health

Saunas have been gaining popularity in the last several years as North Americans take a cue from the Finnish and are reaping the many health benefits of saunas. Whether you want to buy an infrared sauna or a traditional hot rock steam sauna, there are many different options available to you. Saunas continue to adapt and evolve with new designs and trends popping up across the nation. Here are some trends we are seeing in the sauna industry:

• The top trend that continues to evolve with saunas is design. People are beginning to customize sauna kits to fit their taste and style, as well as to suit the overall feel and design of their home's interior. The individualization of the sauna includes using environmentally friendly materials (for the eco-friendly) or the use of exotic stones (for the discerning).
• This year has also brought in the awareness of the benefits of aromas. The use of fragrance or essential oils allows users to personalize their sauna experience for a particular time of day or atmosphere. Citrus scents in the morning help you wake up and prepare for the day, while lavender relaxes you after a day of stress.
• LED technology changes the use of lights, allowing for an even more serene sauna experience. The use of a “starry sky” or new illuminated elements allows you to personalize the sauna or add new lighting elements to make the experience one to remember.
• A future trend sauna users should be on the lookout for is control technology. The introduction of a sauna remote that can be used in multiple locations may allow sauna users to heat up their sauna in the basement from the comfort of their office upstairs. Users may also be able to program the sauna to begin heating up at a certain time during the day--like 10 minutes before lunch--so it is ready for your lunch break.

Personalization of your sauna is now more possible than ever, with multiple options that make your new sauna fit right into your home and lifestyle. Contact SaunasAndStuff.com to discuss our many available sauna products to find the best one for you.

For every article about the health benefits of saunas, it seems as if there's one about the alleged health risks of saunas, too. It can be difficult to know which bits you need to remember in order to get the best and safest use from your sauna.

At www.SaunasAndStuff.com, we would like to help simplify the health risks of saunas and give you some facts about the risks:

• Cooling down is just as important as the heating process during your sauna session. Take a few moments after exiting the sauna before taking a plunge in a cold pool or shower. After your session you can turn the sauna off, open the door slightly, and allow your body to cool down for 10 minutes. Shivering afterward is an involuntary response of your body trying to warm itself back up. You may want to re-enter the sauna and allow your body to cool longer afterward. If you ever feel sick after using the sauna, try lowering the temperature and doing a warmer, longer cool down. Sleep disturbances can also occur if your body is not cooled properly, so give yourself sufficient time to cool down after using the sauna.
• Prolonged stays in the sauna can lead to the loss of electrolytes from the body, similar to what happens to your body after rigorous exercise. Heat stroke can occur if you do not hydrate sufficiently. Always drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after using the sauna. Using the sauna during alcohol withdrawal or while hungover can also cause dehydration, so it is not recommended to use the sauna after a night of drinking.
• Ease yourself into regular sauna use slowly to lower any potential risks. Start with short intervals once or twice a week, and work up from there. Always remember: if at any time during your sauna session you feel dizzy, sleepy, or any discomfort, exit the sauna immediately.

Saunas have many health benefits and correct use will help eliminate any risks associated with them. Please submit any additional questions to www.SaunasAndStuff.com to answer. We encourage using saunas safely to maximize the health benefits!

You finally made the best decision of your life … to get your own sauna. Good for you! The relaxation and major health benefits of infrared saunas are amazing. Once you get the sauna and set it up in your house, you might wonder how to use it and how to take full advantage of the benefits of your sauna sessions. SaunasAndStuff.com is here to help.

• Always remember to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your sauna sessions. Drinking plenty of water afterwards will help your body eliminate all of the toxins from the sauna session.
• Heat the sauna to the desired temperature. You will want to do this up to 30 minutes before you plan to use it so it is warm and ready when you are. The most common temperatures for beginners are in the range of 110° F to 118° F. You can experiment to find out what is most comfortable for you.
• Some people enjoy working out prior to using the sauna to get their blood flowing. If you exercise prior to using the sauna, monitor your body temperature to make sure you do not overheat, since you will already be warm prior to entering.
• You can start with one or two sauna sessions per week and work up from there. Your initial sessions should be 15 to 20 minutes, then gradually increase this time with future sessions as desired.
• Wear as little clothing as possible to get the best infrared sauna benefits and to feel the most comfortable. If using an infrared sauna, remember that infrared rays have difficulty penetrating clothing. You should take two towels in the sauna: one to sit on and one to wipe away sweat.
• Use your sauna session to relax, meditate, and escape. Relieving stress and tension is one of the sauna’s major benefits! You can massage areas of your body that ache to relieve sore and tense muscles. From time to time throughout the session, wipe off excess perspiration to allow for more intense sweating.
• If at any time during your sauna session you feel dizzy, sleepy, or uncomfortable in any way, exit the sauna immediately.
• After your sauna session is complete, turn off the power and sit in the sauna with the door opened slightly for about 10 minutes to allow your body cool down.
• Shower to cleanse the toxins from your skin. Ideally, wait 15 to 20 minutes before taking a warm shower in order to fully cool down and finish sweating.

Saunas are a great way to relax and de-stress, and they offer many health benefits as well! Saunas And Stuff offers a wide selection of saunas--choose the sauna of your dreams today and get started on a healthier, more relaxed life!

Many sauna users are unfamiliar with infrared saunas, and may not know about the health benefits this type of sauna can provide. Here are just a few:

Lower Blood Pressure
Infrared saunas differ from normal saunas in that they make the same rays that come from the sun without the UV radiation, leaving only the infrared rays. These rays are then lightly absorbed into the skin. The reason heating the body is important is that it is shown that people who take saunas a couple of times per week actually lower their blood pressure. The infrared sauna environment is also a more comfortable temperature than sitting in a heated traditional sauna environment. These saunas excel due to the fact that they do not hurt your lungs if you take a deep breath.

Detoxification
We speak about the benefits infrared saunas have on detoxification in our Sauna FAQ. The main thing we want to stress is to wash your skin once you exit the sauna to get the toxins off your skin and refresh your system.

Weight Loss
We also mentioned the benefits of weight loss that come from using an infrared sauna in our Sauna FAQ. It increases blood circulation, makes your heart beat faster, and helps you to burn more calories. Hats off to burning calories!

Extend Your Life
A major benefit of infrared saunas is helping to extend your life. Medical researchers have long reported on the health benefits of infrared sauna therapy. It helps support those who suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even autism. The circulatory and blood pressure lowering benefits are a major plus! Infrared saunas also help to extend your life, and the overall quality of your life, by aiding in relaxation. With all the stress experienced in today's fast-paced life, saunas help you take a moment and fully relax.

In 2013, if you want to help your health and quality of life, visit your sauna for relaxation, losing weight, detoxifying, and lowering blood pressure. Visit www.SaunasAndStuff.com to see the many different types of saunas and infrared sauna kits we offer.

What are these infrared saunas? How do they differ from traditional saunas, and how can they benefit your health? How do you use one? Let's answer a few of those questions, and then you can browse our infrared sauna products:

1 – Not as Hot and Heavy
Have you seen scenes of saunas or steam rooms in movies or on television? People sitting in a haze of steam and heat, sweating and looking like they've been broiled? Traditional saunas heat the air, but infrared saunas use infrared radiant heat that heats the body on contact, but leaves the air at its ambient temperature. This makes it easier to stay in the sauna longer.

2 – Detoxification
The human body comes into contact with toxins on a daily basis from breathing and eating. Infrared saunas help eliminate some of these toxins. Body cells laden with toxins do not acclimate to heat as well as healthy cells, so the usage of an infrared sauna facilitates the eradication of the toxic cells.

3 – Replenish
Replenish your body with water and fruit after infrared sauna usage. Your body loses some minerals during the sauna process, and mineral water and fruit help recharge the body. Also, it is good to add some sea salt to your diet due to the loss of salt through sweating.

4 – All Things in Moderation
Using an infrared sauna regularly can benefit one’s health, but too much of a good thing is possible. It is encouraged not to exceed sauna usage for more than 30 minutes at a time. Though the process is very beneficial, excessive use can have a damaging effect. In addition, it is best to check with your general physician before engaging in regular use of an infrared sauna. It is also best to limit sauna use if pregnant, ill, injured, or fasting.

Some Like it Hot – Health Benefits of Saunas Source: Kaiser Permanente