places like bones, sinuses, and teeth.

Many forms of bacteria are heat sensitive, so the heat from a sauna can weaken or kill some of them.

Also, cells damaged by toxic metals and chemicals are weaker than healthier cells. Exposure to some intense heat may be a death sentence for those weaker cells.

Sweating

Sweating is a great method for removing toxins.

Many substances eliminated through your kidneys may be eliminated through your skin instead. In this way, sweating helps relieve your kidneys.

In case you’re wondering, sweating from exercise is not the same as sweating in a sauna (or steam room).

First of all, saunas conserve your body's energy by providing an external heat source. This leaves more energy for detoxification.

Second, exercise induced sweating activates your sympathetic nervous system. This reduces the activity of eliminative organs (liver, kidneys, colon).

Parasympathetic Nervous System Enhancement

Stress from any source increases sympathetic nervous system activity.

For the best detoxification results, your body should be as parasympathetic (or relaxed) as possible. Why?

Parasympathetic activity mobilizes your liver, kidneys, and other organs to help eliminate toxins.

Deep Tissue Penetration

Infrared saunas in particular heat tissues from the inside. Some researchers believe this inside-out heating assists with deep tissue detoxification.

Conclusion

I hope this article helped shed more light about the subject of sauna health benefits.

If you have any health conditions, please remember to consult your doctor before using saunas on a regular basis.

For more information about sauna benefits visit www.steam-sauna-benefits.com.

To understand how a steam room benefits your skin, it helps to have an idea what happens to your body during a steam bath…

It’s Hot In There!

From the moment you step inside a steam room, your cooling system starts to kick into overdrive. Two of the many reactions that occur are an increase in…

1. blood circulation and

2. sweat production

Your body maintains a certain temperature commonly referred to as its basal body temperature (normally 98.6 F).

When you start taking a steam bath, your body increases sweat production to regulate its temperature.

At first, your body is able to fight off the heat by increasing circulation and sweating, but…

When your body is no longer able to dissipate the heat, your body temperature starts to rise. Blood is then powerfully shunted toward the surface of your skin while sweating increases.

This is where the skin care benefits kick in…

Clean Out Those Pores!

While a shower rinses dirt off your body’s surface, the heavy sweating in a steam room rinses out your pores. This removes dead skin and impurities and leaves your skin feeling super clean and silky smooth!

A plain old shower or bath alone just doesn’t compare.

Blood Circulation Benefit

The increase in blood circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to your skin surface. One way this benefits your skin is by enhancing collagen reproduction.

Collagen is partly responsible for your skin’s strength and elasticity.

In summary…

You can see how taking steam baths regularly will most likely improve your skin complexion and the way it feels. Heavy sweating combined with the increase in blood circulation is why steam rooms are good for skin care.

Visit www.steam-sauna-benefits.com for more info about steam rooms and steam room benefits.

The problem is that having regular professional facials can put a dent in your pockets, not to mention that you have to make an appointment, then make the trip to get there.

One of the biggest facial sauna benefits is pretty obvious - owning one is a money-saving, convenient alternative to paying for professional facials.

More about the benefits of facial sauna systems

Facial sauna systems use steam to…

1. Open your pores for deep skin cleansing

2. Unclog stuffed nasal and sinus passages

These ‘mini saunas’ won’t deliver the overall deep skin cleansing effects of a sauna or steam enclosure, but they will allow you to give yourself a facial anywhere, anytime.

Deep Skin Cleaning

Our skin is under constant assault from toxic elements that we’re exposed to daily in our environment.

Well, nothing is better for your skin than heavy sweating. This is the real reason a facial sauna benefits your skin. It provides a very concentrated form of steam, helping clean out your pores from deep within.

Over time, the end result may be clearer, more beautiful skin. Your skin is also left feeling soft and supple.

The steam from a facial sauna also boosts blood circulation. This brings extra oxygen and nutrients to your skin surface - very important for maintaining healthy looking skin and a glowing complexion.

Respiratory Benefits

Steam has proven to be effective for respiratory conditions. Your breathing passages are soothed because of increased moisture content in your lungs, throat and nose.

Using a facial sauna can help alleviate sinus congestion caused by colds, asthma or allergies. If you have a serious condition like bronchitis, sinusitis, or hay fever, you can use it as an inhaler or vaporizer.

Simple To Use

I love simplicity, and another facial sauna benefit is that it’s very simple to use.  They usually weigh just a few pounds, and basically all you have to do is plug it in, fill a reservoir with water, and wait for it to heat up.

You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil or essential oils to create a true therapeutic experience.

Many units include a timer with auto shutoff, so there's no need to watch a clock.

In summary…

A facial sauna system is an excellent appliance to have if you intend on keeping your skin looking nice and healthy. Use it regularly in addition to your daily cleansing and moisturizing regimen to get next-to professional results without the big price tag.

Read more about facial saunas.