HotSpring Portable Spas of Dayton

What’s the Right Way to use my Traditional Sauna?

I have been asked many times what is the right way to use a traditional sauna?  There are many opinions but I thought I would share mine which is a combition of many concepts that I have heard over the years.

First of all, there is no right way or wrong way to use a traditional sauna however it is important to listen to your body.  Don’t push yourself passed the point of feeling comfortable thinking that you will get more of a benefit by doing such.  Your body will tell you when you have had enough.  Also realize that each person is different and each time you use the sauna your body may act differently.

Let’s go over a full basics.  Your sauna will take a certain period of time to preheat.  If your sauna and heater are properly sized, your sauna should heat up about 80 F degrees per 30 minute period.  If your sauna temperature is about 70 degrees F at start-up, it should reach 150 degrees F within approximately 30 minutes.  Please remember that the starting humidity levels in your sauna will also effect the preheat time.  The higher the starting humidity the longer the preheat time.

Once you have reached YOUR optimum temperature, it is time to start enjoying your sauna.  But lets first discuss the concept of the “Rule of 200” in the sauna world.  Many feel that the range for optimal benefit in a traditional sauna lies about the 200 sauna index range.  That index is computed by simply adding the temperature and the humidity to arrive at the index.  If your sauna temperature is 160 degrees F and your humidity is 50%, then your sauna index is 210 and you are in the optimal zone for sauna use.  So when using your traditional sauna, strive for the 200 sauna index range for maximum benefit.

Another newer concept in the sauna world, is that of a “soft sauna.”  That concept is derived from using your sauna at a lower temperature and higher humidty to arrive at the 200 index range.  For example, using your sauna at 130 degrees F and 70% humidity would fall into the catagory of a “soft sauna” experience in as much as you are operating at a lower temperature but still benefiting from the rule of 200.  This lower temperature is enjoyed by some who cannot tolerate the higher temperatures normally found in traditional saunas.   The beauty of the traditional sauna is that you can choose your experience whether it is 185 degrees with 15% humidity or 135 degrees with 65% humidity – the choice is yours.  I recommend for the new sauna user to start off at modest temperatures instead of starting off at the high end.  Let your body “season” itself into the pleasures of sauna bathing.  Over time increase the temperatures until you find your indeal temperature.

Now lets talk about the actual sauna experience.  For centuries, it has been known that the proper way to use a sauna is in sessions or innings.  What I mean by that is you do NOT simply preheat the sauna and then go into the sauna and sit.  There are techniques to maximize your sauna experience.  The concept of using your sauna in innings simply means that you go into your sauna multiple times per usage.  I recommend at least two innings (three if you have the time).  The first inning is your warm-up inning whereby your body is starting to warm from the sauna heat until you JUST start to perspire.  The specific amount of time for this to occur will vary between individuals – just let your body tell you when this occurs.  Optionally you can add some water to the sauna rocks to intensify the feeling of heat – this is accomplished by raising the humidity.  If you have any scents such as eucyliptus, this is a great time to add to the water for a sensational feeling within your sinuses.  Now it is time to exit the sauna and start a cool-down cycle.  This process allows your system to cool down slightly and your pores to start to close.  Some people actually rinse off in a cool shower, jump into a cold pool or lake or just lounge around in a cooler (or cold) environment.  Once you have cooled off sufficiently, it is time for your second inning.

Once you re-enter the sauna you will find that your body responds more quickly to the heat then during the first inning.  Your pores open more quickly and your persperation levels increase repidly.  Again listen to your body and it will tell you when its time to exit.  You may once again add some water to increase the effects of the sauna during this inning.  I like to add the water just prior to exiting the sauna for that session.  If this is going to be your last inning, you may want to also brush your skin with a sauna brush or (birch branches) to ride you skin of any dead skin that is on the surface.  Once again it is time to exit the sauna for a cool down.  If this was your final inning, your cool down should include rinsing off in a shower, pool, or lake.  If using a shower, care should be taken in using soap with creams added as they tend to get into the pores that were just opened and cleansed.  There are special sauna soaps to be used in those situation or using a brush or luffa can also be helpful.  If this wasn’t the last inning, simply keep repeating the last step until you are done.

Once you have cooled down, replace the liquids you lost during your sauna (water or flavored water is great) and have some light snacks to replace the salts that you lost during perspiration.  Relax and enjoy life.

How does a sauna help keep your skin healthy and looking young.  The skin acts much like a third kidney in as much as it eliminates.  It is in fact far more complex than the kidney and only second to the brain.  Composed of blood vessels, nerve endings, vessles for carrying lymph, pugmatation, oil glands, hair follicles, cells that waterproof and deny entry to bacteria and sweat glands.  It is so important that death by accumulated poisons can occur within hours if the skin and its sweat passges are smothered.

Furthermore, the skin of a person who is a regular sauna bather is found to be supple and healthy.  Properly cared for skin is better able to resist eczema, athlete’s foot, pimples and blackheads

Also note that combining sweat bathing and brushing with a loofa or rough brush removes flakes of dried skin cells that accumulate on the epidermis.  If allowed to remain, they can clog sweat pores and oil passages and result in dry, flaky skin.

The regular use of a sauna WILL improve your skin and keep it looking younger.  So next time your hear about a sauna bath, you will know what they are bathing.  

What are the differences in all the infrared saunas that are out in the market today?

I wish there was an easy answer but there is not.

There are many differences between all the infrared saunas that are produced today.  I will attempt to explain some of them here.

Infrared VS Far-Infrared

There are saunas that generate Infrared heat and there are saunas that generate far-infrared heat.  The differences are in the wave-length of the infrared  itself.  Infrared generates heat in the wavelengths of .7 to 1000 microns whereas far-infrared generates heat in the wavelengths of 4.0 to 1000.  As the wavelengths rise, they tend to generate more heat therefore as you can see, the far-infrared heat waves are more effective.  Furthermore, it has been identified that the “vital range” for better performance is in the range of 7 to 14 microns.  Also, it is known that our bodies actually produce Far-infrared wavelengths in the range of 6 to 20 microns with optimum again being in the 7-14 range.  Therefore, it is important when choosing an infrared sauna that you choose a FIR (far infrared) over an infrared sauna because you are insuring a more effective wavelength of heat for your body to absorb.

Ceramic versus carbon heating panels

The cermic heating panels have been around for many years.  They produce a “hotter” surface and subsequently create a hazerd with respect to burning the occupants of the sauna.  With ceramic heaters, guards are actually built around the heaters to help prevent this from occuring.  Also because of their high temperatures, they must be spaced from each other to prevent overheating of the wood.  This spacing causes cold spots within the sauna.  Conversely, carbon heaters produce a constant heat source that is lower in actual temperature and produces the heat in the wavelengsth of 8.4  to 9.4 which is the range many feel that the human body produces.  Therefore, it is absorbed more efficiently by the body.  Also because of the “cooler” temepratures, the carbon heaters can, and do cover the entire surface of the walls providing a more level heat.  Once again in choosing your infrared product, insure that it operates using carbon technology.

 Wood Types and construction

There are many woods that are used in constructing saunas.  There are white woods (Nordic Spruce, hemlock, aspen) and there are cedars (western red cedar, white cedar).  Our recommendation is normally along the lines of white woods and we like woods imported from countrys that support  the “green” concept.  Nordic spruce comes from Finland, whereas our hemlock and western red cedar both come from Canada.  Both countries have a very aggresive tree replacement program.  Many of the “lesser” brands get their woods from the rain forests of South America where they are literally stripping the forest bare.  The wood is also of a lesser quality with numerous knots and tear-drops (a vertical knot in the wood).  The construction should also support easy installation and tear-down.

SUPPORT

I don’t think enough can be said about local support and service for your product.  We HIGHLY recommend that your sauna should come with local service and support.  Many of the infrared companies that are selling saunas via the internet or other remote means provide little if any lcoal support and service.  It is always nice to know, that you can get help if and when you need it.

PRICE

All of the items listed above ultimately effect the price of a sauna.  Just remember this, “The effects of poor quality and support lingers long after the sweetness of a low price.”  Compare the value received for the price paid and you will normally make a good decision.