Dry Sauna

Dry Sauna is a term that is frequently used to describe sauna that does not generate steam in the sauna room. Whenever the term sauna was mentioned, most of the times, the image of a room filled with steam will be conjured in the mind of the people. That is not wrong totally, these are the steam sauna that most of us are familiar with.

There is another type of sauna that is quickly becoming popular, which is the dry sauna. A dry sauna is a sauna room that makes use of infrared ray technology. The infrared heat from the heater warm the body of the user directly compared to the traditional steam sauna where the air is warmed.

Far infrared heat is nothing new. In fact most of us have experienced far infrared heat similar to those used in a dry sauna. The warm feeling of the sun shining on us on a partly cloudy day is the effect of the far infrared band of the sunlight. The far infrared band in a dry sauna is part of the invisible spectrum of light. It has the ability to penetrate our skin and directly warm our body.

The use of far infrared heat technology is not only limited to dry sauna. Many healthcare professionals are quickly agreeable on its benefit on the human bodies. They are also used in hospitals to keep babies warm.

As a dry sauna relies on the far infrared heating elements to warm our bodies directly, when you are buying a dry sauna, the most important consideration should be the far infrared heater used. There are far infrared heaters that are produced for industrial use and these are considered as not suitable for your dry sauna.

The most important factor to consider in selecting a far infrared heater for your dry sauna is the surface temperature of the heater. The lower the temperature, the better. As a dry sauna makes use of the infrared heater to warm your body directly, you should choose a dry sauna that has a front and a back heater.

The location where the infrared heater is located in a dry sauna is also important. Far infrared ray does not travel far. Hence, the location of the infrared heater should be strategically placed. Most of the infrared ray should be directed to the body and not on your limbs.

A good infrared heater for a dry sauna should be those consisting of a large panel, concave and made of ceramic heater.

It is now popularly accepted that using a dry sauna has the same benefits as using a traditional steam sauna. The most important element in a steam sauna is that it warms the air in the sauna room, which in turns causes us to sweat. When we sweat, toxins are excreted from our bodies.

In a dry sauna, the far infrared ray has the ability to penetrate into your skin deeply and dissolve any toxics or harmful substances. It also helps to revitalise your cells and improve the metabolism of the body.

As the far infrared heat in a dry sauna penetrates deeply into our body, it activates the sweat gland which will have the same effect as using the traditional steam sauna. It was also shown that as far infrared heat penetrates our body it causes the water molecules to vibrate. This reduces the ion bonds, and eventual breakdown of molecules to release toxin trapped in our body.

The far infrared heater in a dry sauna generates wavelength that is emitted naturally by the human body. It has been found that using a dry sauna strengthens the cardiovascular system. Using a dry sauna will also helps you to burn up to 500 calories in one full sauna session.

A dry sauna is also effective in treating sprains, muscles spasms and joint stiffness. It helps to relieve aches and pains. Using a dry sauna is also a great way to distress. It is in fact more comfortable compared to the traditional steam sauna.

Many people also purchased a dry sauna due to its ease of assembly and portability. Compared to a traditional steam sauna that needs massive plumbing works, a dry sauna just required a power source. Nowadays, the craftsmanship of a dry sauna is admirable, the dry sauna itself is an attractive furniture addition to your room.

A dry sauna also comes in many forms. In addition to the usual 2 person, 3 person or up to 5 person sauna room, there is also the dome infrared sauna which is suitable to be used for one person. Storing the dome dry sauna is easy as it can be quickly disassembled and stored in a compact place.

A dry sauna room may also come installed with entertainment system such as a stereo player and even a TV monitor too. These are not possible with a traditional steam sauna.

How frequent should you use your dry sauna? This is a very individual decision. Generally, you should use it as far as it remains comfortable for you. Start with a lower temperature and for a shorter duration, say 15 minutes per session. You may want to use the dry sauna once a week at the beginning.

As your body gets more accustomed to using the dry sauna, you may want to increase the duration to 30 minutes and the frequency to twice or thrice a week. Remember, a dry sauna works by using its infrared heat to penetrate your body and thus increasing your body temperature gradually, so there is no necessity to set the temperature too high. Too high a temperature makes you uncomfortable and that defeats the whole purpose of using a dry sauna.

Cedar Sauna | Healthmate

One of the main considerations when purchasing a saunna is the type of wood used for the sauna. That is why the term Cedar Sauna was searched for more than 2000 times a day. Among some other related terms searched include cedar saunas, red cedar sauna, cedar infrared sauna, cedar for sauna and cedar wood sauna.

Why is the wood for the sauna cabinet so important? And, why is cedar wood sauna so popular? A sauna is a heat-generating product and therefore wood selection plays an extremely important role in sauna building. Of all wood, the Canadian Western Red Cedar wood is considered the highest quality cedar wood for the building of the inside and outside the sauna room unit.

Cedar wood was used for many uses throughout the generations and in many parts of the world. For example, the Europeans have been using cedar wood oil to help heal the sick. They also use it to prevent outbreaks of disease. The English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper had also observed that cedar wood oil was a good remedy for heart failure, coughs, shortness of breath and few other illnesses.

The Western Red Cedar wood in particular is considered a tree that is of exceptional beauty. Its uniform and fine-grained texture with palettes of warm, mellow tones ranging from light amber to deep brown makes it excellent wood to make saunas. The rich color of the Western Red Cedar is a wood that is hard duplicate using other material. In addition, the fragrance of a cedar sauna is unique and its subtle aroma is by itself very therapeutic.

Another reason why cedar makes such excellent wood for sauna is that the cedar wood produces natural oil and extracts that is a natural preservatives for the wood against attacks by insects and decay-causing fungi. This ability of the cedar sauna in fact increases with age. The Western Red Cedar is also dimensionally stable when lied flat and continues to stay straight. It has very low shrinkage property and this make it to be excellent wood for high-moisture areas such as in saunas.

Saunas made from the Western Red Cedar also have very high insulation value due to the cedar wood’s cellular structure that creates interior air spaces. This is why buildings that feature cedar panels and ceilings are warmer in the winter. This property of the cedar wood provides cedar sauna with an additional level of natural thermal insulation. Cedar saunas also have excellent sound insulation as well. This makes the cedar sauna very comfortable private and personal sauna for its users.

A sauna made from cedar is also safe for use too. So far, there has not been any unfavourable report on the use of cedar sauna from government agencies such as the U.S. EPA & World Health Organisation.

The facts stated above is the reasons why Health Mate Cedar Sauna is considered one of the most excellent saunas in the world. Healthmate uses only the highest quality Canadian Western Red Cedar finest centre-cut wood for its far infrared ray (FIR) sauna. In addition, they also directly control the entire process from raw material to the finished sauna in their own lumber mill. At the initial stage, it may not be apparent between a cedar sauna and a non-cedar sauna. However, after few years of use, this will be apparent.

The Health Mate lumber manufacturing process begins with the selection of suitable and highest quality raw material. All Canadian Western Red Cedar Wood is purchased through Health Mate’s Canadian office. The wood is then transported to their factory in Yantai, China. Only the best center-cut parts of the cedar logs are selected and then, fresh-air dried for 3 weeks. This will preserve the cedar wood’s natural state. Manual visual inspection are carried out to hand-select only clear and vertical grain cedar wood.

Another reason why the Health Mate Cedar Sauna is so highly in demand is because of its craftsmanship. They have 27 years of top craftsmanship using advanced technology. The Total Quality Management (TQM) delivers similar very high quality cedar saunas for every order.

The Healthmate Cedar Sauna is also easy to assemble without any tools. In fact, the cedar far infrared sauna can be assembled in less than 30 minutes. There is also no requirement for special wiring, plumbing or ventilation. The cedar sauna is designed as a completely portable knock-down with 6 easy to reassemble panels.

All good cedar saunas need excellent heating element and the heaters used in Health Mate cedar saunas are the patented state-of-the-art M-type far infrared heaters. This type of far infrared heater was proven to be more effective and durable compared to other far infrared heaters. The heater also has large reflecting panels which enables the distribution of far infrared heat to the entire room.

Health Mate cedar wood infrared sauna use ceramic heater core coated with incoloy. Incoloy is a metal alloy that is very effective in high temperature applications. The incoloy enables even heat distribution in the infrared heater, ensuring consistent far infrared wavelength. The housing for the infrared heaters are also designed to maximise far infrared ray generation towards the front of the sauna and minimise energy loss at the back of the sauna.

Health Mate is able to proof the effectiveness of their infrared heaters with scientific evidences and through scientific mathematical calculations.

Health Mate also has excellent customer care for purchasers of their cedar wood infrared sauna. They have a team of excellent and knowledgeable staff. They also have more customer support data compared to other sauna manufacturers and is therefore renowned as the most knowledgeable customer support department in the industry.

Health Mate develop their own Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to handle customer cares for every piece of cedar wood infrared sauna sold. These include the shipping out of cedar wood infrared sauna within 3 business days. The ERP also store all information related to every unit of cedar wood infrared sauna.

All cedar wood far infrared saunas from Health Mate comes with a lifetime warranty.

Health Mate Saunas Review

Health Mate is probably one of the longest manufacturer of sauna rooms in the industry. With more than 27 years in the personal sauna rooms industry, they are serving as the benchmark whenever someone wants to compare the different manufacturers of sauna rooms.

Health Mate was established in 1979. They have been innovating the latest technology to supply quality far infrared home saunas. As many of you are aware, far infrared saunas are ideal for deep relaxation and soothing comfort. The far infrared saunas produced by Health Mate is also good for health and healing too.

Health Mate is the largest far infrared sauna manufacturer in the world by sales volume. They also have facilities in many regions across the world such as in Asia, Europe, Canada and the U.S.A. Each of these facilities carefully handle each stage of the sauna room production. One of their goals is to provide superior customer support for far infrared sauna users.

What is benefits of using far infrared sauna by Health Mate? Infrared ray is the band of light that many of us perceive as heat. The sun for example, produced most of its energy in the infrared segment of the spectrum. Infrared rays heat our body without needing to heat the air in between the infrared source and the body. This process is called conversion.

There are three segments of infrared ray wavelengths – the 0.76 to 1.5 microns; the 1.5 to 5.6 microns and the 5.6 to 1000 microns. The first segment is the near infrared ray, the second segment is the medium infrared ray and the last segment is the far infrared ray. Only the far infrared ray is able to penetrate the human body, creating a uniform warming effect.

How does using the Health Mate infrared sauna benefit its user? Health Mate sauna uses exclusive M-type far infrared heaters that radiates far infrared ray to effectively warm your body. As the far infrared rays penetrates our body up to 40mm, there is a deep heating effect in the muscle tissues without creating too much burden on the heart.

The increased heating from the infrared ray induced our body to sweat and perspires. In the perspiration process, toxins are excreted from our body. The skins will also shed old skin cells. This is why there are testimonials of far infrared sauna user who had claimed that using the sauna had benefited their skins. The skins become clean improving its tone, elasticity and texture.

The deep penetrating heat from using the Health Mate far infrared sauna also stimulates the heart to send more blood to body cells. As blood circulation improves, many other bodily functions improve too. This is the reason why Japanese and Chinese researchers in particular, had research and reported on many supporting testimonials.

As our body cools down, our heart beats harder and faster, thus achieving a condition similar to continuous exercise. Using the Health Mate far infrared saunas will help you shed extra weight too. A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off up to 1000 grams of sweat in one sauna session. This is equivalent to running 10 to 15 km. While the weight loss may be regained when you drink water, the burnt calories remain as burnt.

Using the Health Mate far infrared sauna is completely safe. Many health professionals are already using infrared lams to treat muscle and joint problems. Incubators in hospital baby care units are also usually equipped with infrared heating systems to keep baby warm.

The Health Mate far infrared sauna is different compared to conventional saunas. A far infrared sauna warms your body directly, whereas when using a conventional sauna, it is the air that is warming your body. As the air is not warmed, using the Health Mate far infrared sauna can be more enjoyable and comfortable compared to using a conventional sauna.

The followings are a comparison between using a conventional or traditional sauna vs. Health Mate far infrared sauna.

FEATURE	HEALTH MATE	CONVENTIONAL
Warm Up Time	15 to 20 mins	More than 1 hr
Temperature	43 to 66 deg. Celcius	93 to 104 deg. Celcius
Air Ventilation	Steamless & Fresh	High humidity, very hot
Assembly Time	30 mins	1 to 2 days
Electrical Cost	Low	High
Interior Entertainment	Possible	Not Possible
Room Requirement	Compact	Big Space
Portability	High	Low

The Health Mate far infrared sauna also meets and is certified by the following associations:

• CSA(Canadian Standard Association)
• CSA USA(Canadian Standard Association, USA)
• CE (Conformité Européenne)
• NEMKO (Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll)
• TUV

In addition to the above certification, which serves as a mark of safety standards and assurance, Health Mate far infrared sauna also is insured up to $2,000,000 with a product liability insurance. This is perhaps one of the only one sauna manufacturer that offers a Product Liability Insurance.

All Health Mate far infrared sauna rooms are assembled using the highest grade Canadian Western Red Cedar wood for both its interior and exterior. The entire lumber process are controlled directly by Health Mate in their own lumber mill.

Health Mate utilises patented state of the art M-type far infrared heaters for their sauna rooms. This type of far infrared heaters are proven to be more effective and durable compared to other types of far infrared heaters. The far infrared heater has large reflecting panels to distribute far infrared heat to the entire room.

Other features of the Health Mate far infrared sauna rooms include state-of-the-art digital control panel that is accessible from both inside and outside of the sauna room. The panels also has the function to preheat the sauna room at desired time.

All personal far infrared sauna rooms are also equipped with personal standard deluxe stereo sound system. The stereo sound system comes with CD player, AM/FM tuner and stereo speakers that is specifically designed to be used in sauna rooms.

There are also other optional accessories that you may include into your Health Mate personal sauna rooms. These include fibre optic “starlight” ceiling pattern that changes between 4 different colours. The effect of these “starlight” is extremely therapeutic and you must try it to appreciate it.

You may also include a crystal clear LCD television monitor with TV tuner that allows you to watch your favourite program while using the Health Mate far infrared sauna. The monitor comes with the RCA inputs to connect to your own DVD or VCR player.

If you intend to locate your Health Mate personal sauna outdoor, you may also want to consider purchasing the durable outdoor cover for your sauna. The cover comes with wooden roof on top to prevent water accumulation and protect your personal sauna from wind, snow and rain.

The Health Mate personal far infrared sauna is easy to assemble and it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Sauna Suit Comparisons and Review

What is a sauna suit? From its name, one could easily guessed that it is a suit worn to simulate the effect of doing the sauna. To simply explain, a sauna suit is a suit that helps you perspire. A lot!

That is why there are also cases where boxer wear the sauna suit into a sauna to lose weight. This is certainly not encouraged. In fact, wearing a sauna suit into a sauna could even be dangerous.

Sauna suits are suitable for anyone and everyone. However, as a beginner, you are advised to wear it for only a short period of time. This is all the more important if you have some illness, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. You are also advised to consult your doctor or physician before using the sauna suit.

You may also wear a long tee shirt and a track-bottom over the sauna suits. How long do you need to wait to see the effect of wearing the sauna suit? The answer is, almost immediately. Within minutes of getting into the sauna suit, your body metabolism will increase thus causing you to sweat.

Sauna suit helps you burn stored fat – that is how the sauna suit helps you to lose weight. When you perspire heavily, you are also helping your body to detoxin itself. Hence, using a sauna suit will provide you with almost all of the benefits of using a normal steam sauna. You are reminded to drink plenty of water after using the sauna suit to prevent dehydration.

How often do you need to wear the sauna suit? This depends on individual’s lifestyle, but most people wear it for two or three times a day. They usually wear it during their working out time and the duration can be as long as one hour. There is no fixed rules how long you should wear it as long as you are comfortable in it.

Sauna suits are commonly worn by professional athletes, amateur athletes and all enthusiasts. You can also wear a sauna suit just to get warm. Other uses of sauna suits include bringing it along for camping or long-distance drive at secluded highway in the winter.

Sauna suits are commonly made of vinyl and have elasticity at the cuffs and neck. More expensive sauna suits are made of rubberised vinyl. These are less likely to rip in more active sports. Most sweat suits are made of nylon and are quite durable.

It is important to get a suitable size for your sauna suit. Wearing a too small sauna suit may easily damaged it when you are using it during sports. The ideal clothing to wear under the sauna suit is thin cotton long sleeve tee shirt and some thin cotton long pants. Pyjamas are ideal.

You may wash your sauna suit using luke warm water and some weak detergent. Then just drip dry it. Sauna suit that had been damaged may be repaired by using inexpensive vinyl patch and glue.

There are many types of sauna suit. The followings are some examples of sauna suits and its functions:

Olympic Sauna Suit – this is a nice basic sauna suit for light activity. Light activity refers to general house work. The suit is made of thinner vinyl.

Golds Gym Sauna Suit – This sauna suit comes with trousers and is very suitable for endurance training.

FBT Thai Sauna Suit – Training suit for extreme condition and for weight loss. This is a top quality “rubberised” vinyl with front jacket zip.

Ultimate Sweat Suit – this suit is made from top quality rip-stop nylon with unique internal coating. Some other features of the Ultimate Sweat Suit includes: high quality plastic zips; elasticated cuffs and drawstring waist on jacket; jacket pockets; hi-seal collar with stowaway hood; elaticated waist and ankles on trousers; and drawstring waist and ankle zips on trousers. The Ultimate Sweat Suits are designed to be suitable for both Men and Women.

Heavy Duty Sauna Suit – the Heavy Duty Sauna Suit is made from heavy duty polyester with an additional polythene underlay for maximum thermal effect. Some other features of the sauna suit includes: Unique “smock” design with Velcro opening; elasticated cuffs and drawstring waist on jacket; large front map pocket; front and rear reflector strips for night time visibility; hi-seal crew neck collar with Velcro closure; elasticated waist and ankles on trousers; drawstring waist and ankle zips on trousers; and made from flexible nylon and unlikely to rip or tear.

MTG Nylon Sweat Suit – This sauna suit is made from durable rip-stop nylon with internal light rubber coating. This suit is very flexible. The complete set comes with long sleeved jacket with a full front zip and integral hood. The full length trousers have zipped ankles and draw string waist.

2 Person Sauna Review | Luxsauna

There are various sizes of sauna rooms. There are 2 person saunas, 3 person saunas and even 5 person saunas. There are also many sauna manufacturers in China, U.S. and Canada. One of the most trusted American-made sauna manufacturer is LuxSauna. This article is a short review of the LuxSauna 2 Person Sauna.

LuxSauna believes that there is a great deal to be done on prevention of illness rather than to resolve through drugs and surgery after the illness occurred. Prevention are also most often safer, more effective and cheaper too. One of the main cause of illness is the accumulation of toxic in our bodies. This is where the benefits of doing sauna comes in.

The LuxSauna far infrared heaters radiant therapy provides powerful means to prevent diseases. LuxSauna’s mission is to educate the public on the benefits of the sauna. All LuxSauna kit uses the infrared heat technology. Their emphasis is to meet the demand of an aging population’s healthcare without exorbitant cost that comes with most local sauna retailers.

LuxSauna has the capacity to manufacture 20,000 sauna kits per year and this capacity itself should be taken as a statement of the company’s commitment to become of the leading sauna manufacturer in the well-being business.

The founder of LuxSauna himself had claimed that sauna therapy had saved his life. He was diagnosed with emphysema. His lungs were massively enlarged. It was in his quest to find a solution to his illness that he came across a book by Dr Sherry Rogers, “Detoxify or Die.”

After 30 days of starting using the infrared sauna and modified his eating habits as suggested by the book, medical examination showed his lungs had improved to the capacity like a 25-year old athlete. He had regained his physical and mental health thanks to Dr Rogers and the infrared sauna therapy.

It was through his personal healing experience that the founder of LuxSauna began to find the best sauna kits at the best price and make them available to everyone.

There is no doubt about the benefits of sauna, and in many reported cases, positive results can be experienced in as short as one week after starting using the infrared sauna. The first experience that many user of the infrared sauna experience is mental clarity. Even during the first hour usage, the cardiovascular stimulation is experienced. As the infrared ray penetrate into your internal organs, the detoxification process starts.

The followings are some of the health benefits that LuxSauna claimed you will start noticing when you began to use the LuxSauna infrared sauna:

Loss of weight – many resources disputed there is any direct link between sauna therapy and loss of weight. However, there are also those who claimed that they have experienced weight loss from sauna. These claims included those who use sauna belts. LuxSauna manufacturer claims that the use of their far infrared sauna helps to melt fat and expelling toxins and acids out of the body.

Burn Calories – this is an attested fact of the use of infrared sauna and LuxSauna sauna would offer the same benefits. When you use LuxSauna sauna, you will be able to burn as much as 600 calories in 30 minutes. This is equal to two fully cyles of jogging or cycling.

Mental Clarity – When you use LuxSauna infrared sauna, one of the immediate benefits that you will experience is how well you could focus on your everyday tasks. You will also experience some surge in energy levels. This can be further enhanced if you modify your diet.

Improvement to Skin – Using LuxSauna infrared sauna also helps to keep your skin smooth and soft. Facial skins will tighten. Infrared heat has been shown to rejuvenate collagen in the face which markedly improve and tighten the facial appearance.

Detoxification – detoxification is one of the major benefits of using the infrared sauna. Now you can detoxify your body with just the LuxSauna infrared sauna, without the need for drugs, surgery or other chemically produced medicine.

Relieves Pain – Using the LuxSauna regularly also cure your pain due to arthritis, muscle spasms, joint stiffness and sprains. You are also able to strengthens cardiovascular system as your heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate increase while the diastolic blood pressure drops at the same time.

Relaxation and Enjoyment – one of the major reasons why more and more people buy the LuxSauna infrared sauna is the ability to distress in the comfortable warm temperature of the sauna room which comes with a fresh air vent.

If you have wondered why you should buy a 2 Persona infrared sauna from LuxSauna, the following information offers more details on why you should buy from LuxSauna. For a start, all sauna rooms sold by LuxSauna comes with lifetime warranty. Even the stereo CD player comes with one year warranty.

LuxSauna 2 Person sauna uses oversized 100% ceramic infrared heaters. Ceramic infrared heaters are known as the most effective heater for emittin 7-14 infrared radiant heat. The far infrared ray range of 7-14 microns is the most beneficial. As human being also naturally emit energy in this range, the far infrared ray produced by the ceramic heater can easily penetrate the body.

LuxSauna 2 Person sauna are true far infrared sauna and the ceramic heaters that they used had been clinically proven to emit strong far infrared heat on the 7 – 14 micron scale, the most beneficial infrared heat range for humans.

When you order the 2 Person Sauna from LuxSauna, they may be able to ship it to you within 48 hours, provided that they have stock. Needless to say, this also depends on your location.

The 2 Person Sauna from LuxSauna also comes with a digital controller. They requires the regular 110volt household current at 13.125 AMPS each. The 3 Person or 4 Person sauna will require 15 Amps outlets. LuxSauna sauna only utilise an additional $5 to $7 per month based on daily hourly use.

Most far infrared sauna manufactured by other suppliers are not suitable to be put outside. However, the LuxSauna sauna is produced through high pressure binding and precision hand craftsmanship, the sauna cabinetry can endure outdoor humidity as long as you protect the sauna with the waterproof canvas cover.

The Prima-Lux is LuxSauna newest 2 Person sauna. The Prima-Lux 2 person sauna has the newest surround and carbon technology. The followings are some of the features of the LuxSauna Prima-Lux 2 Person Sauna:



• Very low initial cost for consumers
• Highest Quality materials, workmanship and finish
• 4 High quality 100% carbon heaters. (The best made)
• Solid Canadian Spruce wood construction with 100% non-toxic materials
• Digital control panels; inside and out
• Tempered glass window
• Interior and exterior lighting
• Lifetime Warranty
• All Units plug into a normal 110v wall receptacle; no electrical or plumbing required.
• The Prima-Lux far infrared sauna requires one 15 AMP, 110v outlet.
• Comes ready-to-assemble in pre-constructed panels that assembles in approximately 60 minutes or less.
• Portable; disassembles as easily as it assembles. Take it with you if you move
• Warms up in 10-20 minutes – with powerful Far Infrared Heat emitted from our NEW 100% compressed Carbon heaters.
NOTE: it’s not so important to have a HOT room as much as merely sitting in front of and behind the 7-14 true micron emission infrared heaters. This heat enables fast and deep heat penetration that produces dramatic results in your health and well being. Very comfortable operating temperature of 110F to 120F, (not 160f to 220f of traditional convection or steam saunas). Will produce 200% - 300% more detoxifying sweat volume
• Very low operating cost; adds only $3 to $5 per month to your electric bill.

Considering the high quality of the LuxSauna 2 Person Sauna and the aesthetically pleasant looking cabinet, you may want to seriously consider the LuxSauna saunas. You may find out more information about LuxSauna’s Product range by clicking here.

Finnish Sauna | Finnish Saunna

Whenever the term sauna or saunna was mentioned, naturally people will think of Finnish sauna. Finnish sauna is a major part of Finnish culture. Almost every household has a Finnish sauna in Finland. To the Finns, they look at sauna not as a luxury. A sauna is a necessity to them. A sauna is a place where they relax with friends and family.

Finnish saunas can be found practically anywhere in Finland. Finnish sauna is in fact an important national identity for Finland. They have even established the routine of taking sauna on Saturday for physical relaxation and on Sunday for spiritual purification.

A sauna is a room that is typically warmed to 60-100 degrees Celsius for some time. There are many varied types of sauna today. In a traditional Finnish sauna, water is thrown on the hot stones topping the kiuas, a special stove to warm the sauna room. When water is thrown on the hot stones, this will create steam which makes the sauna room even hotter.

In a Finnish sauna, sometimes a leafy, fragrant bough of silver birch is used in the sauna room to gently beat oneself. This has a very relaxing effect on tensed muscles and also calms any insect bites effect.

The Finns also like to take an immediate dip in a pool or a lake when the heat in the Finnish sauna began to get uncomfortable. This is done even in winter. In the dressing room or the porch of the Finnish sauna, they began to sit down and enjoy Finnish sausage along with beers and soft drinks.

After cooling down, the Finns may go back into the Finnish sauna room and start all over again. They do this as they find that one cycle of sauna session may not be effective enough. That is why they could repeat the sauna sessions two or three times. A Finnish sauna baths can therefore last up to two hours.

Does men and women use the Finnish sauna together in the same sauna room? The rules are instinctive to the Finns. This depends on the size, composition, relationship and the age of the group. Sometimes, both men and women will use the sauna together. Going to the sauna with non-family members are common for younger generations. Sometimes, younger people who prefer hotter sauna would not want to go to the sauna together with older people. So the general rule is that, everyone who is in the sauna room has to feel comfortable with each other.

There is also another type of Finnish sauna called the smoke sauna. The smoke sauna is without chimney. Smoke is ventilated out instead. When the sauna room is hot enough, the burning wood is allowed to die and the smoke is ventilated out. This type of sauna is in fact more representative of the traditional Finnish sauna. In recent years, smoke sauna seems to have experienced some revival. However, because it takes much more time and effort to heat the sauna, a smoke sauna is unlikely to replace all existing type of sauna.
It is difficult to trace the history and root of the Finnish sauna as it has been around since ages passed. It is possible that Finnish sauna could have evolved from the Europe and Sweden bath houses. In Finland, the Finnish sauna is highly honored because of its many uses. The first thing that the Finns built when they moved into a new house is the sauna. The sauna helped to create a sterile environment. The sauna smoke contained tannic acid and has anti-bacterial polymer.

Another reason why Finnish sauna is popular is because of the availability of wood to be burnt in the sauna stove. Furthermore, Finland has cold climate and the sauna is great place to warm themselves. It is however, popular even in summer too.

How do you use a Finnish sauna? One usually uses the sauna without wearing anything. However, if you feel more comfortable with a bathing suit or a towel, you can do that too.

One usually start a Finnish sauna by taking a shower. This will helps to keep the sauna room clean. Sit on the upper bench. You may want to use a small towel to sit on. For a few minutes, feel the heat permeating you. You can adjust the air moisture of the sauna room by throwing water on the stones of the heater. However, more steam would makes the sauna room feels hotter.

When the atmosphere feels too hot for you, you may step into the changing room. You can even take a shower. You can return to the sauna room after that for few more rounds. It is not unusual to use the Finnish sauna for few times to be effective.

When you are finally done, you should clean yourself with a shower. Dry yourself properly and allow yourself to cool completely before clothing yourself. Drink plenty of water after that.

You should allow ample time, say preferably one hour or more when using the sauna. Prepare a large towel to dry yourself and a smaller towel to sit on. You can use a moisturizing lotion after the sauna but not before.

There is no fixed rule as to how long you should stay in a Finnish sauna. You may want to limit your stay for a shorter time if you are just beginning to use a sauna. If you feel that the temperature is getting too hot, leave the sauna and cool down for a while. After cooling down, you can try the sauna again, perhaps for a longer time this round.

The other most-often asked questions about using the Finnish sauna is how often should one use the sauna. If you are a healthy person with no illness, then you can use the sauna for as often as you need. Again, there is no fixed rules and you should do it to a level that is comfortable for your body.

For those who would like to hear of personal experience about the Finnish sauna, the following articles from Tim Bird, first published in Blue Wings in 1997, may shed some light:

Letting off Steam, the Finnish Way
Article in Blue Wings in 1997, by Tim Bird

Some like it hot, not least the Finns. If you haven't already tried sauna bathing in Finland, it will only be a matter of time before someone introduces you to it. Watch out: perspiration can be habit-forming!

Imagine the scene: you take your clothes off and stem into a murky room. There are other naked men sitting next to you on wooden benches. Someone throws some water on a stove and the warmth in this little wood-lined chamber becomes an inferno. The sweat is running down your arms, your flesh is glistening. Your hear gasps and exclamations from along the wooden bench. You drop your head to avoid the initial scalding of the steam.

Someone takes a bunch of birch twigs from a tub of water and starts beating you on the back and neck. Your skin stings, there's a sweet smell of wet leaves, some of them pasted to your legs. You get up and follow the other men out of the door and your bare feet sink into several inches of snow. The steam coils around you as you trot through the frost to the lake side. You jump into a hole in the ice and splash around for a few seconds. Your skin has turned red as you pick your way through the snow and back to the little chamber. You pass a steaming body sprawled in the snow, rubbing a pink thigh with a handful of white crystals. You go back into the chamber. The door closes, someone throws water on the stove, the cycle is repeated.

Nobody is holding a gun to your head. It isn't an inflicted punishment or torture. You are doing this because you want to. What's more, you're not some sort of pervert or masochist.

The sweeness of sweat

The ritual of the sauna is the ultimate Finnish experience, and it's the only Finnish word to have entered the world vocabulary. See them grin when you mispronounce it - it's sow-na, as in cow, not sor-na, as in door - and hear them chuckle as you brace yourself when they toss more water onto the stove. They're the sauna experts, the connoisseurs of perspiratory entertainment.

How else can a country like Finland, with a small population and a funny language, hope to colonize world culture? They're good at mobile telephones and luxury cruise ships, but these lucrative exports were not invented by the Finns. The sauna was.

At least, that's what everybody tells you. In fact the concept of sweating for health, cleanliness and pleasure is by no means historically confined to Finlands borders. The Turkish bath or hamman is a not-too-distant cousin. So are the Russian bania, the sweat lodge of the Eskimos and American Indians, the Japanese mushiboro and the temescal of Mexico.

Precise origins of these various forms of steam bath, though, are sufficiently obscured by the mists of time for the Finns to claim this method of bathing as their own. Certainly, the sauna, Finnish style, is the most common modern steam bath. It's also the most versatile: saunas come in all shapes and sizes, from communal caverns to tiny cupboards. The first Finnish saunas built overseas were erected in the Delaware River valley in America by settlers in 1638. Now Finnish saunas are at the centre of a major worldwide export trade.

The original Finnish sauna was little more than a crudely covered pit, and one of the first known mentions of the facility appears in the writing of Nestori, a Russian historian, in 1113. Archaeological evidence, however, suggests that the steam bath had already been invented during the stone age. The Finns' association with the habit is reflected throughout Finnish literature: 15 of the 50 poems that make up the national epic, the Kalevala, make mention of the sauna, and it's a crucial location for scenes from Aleksis Kivi's Seven Brothers.

The details of sauna lore and attitudes towards it may have changed, but the popularity of the practice remains undiminished. The Christmas sauna, for instance, is in many families an essential event, while a survey in the 1970s showed that over 90 per cent in every age group of the population in the Finnish town of Vammala used the sauna regularly.

There's also evidence that the sauna has long been regarded as the prime Finnish eccentricity. The journals of the Italian Giuseppe Acerbi, for instance, on his travels through Finland to the North Cape in 1789-99, include an illustration of a family gathered, garment-free, in a large steamy cell, while the fully clothed Mediterranean hesitates bewildered at the door.

The modern sauna has retained a strong element of ritual, but little of the mystic reverence once conferred on it remains. Until the 19th century the sauna was still a hospital and a maternity ward as well as a bathing room. Etiquette required social restraint, if not complete silence while bathing.

Connected with birth and health and life-affirming water, the sauna was as sacred as a church. The faith in the healing powers of perspiration was absolute: if the sauna cannot cure you, went the adage, nothing can. Even today, the notion persists that the sauna can in some way purge the blood.

Opinions vary on the tangible medical benefits. But all agree that sweating is a desirable inbuilt mechanism for keeping the body temperature as close as possible to 37 degrees Centigrade and that it helps to expel wastes. There' s a consensus, too, that the feeling of relaxation that is the intended outcome is of spiritual, and therefore medical, advantage. The placebo effect of the sauna is powerful and only the faintest of heart, in either physical or mental sense, need approach with caution.

So what are the ingredients of the perfect sauna visit? Ideally, the sauna should be as close to the water as possible - sea, lake or river, it doesn't matter which. The sauna should be heated with a wood fire. Purists will shake their heads sagely and tell you that the only real sauna is the smoke sauna, or savusauna. This is the most traditional - and of these days rarest - type of which all others are supposed to be hybrids, and which involves keeping the smoke from the stove in the room until the very last moment before bathing.

In any case, electric saunas are strictly for city apartment blocks, fitness centres and municipal swimming pools: you may think that sweat is sweat, no matter the cause, but any Finn will advise you that the heat from an electric stove is dry and characterless compared with the steam that issues from a wood-fired stove.

Besides, the preparation and pungency of the wood fire are vital aspects of the ritual. Enjoyment is enhanced by anticipation and the knowledge that this pleasure is worth waiting for. Take your time, don't rush.

Moment of naked truth

So the time comes, it's your turn and - well there's this delicate matter of taking your clothes off. Let's face it, modesty is a universal trait - or is it vanity, and the suspicion that we look rather better clothed than we do derobed? The first-time sauna bather from abroad often finds this casual intimacy in the company of new acquaintances, if not total strangers, a little daunting. The only way to deal with this is to simply take the plunge. The chances are you'll discover your beer gut or your birth mark are in good company, and any self-consciousness is soon dispelled by the camaraderie of the visit.

As for sex and sauna - well what you do in private is your own business, but in Finland the two do not go hand in hand, as it were. It's either too cramped or too hot. Moreover public mixed saunas require that you wear a swimming costume. And flagellation? Those birch switches, known in the eastern dialects as vasta and in the west as vihta, are designed to encourage perspiration and are said to enhance the circulation. Like many of the mysteries of the sauna, it seems perverse - until you try it.

The best circumstances are a warm summer's day and a place to bathe. That winter roll in the snow or dip in the hole in the ice, or avanto, nor always practical, but a cooling swim between sweating sessions is luxuriously refreshing. The avanto, too, requires less courage than is generally supposed: after all, the water under the ice is warmer than the air above it.

Beer is a 20th century addition to the ceremony, and bottles are typically cooling in the lake, ready for that sauna porch chat. A couple of beers won't hurt, but beware of the demon dehydration. In any case, this is one place where alcohol is not required to break the ice. You won't find many managing directors bathing with their lower-ranking employees, but still the sauna is a great leveller. You look as ridiculous as the next man (or woman) when you're running naked down that jetty in a cloud of steam. The sauna has its comic side, and Finns can be a little over-earnest about their national pass-time.

Some may frown as they assess the quality of the löyly, the steam that's given off by the stove or kiuas. They'll quote some impressive statistics to support the quintessential Finnishness of this pursuit; did you know, for example, that Finland is the only country in the world with more saunas than cars? Did you know that the late President Kekkonen perfected his renowned diplomacy by negotiations in the sauna, and that similar conferences involving Finnish businessmen are a traditional aspect of Finnish commercial life.

Above all, they'll do their best to make sure you share the experience. You might as well give in. It's a simple, uncomplicated pleasure, to which nobody is exempt from access. So never mind the mysticism: just remember you've only one duty in the sauna and that's to enjoy it.

In Helsinki you can try the sauna at just about any hotel, fitness centre or swimming pool, although these are sure to be the electric variety. The public sauna par excellence is at Yrjönkatu, opposite the Torni hotel, complete with masseur and magnificent tiled swimming pool. The "real thing", including two smoke saunas and avanto in winter, is provided by the Saunaseura (sauna society) on the island of Lauttasaari in the west of the city: call (90) 678 677 for opening times. There are reconstructions of old saunas at the outdoor museum at seurasaari (bus 24 from city centre).

Well, that’s about all we have about the Finnish sauna for this article.

Velform Sauna Belt Review

Before we proceed any further with this article, we wish to state that Free Sauna Information is not related in any way to Velform or Crassul. This review of the Velform Sauna Belt and the Crassul Sauna Belt is neither endorsements nor criticisms of the products.

There are many negative reviews written about the Velform Sauna Belt and the Crassul Sauna Belt. While some consumer had found the sauna belts function as they claimed, many others have labelled both the Velform Sauna Belt and the Velform Sauna Belt as cheats and scams.

What exactly is a sauna belt and a slimming belt? Sauna belt offers many of the benefits of far infrared sauna. In this case, a sauna belt can be used to focus its far infrared ray on the directed body parts, which can be anywhere.

A slimming belt functions slightly different from a sauna belt. A slimming belt does not produce any hat. Instead, it retains the warmth from your body as your exercise. A slimming belt fits snugly to trim your appearance. It also helps to support your lower back. The grip-strip closure adjusts to any size of waist. There is also a shaper belt that boosts the benefits of your exercise sessions.

First, let’s reprint the manufacturer’s description about the Velform Sauna Belt and the Crassul Sauna Belt:

You can easily enjoy the sauna heat in the comfort of your own home!

Apply the sauna heat on those body parts that needs it most, to help flush out and eliminate toxins. This portable Sauna Belt is great for the abdomen, waist, back and hips.

Just apply the Sauna Belt around the chosen body part and let the belt do all the work. It will stay firmly in place with the secure Velcro attachment. After using the Sauna Belt, your metabolism will be enhanced and the pounds will just melt away after constant use.

The Sauna Belt easily helps you to sweat, burn calories, and even eases muscle back pain!

The Crassul Sauna Belt is better than the top-selling V. Sauna Belt and Velform sauna belt. Why? It has an attached digital controller that will provide you instant 3 levels of temperature and a digital timer that will automatically shut-off after 60 minutes!

With nylon and space carbon fibre, this new sauna belt features strong stitching for durability, and is extremely comfortable.

The quality of the material is greatly enhanced. Overall, it is an awesome alternative way to burn your fats and lose weight, with proper diet and regular exercise in the comforts of your home or office.
Reverse the position of Crassul Sauna Belt towards your lower back, and voila! -- You have an instant back pain therapy!

However, based on the following reviews from some consumers who had used the Velform Sauna Belt and the Crassul Sauna Belt, the response seems to be a bit negative:

On 12 March 2008, Patricia of Toronto, Canada writes:
I received a "Sauna Belt" as a surprise bonus inside the box of an Ab Chair I bought a week ago… What's unusual is that the belt is clearly the "Velform", but with the word "Velform" is not printed on it, or in the "Owner's Manual" that comes with it. However, the word "Velfrom" does appear in one paragraph inside the manual...along with numerous typos and grammatical errors.
It appears that someone is trying to dispose of unsafe stock (which incidentally, was recalled from the market and destroyed in Europe) by including it with the Ab Chair. As I know, devices like this will not cause weight loss, and because the thing looks so cheap and potentially dangerous, I don't intend to use it.

But out of curiosity, I took a closer look at it, and Googled for reviews of it. Based on all the reports of personal injury and fires, I strongly suspect that the certification marks (CSA, UL, CE) on it are counterfeit, and that the product has never been tested by these organizations, for it clearly does not meet their safety standards. If it causes burns; the thermostat doesn't work; the auto shut-off feature doesn't work, and it's even caused fires (or near-fires), this product should be reported to the CSA, UL, and the CPSC. I've done this, and I strongly recommend others to do the same. This product MUST be taken off the market before it kills someone.

On 10 February 2008, Jennifer of Ontario, Canada writes:
The Velform sauna belt melted to my skin, my husband and I both have huge burns on our stomach, I would like to know how to get a hold of the manufacturer.

On 14 October 2006, Charan of Chandigarh, India writes:
I used the Velform sauna belt for 50 minutes each day for 45 consecutive days as advised by the manufacturer. After around 25 days I started feeling painful twinges from time to time. After stopping use the twinges continued at meal times and a check up using endoscopy revealed pre ulcerative erosive gastritis. Apparently strong local heat can cause such gastritis as is seen in burn cases but regular use of sauna belts also causes this use. Other such reports have also been heard by word of mouth. The belt companies are not merely running a scam but also directly harming the health of millions of users without any warning of the possible effects. They must be prosecuted !!!

On 20 March 2006, Frances of Texas, USA writes:
I used the Velform Sauna Belt on a low setting and did not even use it the full 50 min. I had severe blisters that will take a couple of months to heal. This is nothing but a a heating pad. This is a dnagerous product.

On 2 December 2006, Laura writes:
The Velform Sauna Belt is dangerous! We payed twice as much as it said on the tv and shipping and handling was more then the product so we didn’t get a free second one at all. The first time I tried it, I got extremely dizzy and felt tired that Ii just wanted to take it off and go to sleep. When the 50 minutes were up, I was not an inch smaller but and inch bigger because I had gotten so hot that my stomach had expanded. I used the sauna belt many times afterwards and it just burned me. I had it on low heat and on top of my shirt! The burns lasted for a few days and made me so itchy, my skin actually peeled off of my stomach!

However, not all reviews are all negative. The following reviews are somewhat more positive and logical:

On 23 November 2007, Tyrone of Gauteng, South Africa writes:
The reason I am actually on this site now, is because I am sitting with the sauna belt on, and I wanted to see if it really works. But everyone is complaining about blisters and burning and disease?? I put it on maximum for 45 mins, and all that happens is my stomach is slightly red, and yes, you really do sweat. I dont think using it on lowest setting is clever, because *Obviously* you won't sweat. As for your blisters, I have no idea. I only have had this for a week, seems to be working fine.

On 18 June 2006, Holly of Washington, USA writes:
I absolutely love this Velform Sauna Belt! I continue to see results everyday, but I work out everyday as well. I find that it helps my back pain very well after having a kid. I really enjoy sitting on the computer and wearing my sauna belt for an hour every night. The next morning I seem to wake up more refreshed. I have lost 6 in. around my waist in the last month and I absolutely love it!

On 31 May 2006, Jordan of Alberta, Canada writes:
Don't expect results from simply sitting while using the sauna belt. This is a pretty good product if you know how to use it properly. 1. Wear in a warm atmosphere 2. Put lotion or your stomach 3. Work-out with the belt on. 4. Drink hot liquids and eat spicy foods You WILL NOT get results from just sitting around!!! The first time I tried it, I felt completely unsatisfied. But when I used the belt with common sense using those 4 steps, my dissatisfaction changed to happiness. The ONLY MAJOR FLAW- The length of the cord. The length is approximately 5 feet long. 5 feet isn't much at all. You have a limited space to work with. After watching this infomercial again, I noticed that everyone wearing the belt, had no cord. It showed people running around having fun sweating with the belt, when in fact I could see no cord which was false advertising!! Watch the infomercial again!!! You'll see what I'm talking about.

On 19 June 2008, Charles writes:
I find the people who purchase the Velform Sauna Belt to be very lazy. The logistics of this product surround a natural ability the human body does, except it speeds the process by nearly 20x the normal rate. Our bodies are composed of around 75-80& water, heat evaporates water? Our bodies expel water with a high sodium concentration to cool the skin; essentially, this product acts to cause your abdominal area to sweat until the water weight is reduced - drastically. I have to ask the populous who purchased this product what their intentions were? As i previously stated, your all lazy. Sitting on a couch, watching T.V. and stuffing your face will NOT lose your weight. You don't lose weight this way. Losing weight is hard work - in the early stages until you adapt to the routine. Dieting + EXERCISE is the only way to lose weight. ...you can't buy it off... lol.

And, the final review of this unknown consumer, wraps up some of the consumers’ review about the Velform Sauna Belts:

Now I was born in the morning but I wasn't born this morning. The Velform Sauna Belt System claims to give you instant weight and measurement loss by having you sweat away fat. For a measly $80 you can wrap their belt around your body, push a button and then BAM, the fat sweats away. Wow, a dream come true right! --- Well wrong!

Now I don't doubt that if someone uses this thing they will lose weight and some size around their midsection but lets be realistic here, the weight loss is due to water loss not from sweating away fat. First of all you cannot spot reduce fat, it just doesn't work that way. Secondly, without a proper diet and exercise program you are not going to melt fat away either.

I'm not against saunas and I do believe they have some great benefits but where I have a problem is when a company boldly claims that all you need to do is wrap a portable sauna around your waist and your off to look like the supermodel on the infomercial. The truth of the matter is if you want to burn body fat, as we stated earlier, you will need to incorporate a good exercise and diet program to reach your goal. The problem with a lot of infomercials is that they imply all you need is their product to look like the models on the TV. Now, just because what they imply might not be 100 percent accurate it doesn't mean that what they are offering is a waste of money. In many cases the exercise equipment out there is pretty good but the delivery, or sales pitch isn't up to par. I'm not saying it is OK to mislead the public but from a review stand point I think a lot of the exercise equipment is still good under the circumstances that you add a good diet and workout program with it. However, that being said, I just can't see how Velform can justify their claims.
So, is the Sauna Belt going to help you melt away fat and cellulite? I'm afraid the answer is no. If you are looking at purchasing this product for weight loss then we simply cannot recommend it. We are not alone in our review either, we have come across numerous of other reviews from people who have purchased the Velform Sauna Belt and simply say that it does not work. Your best bet is to take you $80 and invest it in something that will work for you.

While there seems to be no conclusion as to how good or how bad the Velform Sauna belt is, reading from the consumer’s review, many would agree that if you are looking for a sauna belt that helps you lose weight without you needing to do anything, then likely your will be disappointed. There is also much risk and bodily harm if the sauna belt is not used properly.

In fact, if one visit the website of the manufacturer, there is already the following advises, though contradicts their earlier sales pitch, provide a more sensible instruction and expectation about the sauna belt:

Sensible weight loss maintenance to achieve long-term results should be focus instead on making changes to your daily life’s routine. A balanced, healthy diet and regular exercise are the keys in maintaining your ideal weight. Consult with doctor, dietician, or qualified health professional to determine your ideal health body weight.

Losing weight may not be effortless. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Eat smaller portions and choose variety of foods. Load up on high in fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Limit portions of food high in fat. At least, exercise three times a week.

Heat applied to the body parts such as midsection, waist, hip generally enhance your metabolism after constant use. The heat generates bodily sweat, which reduces your body fats and eliminates toxins through your sweat. Crassul Sauna Belt produces heat that sweat away unwanted fats thru constant use. Just wrap the Crassul Sauna Belt securely around your midsection and start losing your unwanted fats.

Lower back is the most common site for pain due to the stress and it bears the most body weight. With no apparent reason, back pain can occur at any point on your back spine. Acute back pain lasts from few days to few weeks due to trauma such as injury or a disorder such as arthritis. Chronic back pain persists for more than 3 months and its often progressive. Consult with your doctor if low back pain persists.

Generally, low back pain can be without surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce discomfort and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. The goal of treatment is to restore proper function and strength to the back, and prevent recurrence of the injury. These medications are frequently used as treatment for acute and chronic low back pain. Oftentimes, a combination of over-the-counter remedies and prescription drugs provide effective pain relief.

Hot compress or heat therapy may help reduce pain and inflammation of low back pain and allow greater mobility for some individuals. Bed rest is recommended for only 1–2 days at most. As such, Crassul Sauna Belt, which provides continuous controlled heat therapy relieves acute or chronic low back pain. Just reverse the position of Crassul Sauna Belt to your lower back and strap the Velcro comfortably. Select the desired temperature from the digital controller, then select the digital timer that will automatically shut-off after 60 seconds. Now, you are on your way to soothing your low back pain.

For those who intent to use the Velform Sauna Belt or the Crassul Sauna Belt, the following safety measures and precautions ought to be seriously taken:

• DO NOT use the Sauna Belt longer than 50 minutes. Remember to switch off the sauna belt after 50 minutes!
• Put on the Sauna Belt a little loosely (Not too tight!), in such a way that you can check every 10 minutes if your skin is getting red. If your skin gets red, reduce the temperature to avoid possible skin injury.
• If you have sensitive skin, we strongly advise you to use the Sauna Belt over a T-shirt due to its heat in order to refrain from skin irritations or burns.
• It is important to use the Sauna Belt at room temperature and not to use air conditioning to try and increase its effectiveness. In this way, your body will not feel the effects of sudden changes in temperature.
• Before placing the Sauna Belt on your skin, make sure you are in a comfortable position either lying down or standing up. However, do not use the Sauna Belt if you are lying on your stomach or sitting down, as this could cause problems in the devices electrical circuit.
• Do not use any kind of skin cream or similar product while using the Sauna Belt as your skin pores will be fully open and skin cream could cause an allergic reaction.
• Drinking hot drinks such as milk, tea or coffee while using the Sauna Belt is recommended. Do not drink cold drinks. Do not use the Sauna Belt immediately after meals; wait at least two hours after eating.
• For best results, you should use the Sauna Belt for 50 minutes at a time. Do not exceed 50 minutes per session. It is recommended to use the sauna belt for 40 minutes. Do not use the Sauna Belt for periods of more than 45 days, wait a week before using it again.

This conclude our article on the Velform Sauna Belt.

Portable Sauna – Infrared Dome

If you are looking for free sauna information on portable sauna, you should explore the Aesta Infrared Sauna Dome by the Wolfe Clinic. The Wolfe Clinic has been guiding people, many chronically ill for the past 25 years. We are not related to Wolfe Clinic in any way, but this is a review of the Aesta Infrared Sauna Dome, one of the many type of portable infrared sauna in the market. While other portable sauna have their own specifications, we are using the Aesta Infrared Dome as an example of what makes a good FIR sauna dome.

About the Wolfe Clinic

The Wolfe Clinic has been guiding people, many chronically ill for the past 25 years. They do consultation via phone from the comfort of the caller’s home. They have also hosted many television programs and developed other products. Among some of Wolfe Clinic’s published books include:

• "Body Alive: Wolfe Whole Body Cleansing and Rebuilding"
• "The Health Maintenance Manual"
• "The Power To Heal"
• "Colon Therapy Training Manual"
• and the best selling book, "The Health You Deserve".
• "Reclaim our Inner Terrain"
• "Spoiled Rotten"
• The Fungus Within Us

The Aesta FIR Sauna Dome

A relaxing sauna used to be a luxurious health equipment found only in gym, fitness centers and health centers. It is no longer so. You may purchase a home sauna and install it in your home. You may even build your own home sauna. Read How to Build Your Own Home Sauna for some ideas on how to begin.
There are many types of portable sauna. One of the most convenient portable saunas for 1 person use is a sauna dome. As sauna dome utilise far infrared ray (FIR), it is also known as the portable FIR sauna dome.

The Aesta Sauna Dome from Wolfe Clinic is a wonderful portable infrared sauna dome that is of the best quality and affordable in cost. The highly portable sauna dome comes with the latest advanced Advance Black Carbon Far Infrared Technology Heating Elements that is a new paradigm in FIR sauna therapy. The premium infrared heating elements and unique far infrared earth materials deliver maximum health benefits and at the same time, it eliminates harmful EMF.

The Aesta Sauna Dome has a front and rear chamber that overlaps to form a comfortable dome. It is easy to set up, requires minimum maintenance and easy for storage. The Aesta FIR sauna dome is safe, affordable and it is enjoyable.

The followings are the features of the portable Aesta FIR Sauna Dome:

• Very comfortable
• Easy to set up, maintain and store
• Premium quality and best warranty for less money
• Dome shape focuses the energy
• Reflects FIR energy w/frequencies that are body-friendly
• Variable temperature
• Uses very little electricity
• Allows more effective exposure to Far Infrared Rays
• Lying down is the most beneficial way to sauna
• Lower temperatures than conventional saunas The benefit of space saving size & low weight
• A substantial price advantage over other models

Benefits of the Portable Aesta FIR Sauna Dome

In a nutshell, the followings are the benefits of using the portable Aesta FIR Sauna Dome:

• Relieves pain, stiffness, aches
• Helps with Fibromyalgia
• Fights and reduces stress, tiredness and fatigue
• Helps you to gain and maintain your energy
• Detoxification from heavy metals and other toxins in the body
• Burns calories, helps you to lose and control your weight
• Improves the metabolism
• Helps with cellulite
• Improves skin appearance and skin condition
• Boosts and improves the immune system and enhances white blood cell function
• Increases blood circulation
• Strengthens the cardiovascular system
• Increasing flexibility
• Improves all organ functions
• Improves health in general
• Weight control (loss or gain)
• Removes cholesterol
• Normalizes blood pressure
• Promotes cellular regeneration and speeds healing to cuts and bruises
• Reduces swelling and inflammation
• Improves joint movements
• Improves micro circulation
• Increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the blood cell to the body’s soft tissue areas
• Increases metabolism between blood and tissue.
• Stimulates the hypothalamus, which controls the production of neuro-chemicals

In using a far infrared ray (FIR) sauna, it is important that there is no dead spots. This ensure more effective exposure to far infrared rays. The Aesta Sauna Dome achieved this by having its infrared heating element covers the whole interior of the sauna dome. The distance of the body to the wall is also very close, meaning that exposure to the infrared ray is full and the absorption shall be deep. That is why the overall direct exposure and penetration of the FIR is considerably better in an Aesta Sauna Dome.

There are many studies that found that laying down may be the most efficient and beneficial way to use an infrared ray sauna. Laying down is definitely more comfortable and relaxing. There are also other physiological reasons. Layin down relieves the nervous system and cardiovascular system that is required to sit upright. Under heat stress that is common in a sauna, the body response towards self-healing is maximised with the greatest degree of relaxation. A portable dome sauna keeps the head outside and cool while laying down is the most optimal way to get comfortable.

Far infrared saunas are known to be the safest, most efficient and economical way to remove toxins from your body. With the portable Aesta infrared sauna dome’s deep and gentle ray, the core body temperature increase will also increase the blood circulation and improved oxygenation. This promotes the improved exchange of nutrients into cells and the discharge of toxins.
When you use the portabe FIR sauna dome from Aesta, you will feel deeply relaxed in just minutes. You can conveniently use the portable sauna at home or in a clinic, and you can quickly obtain rapid rest and restore your energy.
Even though many other portable sauna dome may functions more or less, the Aesta Sauna Dome also provides heaters for your feet and for your back which make it stands out from their other competition.

The followings are the specification of the portable sauna dome (FIR) from Aesta:

Dome Materials: Wooden frame with vinyl skin
Overall Length: 180cm
Width: Upper Dome – 75cm
Lower Dome – 64 cm
Height: Upper Dome – 46 cm
Lower Dome – 40 cm
Weight Net – 20 kg
Gross – 25 kg
Carton Size W 79 x H 49 x L 95 cm
Power Voltage – 110/220 volts; Wattage – 658 watts; Infrared – 8 to 10 Microns

Tips for Using Infrared Sauna Dome

The followings are some tips for using FIR Sauna Dome for maximal health benefits.

You should always set the temperature that is comfortable for you. Infrared ray is efficient because it warms the body internally and not the air. Therefore, setting too high a temperature may only add to personal discomfort with very little therapeutic value.

You should refrain from using the portable sauna on a full stomach. Always drink water prior, during and after your sauna session. It is important to remain hydrated.

Do not apply excess body lotion to your body prior to a sauna session. Use 2 to 3 pieces of towel. Lay down on one towel for perspiration absorption and cushioning. Another towel is be used under your head to absorb sweat. The third towel is to wipe off your body surface sweat.

You may want to increase your sauna session to 45 minutes or longer as your body becomes more heat conditioned. Always remember to remain hydrated. For some people who have heavy toxicity levels in their systems, they may find it difficult to sweat. It may take up to 5 or 10 sauna sessions before sweat is evident. However, even if you do not sweat you should still consume plenty of water. This enhances detoxification. Detoxification takes place not necessary through sweat. The FIR dome sauna also helps detoxification through urine, bowels and hair.

While there are portable FIR sauna domes by other manufacturers, it is helpful to always compare between different manufacturers to ensure that the portable infrared sauna dome truly suits you and provide you with the maximum benefits.

Clearlight 4 Person Sauna Review

One of the top and trusted far infrared ray (FIR) sauna producers in U.S. is Sauna Works that produces the Clearlight Infrared range of FIR sauna. This article is a review of the Clearlight Infrared 4 person sauna.

Why Buy Sauna Works Clearlight Saunas

Craftmanship

Sauna Works is located at 2 Henry Adams St Ste M18, San Francisco, CA 94103. Sauna Works is a wellness company with over 14 years of experience in the infrared sauna business.

The first consideration that many people gave to Sauna Works Clearlight 4 person saunas is its professional craftsmanship. In fact, Clearlight 4 person saunas look great. The 4 person sauna from Sauna Works are made in the U.S. from the finest cedar wood. Hence the 4 person Clearlight Infrared sauna is not only a functional sauna room, but it is by itself a quality furniture that enhances the look of any room.

The Clearlight FIR 4 Person Saunas are made from Grade ‘A’ Western Red Canadian Cedar. All the panels are color matched and hand sanded to give smooth surface. Even the door handles and interior moldings are hand carved.

Safety Standards

Needless to say, the Clearlight Infrared 4 Person Saunas from Sauna Works were designed with your health and well-being as the top priority. All materials used in the Clearlight saunas are non toxic and is certified to meet or exceed all product safety standards.

All Clearlight Saunas product range including the 4 Person Sauna is certified to ETL and ETL-C, the safety standards for United States and Canada. Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) has certified products for more than 100 years and is one of the oldest product safety testing laboratories in the world. Certification by ETL and ETL-C assures you that all Clearlight Sauna models have been tested to meet both US and Canadian safety and performance standards.

In addition to the ETL and ETL-C safety standard certification, Clearlight 4 Person Saunas and their other sauna range are also CE Safety Certified, which is the safety standards for the European Union. The CE Mark is a requirement for products sold in European. The CE Mark identifies a product as complying with the health and safety requirements spelled out in European legislation and is mandatory for equipment operating in the European Union (EU).

The followings are just some of the quality features of the Clearlight 4 Person Sauna:

• Tounge and Groove Cedar inside and out
• Water-based, non-toxic glues and tempered glass so there is no out gassing of chemicals
• Steel conduit shields all electrical wires to ensure that EMF (Electro-Magnetic Field) is as low as possible.
• All Clearlight Saunas are ETL certified to ensure they meet or exceed all product safety standards.
• Windows for light and ventilation
• High quality AM/FM/CD Player and speakers
• Recessed halogen accent lights for mood and reading
• Keypad controls temperature and timing with a precise digital readout
• Wireless remote control to operate temperature and lights from inside/outside
• Western Red Canadian Cedar construction
• Moveable Backrest
• 7 True Wave ceramic infrared heaters with largest surface area in the industry
• 2150 Watts
• Lifetime cabinetry, electrical, and heater warranties

All of Clearlight Infrared saunas run on 110v/120v and, depending on the model, require a 15 amp or 20 amp circuit. This means that if you use your sauna for 1 hour per day, everyday will only cost about $10/month.

True Wave Far Infrared Heat Technology

The Clearlight 4 Person Sauna from Sauna Works employ the True Wave technology in their far infrared heater. This allows the sauna to produce five to thirty times the infrared of any other sauna in the market. The True Wave infrared heater also produce the FIR in better wavelength, which allows the body to absorb more far infrared in less time and at a lower temperature than other infrared sauna.

This is achieved by the larger size of the True Wave infrared sauna heaters. The larger the surface area of the far infrared heater, the lower the surface temperature. The infrared heat is also spread out over a larger area. This produces more far or long wave infrared heat that is more therapeutic for your body.

The True Wave infrared heaters of the Clearlight 4 Person Sauna have a surface area of 290 square inches, the largest surface area of any infrared saunas in the market. This produces optimal wave length range of 7 to 14 microns with a large portion of the wavelength at 9.4 microns.

When choosing your far infrared sauna heater, the followings are some questions to ask:

1) What is the surface temperature of the heater?
2) Does the sauna have front and back heaters?
3) Is the far infrared heat directed at where it is most needed?
4) Is it radiant heat or reflected heat

Lifetime Warranty

The Clearlight 4 Person Sauna from Sauna Works comes with a Lifetime Warranty. Sauna Works have estimated that their True Wave far infrared emitters have an operational life of 20,000 hours. This means that even if you use your 4 Person Sauna for 5 times per week, the True Wave infrared heaters could last 51 years.

The cedar cabins of the 4 Person Saunas are kiln dried to 7% moisture content and the panels are pressed to ensure lifetime free from warp or cracks. All electrical component are manufactured to safety standards. The 4 Person Sauna is also test run for 8 hours before being delivered to customers.

The lifetime warranty of the Clearlight 4 Person Sauna covers the entire sauna, including the FIR heaters, controls or electrical, wood and the included AM/FM/CD player.

Easy Assembly

It is very easy to assemble the Clearlight 4 Person Far Infrared Sauna. It usually requires just 2 person and the sauna can be assembled in less than one hour. Most of the time, half an hour is all it takes. No tools are required to assemble the 4 Person Sauna. The entire sauna room is pre-wired and made with precise craftsmanship that it clips and latches together with ease.

Clearlight’s 4 Person Saunas are factory-built in Southern California, then disassemble, boxed and delivered to customers. This way, you can be assured that the sauna arrive in perfect condition.

The Clearlight 4 Person Sauna includes windows for light and ventilation, recessed halogen accent lights for mood and reading, keypad controls temperature and timing with a precise digital readout, wireless remote control to operate temperature and lights from inside/outside and a high quality AM/FM CD stereo with two-way speakers built in.

For Constant Infrared Heat, simply set the digital controller to the highest setting. You'll receive 100% constant far-infrared heat with absolutely no heater shut-off throughout your entire 30 to 45 minute sauna session, guaranteed.

Testimonials and Reviews from Consumers

The followings are some testimonials and reviews from consumers who have used or are using Clearlight Infrared Saunas:

"I never thought that I would become a sauna person, but here goes. I did the research, and gradually the skepticism of buying an infrared sauna changed over to being convinced of the benefits. I looked locally and thoroughly scoured the web - Clearlight's quality stood out. From ordering to delivery to set-up (easy!) to the actual product - we have been very happy!

Now for the use - We bought the three person sauna, and have been using it daily for about one month. Everyone in the family, even the Havanese - loves it. I cannot wait to get up in the morning to use it. I turn it on and after biking or using the elliptical, its ready to go. The physical health benefits are very real. The relaxation and other psychological benefits were a pleasant surprise. I am invigorated. It seems silly, but we love this sauna. Clearlight - thank you."

Joe and Janet
Northville, Michigan



"Our Clearlight IR sauna arrived a few days ago. My 17 yr. old son and I put it together in about 30 minutes. It is just beautiful, like a piece of furniture. My whole family has used the sauna several times and it is wonderful. I will admit that I was initially a bit skeptical about having a good sweat at lower temperatures. Now I am totally converted. My wife never liked traditional saunas because they are such a hot and "hostile" environment. She has used our Clearlight sauna everyday since it arrived and loves it.

As a healthcare provider, I have been familiar with the health benefits of IR light for years. I appreciated that Clearlight saunas didn't just talk about the potential benefits but provided references for the recent research regarding these benefits.

Thanks again for all your help. It was a pleasure working with you. Your customer service is beyond my expectations. That is something that doesn't happen very often."

JA
Doctor of Chiropractic
Las Vegas, NV

With so many news about sauna recalls nowadays, why not invest your money into a good infrared saunas, such as the Clearlight 4 Person Sauna from Sauna Works.

How to Build Your Own Home Sauna

There are generally, two ways how you can build your own home sauna. You can either buy a modular sauna that you can easily put together in less than half an hour or you can buy sauna kit and assemble the home sauna yourself. The second method is only suitable if you have some basic carpentry skills. If you have the necessary carpentry skills, then building a home sauna is not too difficult. For those without the required carpentry skills, they can still buy a modular sauna and assemble it by themselves.

A sauna is actually just a room with sizes ranging from a medium-sized closet to a large bedroom. This room shall be lined with wood and has a series of tiered benches along one side or more of the walls. Heating element in a steam sauna will raise the temperature in the room while maintaining low relative humidity. A typical sauna has a height of about 7 feett to trap the heat. Users can use the higher bench to get more heat or the lower bench for less heat.

A sauna that uses far infrared ray (FIR) heater functions differently. The FIR heater warms the body rather than the air.

What is the optimum size of your sauna room? This depends on how many people is using it. As a general rule of thumb, 2 feet of bench space is required per occupant.

The followings are some types of saunas, sauna kit and sauna heater options that you may adopt before you start with building your own home sauna:
First of all, there is the traditional Finnish sauna, which is best built outdoors using wood burning heater. Pre-cut sauna materials are also available for this type of sauna for those who wish to build their own home sauna. A Finnish type home sauna can also operated as a steam sauna by pouring water on top of the hot rocks. For convenience, many builders use electric heater or gas heater instead as the stove. There are also plenty of sauna kits and plans that show you how to build this type of home sauna.

Building a dry heat sauna is very convenient. A dry heat sauna refers to saunas using infrared heaters instead of the steam. No plumbing is required, and most units work by simply plugging the unit into a dedicated electrical outlet.
Of course, there is also the portable sauna of various types, such as the horizontal infrared sauna, a tent sauna and dome sauna. A portable sauna can be easily stowed away when not in use and all of these portable sauna made use of infrared heater.

There are other considerations when building your home sauna, especially if you are building a home sauna from scratch. You need to take care of the electrical requirements and a qualified electrician should be hired to do the wiring. Wiring should be rated for 194°F and should be located in the wall’s cooler side.
Some smaller heater operates on 120 volts, but most operates at 240 volts. A simple switch or timer controls regulate the heat output to the preset levels. A suitable heater size is important as if the heater is too large it will produce too much heat for the sauna room.

If you choose a gas heater, then a certified gas installer should be hired to run a gas line. As both the electrical and gas requirements post direct safety hazards, we recommend that you should hire professionals for the job and not try to save a penny.

If you are planning on installing a far infrared ray (FIR) heater, note that rod-shaped heaters do not produce enough infrared waves to be effective. You should go for flat ceramic heat emitters.

You should also check with your local authority on any regulations governing the building of sauna and if any permit is required. It is best to obtain any necessary permit than to risk your beautiful home sauna being demolished later.

Your home sauna room should be insulated and you would like to have a vapor barrier to keep the heat in and avoiding moisture damaging your house. There should also be good air circulation to avoid the building up of odour.

When it comes to choosing the heater for your home sauna, the electrical heater is the most popular. A gas heater will be cheaper to operate on the long run. Wood-fired heaters should only be used in detached sauna rooms and not indoor. Far infrared ray (FIR) ceramic haters are also becoming a popular choice, but it does not operate with the traditional hot rocks.

Once you have decided on the types of home sauna and heaters, you should decide on the location of your home sauna. You also need to think about a way to integrate a place for rinsing off and change. It will be great if there is a shower point just outside the sauna room. Just consider how you intend to do the plumbing work.

If you are building your own sauna in the country, then your home sauna is likely to be a detached building. However, if you intend to build a sauna room within your house, you will also need to consider about moisture that is coming out from the sauna room, which may damage your house.

Locating the heater in the sauna room is an important part of the plan. A well-designed sauna room should heat the room evenly.

Building Your Home Sauna from Scratch

The following sections of this article is on building the home sauna from scratch. Assuming that you have decided on the location of the sauna, the first step is to build the framework. The framework can be made from 5cm x 10cm or 5cm x 15cm lumbers, spaced at 325mm apart.

Once you have build the frame of the home sauna, you need to insulate the room. Both the walls and the ceiling have to be insulated. Fibreglass batts can be used as the insulation material. The wall insulation should have an R-13 rating while the ceiling will require a higher rating between R-22 and R-26.

Next, the insulation should be covered by vapor barrier to prevent the building-up of moisture in the insulation. Foil type vapour barrier is common and it also helps to reflect heat back into the sauna.

When you are done with the insulator and the vapour barrier of your home sauna, you can now proceed with building the walls. Using tongue-and-groove lumber will avoid exposing metal nails in the sauna, which can burn the skin in the high heat sauna room.

Redwood is the most popular choice for the home saunas. Nordic white spruce or cedar made good choice of wood for the wall. Start from the floor by nailing the lumber to the studs in the framework. Try to use boards that run the full length of each wall. Check for levelness for every few rows of lumbers installed. The ceilings can then be finished off.

Sauna doors can have warping problems due to the changing heat and moisture of the sauna room and it is easier to just install pre-hung door designed for saunas. Door should opens outward.

Benches can be then installed. You can build the benches by yourself or buy one from sauna dealer. Make sure that there is no nail exposed on the benches, or you may burn yourself. The bench and backrest need to be comfy. If you prefer to lie down, then keep that in mind when deciding on the size of the benches.

The floor should be of ceramic tiles, and this can be easily installed by gluing the ceramic tiles to the sub floor and filling any spaces in between with grout. Duckboards (wooden flooring panels) should then be placed over the ceramic floor tiles. The function of the duckboards is to help avoid excessive heat and moisture on the floor. The duckboards should be removable to enable cleaning of the floor.

Your home sauna is ready, and turn on your heater to let it warm up for about half an hour. Enjoy your own home sauna!

Pre-Built Home Saunas

If you are not keen on building your home sauna from scratch, then pre-fabricated modular home saunas may be considered. It is easily assembled by just following the instructions and drawings that comes with the kits. They do not require additional framing or insulation. The external walls of the pre-fabricated saunas are pre-finished and self-standing. Benches can be easily installed and doors are pre-hung.

Even though it is easy to install the pre-fabricated sauna room, you still need to prepare the area including electrical outlet, water supply and ventilated area.
We encourage that you talk to a sauna manufacturer even if you intend to buy a pre-fabricated sauna room. Their experience will be helpful to help you choose and build a home sauna that you will use for many years to come.

How much does a pre-fabricated home sauna cost? Prices of these home saunas usually depends on the sizes, the types of wood used, the type of heater and they type of kit. Some other costs include shipping and setting-up costs.

For those who are considering 2-person infrared home sauna, these may cost less than $2000. The sauna can be easily installed with just a screwdriver. Those who are looking for 4-person sauna will need to fork out about $5000. Many of these sauna rooms are suitable to be placed outdoors too.

Otherwise, you can still build the frame, insulate and finish the exterior walls and just buy some sauna kits. The sauna kits usually consists of the panel for the inside walls, the vapor barrier, benches, flooring, heater and heater guard, sauna controls, timer and thermostat, light fixtures and insulated sauna door.

Health Benefits of a Home Sauna

There are many health benefits to be derived from having a home sauna. These include:

Deep cleansing of the body through perspiration
Physical rejuvenation and stress relief
Soothing and relaxation of tired muscles
Immune system booster
Removal of toxins
Improved circulation
Promotes an overall feeling of well being

Considering the many benefits of a home sauna, building your home sauna may be great investment for your family’s recreation and health.

Important News On Sauna Recall

Sauna By Airwall is recalling infrared sauna rooms, which was made in China and sold by authorized dealers. The fault of the infrared sauna rooms were due to the infrared heater and fuse, which could fail and lead to fire hazard to the sauna user.

Although home sauna and far infrared sauna are generally safe, consumers are always advised to ensure that the electrical component of the sauna are in good working condition.

The followings are the latest news released from ConsumersAffair.com on the recall:

Sauna By Airwall is recalling about 225 Infra-Red Sauna Rooms. The heating unit and fuse can fail, leading to overheating of the saunas. This defect can result in a serious fire hazard to consumers.

Sauna By Airwall has received four reports of fires resulting in property damage. There have been no reports of personal injury.

The recalled infra-red sauna rooms are made of wood and include the following model numbers: IC I, IC II, IC III, IC IV, and IC V. The model number is indicated on the serial plate located on the back of the machine, in the lower right hand corner.

The saunas, made in China, were sold by authorized Sauna By Airwall dealers nationwide from November 2006 through April 2008 for between $600 and $4,000.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and disconnect from power source, and contact the firm for a refund. All known users have been contacted.

Types of Far Infrared Sauna

There are many types of far infrared sauna. This article at Free Sauna Information today shall discuss the various types of far infrared sauna available. For those who are not familiar with sauna, saunna, far infrared sauna, benefits of sauna, or would like to find out more about heater for far infrared sauna, may just click the relevant links.

A far infrared sauna is different from a traditional steam sauna from the way it helps a user to sweat. For quite a long time, the benefits of sweating induced by using a sauna has been well documented and researched, and many related articles had been published. A traditional steam sauna warms the air within the sauna room, which in turn encouraged sweating as the human body adjust to the rising temperature. On the other hand, a far infrared sauna made use of its far infrared ray to directly warm the human body.

Because far infrared ray penetrate a good depth into the human body, there are also claims that this is also additional benefit compared to the traditional steam sauna. As far infrared sauna uses infrared ray to warm the human body directly, its efficiency depends a lot on choosing a good far infrared heater and the location where the heaters are placed are also important.

Generally, there are three types of far infrared sauna:
- A foldable far infrared sauna which is highly portable
- A far infrared sauna dome or dome sauna, which is less portable
- A far infrared sauna room similar to a traditional steam sauna but utilise far infrared ray

Free Sauna Information also found another type of far infrared sauna -- a half dome sauna, which is a variation of the full dome sauna type.

Foldable Sauna or Highly Portable Sauna

A foldable sauna is a far infrared sauna which can folds open and closed, as the name suggests. This type of saunna is by far the most portable and easy to store. A foldable sauna is a fabric encased box that you can easily zip yourself into.

A foldable far infrared sauna looks like a small tent, and can be set up in minutes. The foldable far infrared sauna takes about fifteen minutes to reach its optimal temperature. Basically, a user just sit on a chair, zip the fabric with his head pop out at the top, and there you have it. Because a foldable sauna is extremely portable sauna, you can bring it along with you when you travel. The operating cost of a foldable far infrared sauna is very low.

The cabinet of the foldable far infrared sauna consists of an outer cover and an inner supporting frame. One side of the cover has an opening from which infrared heat source is guided into the sauna cabinet. The outer cover of the foldable far infrared sauna has a front opening where a user enters and zipped to close.

Different suppliers have different types of supporting system for the outer frame of the foldable far infrared sauna, but typical foldable far infrared sauna consists of some backing plates and hollow sections to form its frame. By removing these plates, the hollow sections may be folded.

Sauna Dome or Dome Sauna

A dome sauna consists of a semi-circle dome shape metal assembly where a user may lie horizontally within it. As the whole interior of the dome sauna is a heating element, there is basically no dead spots. Therefore, the far infrared rays from a dome sauna directly bathe the whole side of the body.

As the size of the far infrared sauna dome is quite small, the distance between the walls are close. This is translated into full exposure and therefore the far infrared ray absorption by the body is deep. Therefore, it is generally believed that the far infrared ray exposure and penetration of a dome sauna is generally better.

Free Sauna Information also revealed that lying down is the most effective and comfortable way to take a saunna. Lying down relieves the nervous system the cardiovascular is relaxed. The regulation of internal body responses towards self-healing is therefore enhanced. A far infrared sauna dome allows your head to be kept outside for more comfort. A far infrared sauna dome may also be used with body wraps such as clay, mud, etc for a therapeutic effect.

A far infrared sauna dome’s energy output may be tuned to correspond closely to the human body’s own radiant energy wavelength to maximise the body’s absorption of the far infrared ray. With a far infrared sauna dome, less than 20% of the infrared energy heats the air, leaving over 80% of the far infrared energy available to heat the body.

The followings are the typical specification of a far infrared sauna dome:
• Standing dimensions: 1.5 feet x 2.5 ft x 3 ft nestled
• Length: 72 inches
• Width: 25 inches
• Inside height: 18 inches
• Weight: 48 pounds
• Uses very little electricity - voltage 110/60 Hz
• Super conductive heating - 750 watts [about 15 cents per hour]
• Variable temperature: Temperature range- 100 f to 160 f
• Timer - separate for upper and lower, choice of set time with automatic shut off or continuous time
• Control box analog: separate controls for upper and lower dome
• Dome frame: mahagony wood, outer layer of naugahyde
• Advanced black carbon emitting panels originally created by NASA
• Body mat: full body water proof mat
• Wheel rollers on upper dome to facilitate ease of entry and exit
• A new concept in the field of sauna therapy
• More effective exposure to far infrared rays
• Total far-infrared coverage
• Dome shape focuses the energy
• Reflects FIR energy with frequencies that are body-friendly
• Lying down is the most beneficial way to sauna
• Lower temperatures than conventional saunas
• The benefit of space-saving size and low weight
• Attractive and functional storage
• Very comfortable
• Easy to set up, maintain, store
• Premium quality for less money
• A substantial price advantage over other models
• Safe and Effective
• Requires no special training to perform

Half Sauna Dome

A variation of the full sauna dome, is the half sauna dome. This variation of the far infrared sauna dome is also known as a portable far infrared sweatless sauna. Basically, its technology is similar to a full sauna dome. An additional advantage of a half sauna dome is that it is versatile and can be used in various body posture and position. It is also small and highly portable, and some even comes with a carrying bag!

However, there are some cautions about using a far infrared sauna dome, whether it is a full dome or a half dome. It is advised that a sauna dome should not be used if you have:
• A serious heart condition (unable to walk).
• If using an old or heavy duty pacemaker, or implanted heart beat regulators.
• If you have seriously high blood pressure.
• If you hare severe sunburn.
• Not advised for children under 2 years without medical consultation.
• Use discretion regarding open sores - far infrared will heal and close them.
A far infrared sauna dome is known to have many physical effects and health benefits, such as:

- Decreased muscle spasms, pain and soreness.
- Reduced swelling and inflammation, by improving lymphatic flow.
- Removal of heavy toxins - metal poisoning and chemicals - due to activated metabolic activity.
- Improved oxygenation exchange and accelerated metabolism.
- Tissue regeneration.
- Relief from breathing and lung challenges.

How to Use a Far Infrared Sauna Dome

A far infrared sauna dome is best used for 15 to 60 minutes per session, 2-3 times daily if desired. First timer should use it for shorter duration and increase its frequency as the body gets more accustomed. Drink plenty of water. Some slight reddening of the skin may sometimes occur. The body where the dome is radiating on is the only area that is receiving far infrared ray. So, the dome may be moved up or down to the body part they wished to target.
Eyes should be kept shut when dome is used to radiate the face and the eyes. A cloth is best placed over the eyes to enable relaxation.
A far infrared sauna dome should not be stored in a wet area as it contains electronic component which may be damaged or may cause short circuit.

Far Infrared Sauna Room

The last of the types of far infrared sauna available is in the form of a tradional steam sauna room. The only difference is that it utilize far infrared technology to warm the human body.

A far infrared sauna room type is by far the most aesthetic especially if it is made of cedar wood and with fine craftsmanship. However, it is also the least portable of all the sauna types. Choosing a good far infrared heater is important and be sure to have sufficient numbers of heater and locate them at position where the entire body can be exposed to the far infrared ray.

A typical far infrared sauna room will include windows for light and ventilation and recessed halogen accent lights for mood and for reading. There is also keypad controls for temperature and timer. Some far infrared sauna room also comes with an audio player for total relaxation.

However, a far infrared sauna room may not necessary be the most expensive, and there are a lot of sauna kits available. Assembling a far infrared sauna room is not very difficult with user instructions and free sauna information available from the internet.

To conclude, choosing the right types of far infrared sauna will depend a lot on your budget, your taste and how you intend to use a sauna. In our next article at Free Sauna Information, we shall be publishing on how to build your own home sauna.