Today, millions of people are looking for unique and alternative ways not only to relax, but also to improve their health and well being. Two such alternative ways of getting fit and healthy is to use a Sauna or Steam Bath. Both saunas and steambaths are popular ways to alleviate stress and tension and benefit from other health promoting effects. When deciding whether to have a sauna or a steam bath, it is important to know the differences between each one and how they work.
The main difference between a sauna and a steam bath is that a sauna makes use of dry heat and a steam bath utilizes moist heat. Conventional saunas can use either wood, electric, or gas-fired heaters. Generally, saunas are rooms that are wood paneled.
The heat generated is provided by heated rocks. One will heat the room by putting a bit of water over the rocks to produce steam which will heat up the room. The temperature of a sauna can range from 140 to 200 F. Saunas are effective at promoting weight loss as they cause one to lose water through perspiration. One can burn up to 600 calories per session.
The sauna itself can be at risk of getting mold so it is necessary to clean the wood panels and benches with water and mild soap to prevent mold growth. The more modern saunas are known as infrared saunas. The infrared sauna uses infrared heaters that dispense radiant heat which heats the body instead of the air.
Steam rooms are rooms that are sporadically heated using a steam generator. Steam is sent into a nearly airtight room where it accumulates and creates a high humidity level.
Because the steam rooms are nearly airtight, they will hold the moisture that is created by the steam. In most instances, steam rooms are constructed with a ceiling that is slanted so moisture does not drip all over the people sitting in the room having a steam.
As well, the material used is similar to tile which makes it easy to clean. This humid vapor heat has a temperature that can from 110 to 120 F. Steam baths are effective at alleviating sore throats and breaking up congestion in the lungs and sinuses.
They also help alleviate respiratory conditions causing breathing difficulties. One disadvantage of a steam room is that they are more prone to mold and bacteria growth because of the high humidity. One who has a steam bath will have to regularly clean and disinfect it to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Sauna and steam baths both have therapeutic benefits that include: alleviating muscle tension, improving blood circulation, detoxifying the body, allowing one to relax and reduce stress, restoring and rejuvenating damaged skin, fighting off colds and the flu, relieving allergies and bronchitis.
The one you choose is a matter of personal choice. Usually one can sit longer in a sauna as it is not as steamy. Whether you choose a sauna or steam bath, you will definitely love the experience and benefit from an improvement in your health and well being.
Gain health benefits and improve your home with a sauna. Professionally-built infrared saunas make a great addition to your home and add convenience to your life.
Showing posts with label sauna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sauna. Show all posts
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Infrared Sauna
Sitting in a sauna is a great way to relax and let the stress and anxiety drain from your body. Over the years there have been a number of advancements in saunas. One such advancement is the infrared sauna. An infrared sauna uses special heaters instead of steam to heat the sauna room. This type of sauna uses a specific heater to emit Infrared Radiation (IR) which heats the body. The infrared waves cause the body to warm up while the air stays cooler allowing one to stay in the sauna longer. The deep penetration into the skin allows for better bacteria and toxin elimination and helps to stimulate muscle and joint healing. The temperatures in an infrared sauna are lower than a steam sauna allowing one to sit longer and produce more sweat which makes it a better body detoxifier.
The following explains how you can get the most out of your Infrared Sauna:
1. If you are taking any medication or have any health problems such heart disease, consult your physician before using infrared saunas. Don't use the sauna right after exercising. You should relax and let your heart and breathing return to normal. As well, do not eat a heavy meal prior to use because you may get sick to your stomach and your blood will also be aiding digestion instead of strongly circulating throughout the body. Remove any jewelry containing metal as they can get quite hot. Make sure you have gone to the bathroom before going into the sauna so you do not interrupt the session.
2. When you go into the sauna, you should begin by sitting on the lower bench. If you feel dizzy or ill at anytime while in the sauna, you should immediately exit the room. If it is your first time, you should gradually get use to the environment by sitting for about 15 minutes at a time. Work your way up to the upper benches as you get accustomed to the heat. As well, maintain a lower temperature so that you can adjust to the temperature better and not feel faint or ill. Avoid taking alcohol and drugs and make sure you have a bottle of water available after you are done sitting.
3. Whenever you move around in the infrared sauna during your session, do not get up quickly to avoid dizziness because the blood pressure is normally lower in a sauna. Relax during the session to feel its full benefits. If you are sitting with friends, avoid any conversations that cause stress. After the session, rinse off in the shower.
For more than forty years, infrared heat therapy has been used as a treatment for many injuries and aches in the body. The infrared sauna has proven health benefits such as relieving aching and swollen muscles and joints, relieving stress, detoxifying the body of harmful chemicals and toxins, and improving the condition of the skin. It also relieves tension headaches, clears up chest and nasal congestion, and provides relief of such conditions as arthritis, muscle and joint stiffness, and osteoporosis. When taking the proper precautionary measures, an infrared sauna is an enjoyable way to relax and improve your health.
The following explains how you can get the most out of your Infrared Sauna:
1. If you are taking any medication or have any health problems such heart disease, consult your physician before using infrared saunas. Don't use the sauna right after exercising. You should relax and let your heart and breathing return to normal. As well, do not eat a heavy meal prior to use because you may get sick to your stomach and your blood will also be aiding digestion instead of strongly circulating throughout the body. Remove any jewelry containing metal as they can get quite hot. Make sure you have gone to the bathroom before going into the sauna so you do not interrupt the session.
2. When you go into the sauna, you should begin by sitting on the lower bench. If you feel dizzy or ill at anytime while in the sauna, you should immediately exit the room. If it is your first time, you should gradually get use to the environment by sitting for about 15 minutes at a time. Work your way up to the upper benches as you get accustomed to the heat. As well, maintain a lower temperature so that you can adjust to the temperature better and not feel faint or ill. Avoid taking alcohol and drugs and make sure you have a bottle of water available after you are done sitting.
3. Whenever you move around in the infrared sauna during your session, do not get up quickly to avoid dizziness because the blood pressure is normally lower in a sauna. Relax during the session to feel its full benefits. If you are sitting with friends, avoid any conversations that cause stress. After the session, rinse off in the shower.
For more than forty years, infrared heat therapy has been used as a treatment for many injuries and aches in the body. The infrared sauna has proven health benefits such as relieving aching and swollen muscles and joints, relieving stress, detoxifying the body of harmful chemicals and toxins, and improving the condition of the skin. It also relieves tension headaches, clears up chest and nasal congestion, and provides relief of such conditions as arthritis, muscle and joint stiffness, and osteoporosis. When taking the proper precautionary measures, an infrared sauna is an enjoyable way to relax and improve your health.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Evolution Of The Sauna
For centuries, saunas have been used to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind as well as provide a wide variety of health benefits. In recent years, the use of saunas have increased significantly with new sauna technologies being developed such as the infrared sauna which has provided even more health benefits. To understand how the sauna developed, it is helpful to know its origination and evolution.
Historical documentation shows that around 2000 years ago, the Finnish were avid users of the sauna. They were a primitive sauna that consisted of pits in the ground where people sat during the cold winters for warmth. There was a fireplace where stones were placed and then heated until they were red hot.
People would sit naked and relax in the heat. They were also used as a type of bathing method. It was not until the 19th century that more advanced saunas were built in Finland. These advance saunas had wooden log walls, a roof, and a door. Originally known as Savusauna (smoke sauna), they produced smoke which escaped through vents and thereby did not harm sauna users. Although difficult to clean and a potential risk of fire, these ground smoke saunas were the foundation for future saunas. These saunas were also used as a place to give birth and care for the sick. Eventually, sauna users began drizzling water over the stones which caused steamed to be produced.
In late 1800's, another type of sauna was developed. With this type of sauna, a metal top covered the stones and it was affixed to a chimney where the smoke was dispersed outdoors. The temperature of the sauna was controlled by closing and opening a small door. As well, the amount of rocks used and the intensity of the fire helped control the temperature. The benefits of using this type of sauna became widely known with many being installed on the property of homeowners. By late 1920's, urban areas began building saunas for the community to use. World War II saw an even bigger increase in the construction of saunas.
As technology advanced, electrical stoves began to be used in saunas in Finland in the mid-20th century. It became popular because it was convenient and fewer trees wasted. Stones were still heated and water was still sprinkled over the stones to produce steam. Over time, as people became more aware of the health benefits of maintaining proper hygiene, saunas were improved. Throughout the years and in different cultures, there were a variety of different types of saunas used. For instance, the Turkish hammam or steam bath, Native American inipi or sweat lodge, Russian banya, and the Roman thermae or public bath, were used.
Today, innovations in technology have resulted in the development of infrared heat therapy saunas. The infrared sauna has had a remarkable positive impact on the sauna industry. People can now find traditional steam saunas and infrared saunas in such places as homes, health clubs, fitness centers, spas, clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, hotels, and luxury resorts. The price of saunas has decreased significantly in recent years which has resulted people from all walks of life using them instead of just the wealthy.Outdoor saunas in particular have gained in popularity recently. It is now used for relaxation and stress reduction, and improving one's physical health and well being. People across the globe enjoy the benefits of an ancient tradition.
After a tough workout, enjoy time in a sauna to relax and burn some additional calories. Saunas are great for your skin and many people use them daily.
Historical documentation shows that around 2000 years ago, the Finnish were avid users of the sauna. They were a primitive sauna that consisted of pits in the ground where people sat during the cold winters for warmth. There was a fireplace where stones were placed and then heated until they were red hot.
People would sit naked and relax in the heat. They were also used as a type of bathing method. It was not until the 19th century that more advanced saunas were built in Finland. These advance saunas had wooden log walls, a roof, and a door. Originally known as Savusauna (smoke sauna), they produced smoke which escaped through vents and thereby did not harm sauna users. Although difficult to clean and a potential risk of fire, these ground smoke saunas were the foundation for future saunas. These saunas were also used as a place to give birth and care for the sick. Eventually, sauna users began drizzling water over the stones which caused steamed to be produced.
In late 1800's, another type of sauna was developed. With this type of sauna, a metal top covered the stones and it was affixed to a chimney where the smoke was dispersed outdoors. The temperature of the sauna was controlled by closing and opening a small door. As well, the amount of rocks used and the intensity of the fire helped control the temperature. The benefits of using this type of sauna became widely known with many being installed on the property of homeowners. By late 1920's, urban areas began building saunas for the community to use. World War II saw an even bigger increase in the construction of saunas.
As technology advanced, electrical stoves began to be used in saunas in Finland in the mid-20th century. It became popular because it was convenient and fewer trees wasted. Stones were still heated and water was still sprinkled over the stones to produce steam. Over time, as people became more aware of the health benefits of maintaining proper hygiene, saunas were improved. Throughout the years and in different cultures, there were a variety of different types of saunas used. For instance, the Turkish hammam or steam bath, Native American inipi or sweat lodge, Russian banya, and the Roman thermae or public bath, were used.
Today, innovations in technology have resulted in the development of infrared heat therapy saunas. The infrared sauna has had a remarkable positive impact on the sauna industry. People can now find traditional steam saunas and infrared saunas in such places as homes, health clubs, fitness centers, spas, clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports clinics, hotels, and luxury resorts. The price of saunas has decreased significantly in recent years which has resulted people from all walks of life using them instead of just the wealthy.Outdoor saunas in particular have gained in popularity recently. It is now used for relaxation and stress reduction, and improving one's physical health and well being. People across the globe enjoy the benefits of an ancient tradition.
After a tough workout, enjoy time in a sauna to relax and burn some additional calories. Saunas are great for your skin and many people use them daily.
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