Saunas Buyer's Guide

There are a number of different heaters used in Sauna construction. Probably the most important part of any Sauna; the type of heater will determine the longevity of the product, the operating costs, as well as the bathing experience.

The following table shows the key differences between the types of heater used in our Saunas.

Other differences between the different heater types should also be noted - for example because a traditional Finnish-style sauna heats the air inside the room to a very high temperature, water must be splashed over hot rocks and turned into steam, to ensure that there is sufficient moisture in the air. Otherwise bathers can be subjected to difficulty in breathing and experience an uncomfortable dry feeling to their mouth, airway and lungs.

In comparison, FAR infra-red heaters direct infra-red waves at your skin which heats your body, but not the air around it so much. The result is that less humidity is required to achieve a comfortable bathing environment because the elements are heating the exterior of the body, rather than the air passed in and out of it while breathing.

Also, this means that the elements consume far less power, because they not only heat the body directly, but also do not require to be turned on a long time before bathing commences.

Most average-sized Finnish-style saunas also require some form of dedicated power supply run to the heater - 16-30amp supplies are common. On the contrary, most infra-red saunas can be plugged directly into a standard 13amp wall socket, keeping installation costs low to non-existent.

Finally, Finnish saunas tend to be in kit forms which require considerable time to construct while infra-red saunas are generally modular which means that six panels will clip or otherwise fasten together so that construction is often completed in less than an hour. This also means that the unit is easily relocated should you move or wish to reposition your sauna at a later date.

The Benefits of using an Infrared Sauna versus a Traditional Sauna:

Harnessing the sun's vitality:

Sunlight is vital for life. While 40% of the sun's rays are of the harmful, high energy and ultraviolet variety - which we are all encouraged to avoid - some 60% are infrared rays which are beneficial to the human body. The Infrared sauna room harnesses these 'good' far-Infrared (FIR) rays. Regular use will tone the skin, increase blood circulation and improve all the organic functions.

Unlike traditional saunas, the infrared sauna is steam-less and highly effective at comfortable temperatures. It is also quick to assemble, space and energy efficient. You'll love the way this superbly crafted sauna engages all your senses and offers soothing relaxation. Better still, you¹ll be amazed at the health giving benefits it offers to you and your family.

An Infrared Sauna can . . .

Installing your Infrared Sauna:

Before you start:

- Two people will be required to assemble your Sauna.
- Make sure the mains are earthed and a RCD is in line.
- This Sauna is for indoor installation use only and requires a location on solid, level ground.

Be Safe . . .

- Before taking a sauna, drink plenty of water and no alcohol.
- Select appropriate time and temperature levels. Do not be tempted to stay in too long, or at too high a temperature - particularly if you are new to sauna bathing.
- Children and the elderly should always be supervised in the sauna.
- After 2 hours continuous use, switch off the sauna and let it rest for one hour before re-using.
- Do not put clothes or towel on or close to the heater elements.
- Do not touch the heater elements.
- Do not touch ceiling light.
- Haemophiliacs, pregnant women - or those who think they may be pregnant - are advised not to use any form of heat treatment, including an infrared sauna.

Benefits of Infra Red:

How will Infrared work for you? Infrared is the healthy part of sunlight. Sunlight includes ultraviolet and infrared rays. Visible sunlight is in the middle of the spectrum. At a higher frequency, the visible light changes to ultraviolet rays - which can cause sunburn. At a lower frequency, however, sunlight changes to gentle far-infrared rays (FIR). It is these rays that allow the sun to warm you, even on a cold winter's day.

Infrared rays at the 6-14 micron frequency range are the most therapeutic to the body. The Infrared Sauna infrared elements are designed to operate within this range to maximize the effectiveness of your therapy. These infrared rays penetrate the body safely and comfortably up to 4.5cm, so even the deep tissues and organs are stimulated. This prompts the body to perspire far more than in a traditional sauna - enabling the more inaccessible impurities to be eliminated from the body at a comfortable temperature.

Cardiovascular workout:

As your body temperature increases, sweat is produced to cool you and your heart works harder to circulate the blood. By widening the blood vessels and enriching your blood with oxygen you feel more energetic and your skin achieves a beautiful, relaxing glow. Regular use of a sauna may impact a similar stress on the cardiovascular system as running and its regular use may be as effective at burning calories.

Detoxification:

Extensive research on the therapeutic uses of Far-infrared (FIR) has been carried out by Japanese researcher, Dr. Toshiko Yamazaki. In her book, The Science of Far-Infrared Therapies, she describes FIRs ability to remove toxins, which are often at the core of so many health problems. The human body is a 'bio-accumulator' which means that toxins which are not expelled immediately after entry are stored. Accumulations of these toxins impair blood circulation and cellular energy. By applying 7 to 14 micron FIR waves, trapped gases and other toxic materials are released.

According to another eminent researcher in the field, Dr Tsu-Tsair Oliver Chi: "These rays are selectively absorbed by tissues needing a boost in their output. The internal production of infrared energy is associated with a variety of healing responses and may require a boost to a maximal level to insure the fullest healing response possible in a tissue that is being repaired. After boosting a tissue¹s level to its maximum. The remaining rays pass onwards harmlessly. "

Consumer familiarity with far-infrared began with the use of infrared heat lamps, producing radiant heat. In the mid-1960s NASA discovered that a number of mineral oxides were capable of generating FIR waves. After using various FIR products in the space programme, no further developments occurred at NASA, but the Japanese identified other uses . . .

Today, more than150 patents have been granted to the Japanese for products such as: FIR saunas, FIR ovens that replace microwaves, FIR panels for incubators in maternity wards as well as FIR wave-generating ceramics and fabrics. Over the past 35 years, Japanese and Chinese researchers and clinicians have conducted extensive research on infrared treatments and report numerous benefits. In Japan, there is an Infrared Society, composed of medical doctors and physical therapists, to further research and support the health benefits of infrared as a method of healing.

The secret of the Infrared Sauna is in the delicate control the user has over the infrared output. Infrared Sauna infrared therapy enables you to perspire comfortably and safely at temperatures as low as 32-40°C! An Infrared Sauna offers unsurpassed levels of comfort and uninterrupted infrared therapy over the entire session.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is infrared really safe?

Absolutely! Infrared light is in no way damaging to the body and the energy is in fact beneficial! This type of infra red has been used for medical practices and heavily researched for many years and is used to warm newborn babies in the maternity wards of hospitals. Sprains and strains caused by sports injuries have also accepted the medical use of infrared for a long time to promote healing. NASA is another that has concluded the use of infrared therapy -- after lengthy trails in the 1980's -- is the best way to maintain cardiovascular fitness for their astronauts on long cramped space flights.

Even though the temperature of an Infrared Sauna is not as hot as a Traditional Sauna or Steam Room, Why do you sweat up to three times more?

This is due to Infrared being a radiant source of heat! Just like on a cold winter's day -- when the sun still manages to warm our bodies -- Infrared warms the body directly.

Unlike a Traditional Sauna the Infrared Sauna directly warms the body to a depth of 4.5cm using 80% of energy and only expends 20% to heat the air. This is a major difference as there is no need for the very hot air needed with a Traditional Sauna - which can cause dizziness nd even respiratory problems.

Deeper tissues and organs are stimulated by the deeper penetration of the warming heat which can produce up to three times more perspiration - this helps to release more toxins and stored fat! This leaves the user feeling energised and cleansed due to the benefits of much low temperatures and resonant absorption which allows the toxins and fat to remove much easier.

How do I burn calories and get a cardiovascular workout by sitting in an infrared sauna?

When our body heats up, the heart pumps blood faster around the body and to the extremities of the body. Muscles worked during exercise produce heat, and the body needs to compensate. The best defence the body has to overheating is sweating because sweat evaporates from the skin taking the heat with it.

Our body expends energy to produce sweat - 1g of sweat requires 0.586 kcal. A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off up to 1000 gms or more in a single sauna session the equivalent in sweat to run 10 -15 kms. So, by sitting in the Canadian Spa Sauna your body will start to sweat, raise the heart rate and dilate the capillaries and other parts of the cardiovascular system - offering many of the same cardiovascular benefits as from running or rowing.

How can an Infrared Sauna remove up to six times more stored fat and toxins from your body?

Stored fat and accumulated toxins are released from deep tissues and organs due to being stimulated by the radiant heat.

It has been proven with scientific studies that a session of 30 minutes in an Infrared Sauna can assist up to six times more of a Traditional Sauna -- or that or exercise alone -- in achieving the loss of stored fats and toxins. Infrared Saunas give your body the opportunity to release through the skin. In Chinese medicine this is also known as the "third kidney".

How often is it safe to use my Infrared Sauna?

Just like going for a run or any other form of exercise, it's very important that you and your body builds up a tolerance to the Sauna. Its recommended that you start with 3 sessions a week for just 15-20 minutes each session, at a low temperature of around 35°c. Once your conditioned you can up the time, temperature and number of sessions. Many people enjoy sessions of up to 35 - 40 minutes on daily sessions.

Can anyone use an Infrared Sauna?

With just a few exceptions, this is a safe and enjoyable treatment for people of all ages. However, anyone with specific health conditions should consult their doctor before using. This includes those suffering from low blood pressure - although medical research has shown that infrared therapy is beneficial for training the cardiovascular system. Haemophiliacs and pregnant women - or those who think they may be pregnant - are advised not to use any form of heat treatment, including an infrared saunas.

Is the Infrared Sauna really effective for pain relief?

Relief from arthritic joints and lower back pain is a common benefit for many people. Research has also shown infrared therapy to effectively manage all manner of muscular and skeletal aches and pains. One of the main reasons for this is its ability to dilate the capillaries in areas associated with pains, allowing oxygen-rich blood to bathe the area and flush away metabolic waste that builds up and contributes to the pain, soreness and stiffness. Many people who have had trouble sleeping from pain and stress have found deep restful sleep.

How will using the Sauna benefit my skin?
 

Infrared heat helps develop the body¹s capillary network. This increases the blood circulation to your skins surface. Together with infrared heat¹s super cleaning effect, you will see a noticeable improvement in your skins texture, complexion and tone.

How does regular use of the Sauna reduce cellulite?

European beauty specialists regularly incorporate sessions in programmes to reduce cellulite. Because the radiant infrared heat penetrates three times as deeply as conventional saunas, it is significantly more effective at breaking down hard to move cellulite and promoting a more youthful, beautiful complexion.