Aqualine Saunas is pleased to announce new partnerships with Scandia and Effegibi. Both of these manufacturers are renowned for supplying top quality saunas, steam rooms, heaters and accessories. Below is a little information on each of the brands.

Scandia

Scandia saunas, steam rooms and equipment are all manufactured in the US. As a leading sauna brand in the US it can be found in many of Americas leading health clubs and wellness centres such as LA Fitness and Golds Gym.

At Scandia, the adherence to their corporate mission …”to improve the quality of life and health through innovation”…identifies a clear sense of purpose for the more than 200 Scandia associates and business partners around the world.

Continued success springs from a clear sense of purpose and a corporate culture which promotes:
*Leaning on Technology, combining tradition with technology to create new products, new markets and new niches within existing markets.

*Maintaining a single high standard of quality in all products and services to ensure all customers and Scandia partners benefit from the Scandia relationship.

*Continually reinvesting Scandia’s earnings in greater efficiencies in production and operations. These principles have been powerful in driving the long-term success and character of Scandia. Scandia attracts and pursues partners who share the same principles, therefore assuring that every end customer is given the highest quality products and service.

The Importance of Craftsmanship

Scandia’s accomplishments are also the direct result of a dedicated workforce of energetic, creative, service-minded individuals. Scandia is progressive while understanding the importance of artistry and craftsmanship. Pride of work and attention to detail is evident in everything they do.

Effegibi

Effegibi, a leading company in the production and sale of Finnish saunas and Turkish baths, for your home, is synonymous of quality, tradition, design and innovation for saunas and Turkish baths aimed at contemporary well-being for domestic use. Effegibi, which has been producing Finnish saunas and hammams since 1987, is a leading company in Italy in the sales of home saunas. Effegibi produces: design saunas and hammams for Turkish baths to help you enjoy the well being typical of Finnish saunas in the intimacy of your home.

If you’d like to order a Effegibi sauna or steam bath please contact us for prices.

We will be adding all the products to our site over the coming months so be sure to check back regularly and see what’s new.

I can’t quite believe how quickly time flies! It feels like only yesterday that we were all eagerly anticipating 2011.

Before we all head off for a well deserved break, we want to say a massive thank you to all of our customers for your support throughout the past year.

It has been a busy but enthralling year here at Aqualine. We’ve seen the launch of the new Lumina and Signature infrared sauna range by SaunaMed and expanded our partnerships with manufactures such as Harvia, Scandia and Effegibi.

The next 12 months are going to see some exciting changes and additions to world of saunas and as always we’ll work tirelessly here at Aqualine to bring these new products to you.

Acting on customer feedback has always been part of our ethos as we strive to bring you the best products and value for money.

We value all your contributions and we really do appreciate the effort many of you go to, be it writing reviews or supplying images and videos of your new saunas and steam rooms.

As it’s Christmas, our team will be taking some time off so we’ll be away from the office until Wednesday 28th December. If you do have any queries in the mean time please drop us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible on our return.

So until then, have a very merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.

The world of steam rooms can be a confusing place with so many options to choose from and not much information on the benefits of this particular therapy.

The benefits of the steam room have been known for hundreds of years with millions of people increasing their sense of well being and improving their overall health with the use of steam.

Steam rooms are commonly found in gyms, health clubs and spas but more recently people are beginning to install them in their homes. Thanks to the innovative specialists at SaunaMed you can now have your own personal steam enclosure at an affordable price.

Packed with additional features such as an aromatherapy tray, coloured lighting system and FM radio with speaker you can take your home relaxation to the next level.

So what about the benefits of a steam room or shower and the effects it has on the body?

A steam room induces hyperthermia, a condition in which your body’s core temperature rises above 37.2°C. This is akin to having a fever. As a virus can only survive within a very narrow temperature range the use of steam room will either kill the virus or stunt its multiplication.

As your body temperature increases your body’s 2 millions sweat glands begin to perspire. Perspiration is one of only 4 ways your body has of riding toxins that build up inside you. A typical steam room session will see your body lose up to 30% of its toxins. As recent medical studies show that most modern day cancers are caused by poor diet and the industrial chemicals, a steam room is a very beneficial addition to the home.

Another effect of the steam is an increased heart rate along with increased blood flow to the capillaries. This helps to rejuvenate the skin as the amount of oxygen and beneficial vitamins received are increased.

For most people who suffer with asthma and allergies a steam room is very beneficial. The inhalation of the heated, moist air opens airways and increases moisture production which reduces respiratory resistance.

Essential oils can also be added to the steam water when using a SaunaMed steam room. Oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint are very beneficial for inhibiting bacterial growth while relieving congestion in the sinuses and upper respiratory system.

Finally and perhaps the most important benefit to help offset the effects of modern living is the stress reduction and muscle relaxation that is achieved by using a steam room. The heat produced causes the muscles to relax, allowing blood vessels to soften and expand. The blood can then bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles which help the body and mind to fully relax.

Aqualine stock a full range of steam rooms from all the leading steam room manufactures so head over to Steam Rooms and take a look.

The FIA (Fitness Industry Association) is the trade body which represents every reputable organisation in the health and fitness industry. They currently represent over 2800 operators in the public and private sectors, as well as 250 supplier organisations. These organisations have to adhere to the FIA Code of Practice.

The FIA have recognised that infrared saunas can be used as part of healthy lifestyle and here at Aqualine Saunas we’re delighted to be FIA approved.

A 30 minute sauna session can burn up to 300 calories and any of the Aqualine infrared saunas will provide this benefit.

You can easily produce up to half a litre of sweat during a 30 minute infrared session. This is the equivalent of 300 Kcal, and all you have to do is sit and relax.

Anyone being used to the heat in a sauna could easily burn 600 to 800 Kcal and you will lose weight much easier than in a traditional sauna.

However it’s not recommended that you use the sauna as a sole fitness tool. It’s important that you work your muscular and cardiovascular systems to maintain a good base level of fitness.

The FIA has an excellent website to help you locate FIA approved members. And why not see how healthy you are by completing a questionnaire here.

If you want to know more on the many health benefits infrared saunas can offer head over to our FAQ section or contact us via email with any of the questions you may have.

Home saunas can be installed in your home, an out building or they can be a complete stand-alone unit.

Do You Want an Indoor or Outdoor Sauna?

If you have enough room inside your home, you can assemble an infrared sauna indoors. Maybe you have an extra room that’s being used as a home gym? An infrared sauna will make an excellent addition to your family gym. If you are fortunate enough to have a very large bathroom with some extra space consider installing a sauna. In or around a bathing/showering area would be a logical choice because you must rinse off in a shower after exiting the sauna. If you have no space inside or prefer the outdoors, consider adding a home sauna specifically designed for outdoor use. Keep in mind that outdoor saunas are treated and constructed in a different manner to an indoor infrared sauna. If you wish to an infrared sauna outside it needs to be placed in an out building such as a garage, cabin or any other garden shelter that would protect the sauna from the elements.

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to set up an infrared sauna in your home, opt for a flat-pack sauna. This type of home sauna arrives in panel form with detailed instructions, so you can easily assemble it yourself. To install the sauna, you’ll simply piece the sides together using slots, install the roof and bench. These saunas are manufactured in various sizes and shapes to fit your tastes and room size requirements. Aqualine Saunas offers two different types of wood cedar and hemlock. Cedar wood is often preferable because it is durable, resistant to decay, aromatic and can withstand harsh weather conditions (this is why most outside saunas are cedar). Cedar wood is also pleasing to the eye, providing added beauty for your home.

Opting for a pre-built outdoor sauna does limit your choice somewhat in terms of design although your choice of wood is greater. The units come flat packed and are self assembled, but construction is a little more difficult than that of an infrared sauna. You also have the option of selecting a wood burning stove for that authentic sauna experience.

Your final option is to build your own home sauna using materials from various manufacturers. This affords you the greatest freedom as you can make your home sauna any shape and use any type of wood. It’s likely to be an expensive venture though and you have to ensure that you’re a confident DIY-er if you don’t want to employ a carpenter. You can even source stand alone infrared sauna heaters if you don’t want a traditional steam sauna. These come at a premium however and need to be perfectly placed if you want to get the most from your home sauna experience.

Aqualine stock a range of home and commercial saunas that may suit your needs so please browse our website for inspiration. You can always ask us if you are unsure, with no obligation to purchase.

Much like anything that is used – be it a car or a living room — a sauna needs cleaning from time to time. Not only for the look of the sauna, but for health reasons also. An unclean sauna can be very dangerous to the health of those who are using it. Because of the high heat conditions of the sauna, it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Making sure that you keep your sauna clean will help to lower the amount of these harmful germs.

Benches and walls can collect the same amount of debris as floors, as you spend most of your time seated and leaning against a wall or lying down in saunas. When these areas are being cleaned, a mild detergent and water solution should be used. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood and should not be used. When cleaning a sauna, pay special attention to the areas most frequently touched: controls and switches, door handles, and benches. Make sure you wipe away all soap residue, but do not use too much water, which can damage the sauna’s wood.

It is a good habit to use a disinfecting spray periodically. This spray should be used on a more frequent basis than when you are cleaning the sauna. For example, you might only clean the sauna once a month or so. However, you should spray disinfectant at least once a week, if you use the sauna that often.

You can mop the floor with a mild soap or detergent depending on the material that is used on the floor. Mop the floor in a way that is similar to what you would do for other floors.

Avoid the urge to use a hose to spray the sauna as this will often cause more damage than good.

Athletes today enjoy greater technological advances that they can apply to their training and recovery programs than ever before. Research and medicine have evolved greatly, and athletes who take advantage of the best and latest tools, products and systems can see great returns in terms of their body and their performance. One such tool which has seen a huge increase in usage is the infrared sauna. Infrared saunas provide range of benefits, and most importantly, can significantly reduce injury recovery times.

Injury recovery times can vary greatly, depending of course on the type of injury sustained. A pulled muscle might take a few days to heal, while a torn muscle or ligament can take months. This of course removes the athlete from action, and limits their effectiveness and capability. Any method that can effectively reduce healing time should be carefully examined and utilised, and that’s what infrared saunas for athletes are all about.

In the past, the options for dealing with injuries were pretty limited. Typically you can treat the symptoms of the injury such as pain, but recovery time wasn’t cut whatsoever. Surgical procedures could be performed for bad injuries, and those come with their own long rehabilitation programs. Physical therapy can also be performed, but that’s an ongoing process, and one which cannot always be effectively applied.

The solution is to go back to something more natural and basic. When in doubt, a natural mode of healing and recovery is always preferable, and that’s what infrared saunas for athletes can do. It has been well documented that radiant heat is an excellent means for treating injuries ranging from sprains and strains to pulls, tears, muscle spasms and more.

So what makes radiant heat so effective, and how is it different from other kinds of heat?
Infrared saunas utilise that special form of heat transfer known as radiant heat or radiation, mentioned above. When being heated through radiation, the surrounding air doesn’t have to get hotter for the user to get hot. Instead, infrared or radiant heat directly heats the body. The heat therefore doesn’t just come into contact with the outside of the body; it actually penetrates the body’s tissues.

Joints, muscles, tissues and everything else actually receives this radiant heat directly. What this does is increases the flow of both oxygen and blood to the body or targeted area. It also relieves tension and relaxes the muscles, reducing soreness on nerves and in muscle spasms, and allows the body to heal itself more efficiently. The body will feel instantly better, but more importantly will be able to heal itself much more rapidly, efficiently and successfully.

All of this provides the body with great and profound therapeutic benefits. It’s not all conjecture either, it’s backed by some of the leading researchers in the fields of sports medicine. One expert in the field, Dr. Jeffrey Spencer, who has a Master’s in Sports Science from the University of Southern California, notes that infrared saunas for athletes increases blood flow to muscles, delivers more concentrated oxygen to the muscles and in turn creates more energy and capacity for the body to heal itself.
If you’re an athlete today, it’s time to catch up with the latest treatments so that you can perform at your best and recover more successfully, and in less time.

Infrared saunas are going to be a big feature at the London 2012 Olympic Games. This article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/8404631/London-2012-Olympics-Oscar-Pistorius-reveals-how-he-has-changed-body-to-make-Games-qualifying-time.html from The Telegraph details how a sauna has helped Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius improve his fitness and performance is preparation for the competition.

Let’s talk about the difference between a sauna and a steam room and which one is potentially better.

Even though they’re both basically hot baths, a sauna uses dry heat and a steam room uses moist heat. Saunas have very low humidity, which means they can be much hotter than steam rooms. They’re usually between 80°C and 100°C, which is perfectly safe because they use dry heat.

A steam room on the other hand is usually about 40°C any hotter than that it could scald your skin. Steam rooms are heated with a steam generator where the steam is fed into an almost airtight room where it builds up to create a humidity level around 100%.

The construction material also differs. Saunas are usually made of wood and include wooden benches to sit on where as steam rooms need to be designed to contain the moisture created by the steam. A material like ceramic tile is often used and more recently some plastics. Steam rooms are also built with a slanted or concave ceiling most of the time to prevent moisture build-up from dripping onto the bathers.

But which one is better? This one is really a matter of personal preference, although some experts do favour one over the other but taking one or the other is better than neither.

Infrared saunas and steam baths both have therapeutic benefits.

They’re all good for the following:
• improving blood circulation
• easing muscle tension
• promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being
• enhancing detoxification processes

Steam rooms will feel warmer than an infrared sauna because when you perspire the sweat doesn’t evaporate and carry away the heat.
If you have a respiratory ailment such as asthma or sinus congestion you may prefer the moisture present in the steam bath. Steam inhalation is very effective against bronchitis, sinusitis and other allergies.

The next time you are suffering with a cold bend over a steaming hot pot of water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam and direct it toward the face. You’ll feel the benefit immediately. With a steam room the effect is increased considerably.

Moving onto maintenance both are relatively easy and trouble free. A steam room can be washed with a ceramic tile cleaner, and the steam generator will require periodic draining.

The floor of a wood sauna should be cleaned once a week to once a month with a mild detergent to prevent or rotting and staining.

So there you have it; it really is a matter of personal preference. We here at Aqualine stock both infrared saunas and steam rooms so please feel free to browse the site. If you have any question you can comment on this blog post or contact us by phone or email.

We have recently received a video testimonial from one of our customers based in the south of France. It’s always nice to hear good things about our products and even better if we have images and videos to share. Thank you John and Dana!

Reviews are an important part of showing people how good a product is and definitely help potential buyers to better understand what they are about to invest in. There is no better reviewer than a customer who has used a product and is fully aware of its features and benefits.

We are often asked if a certain sauna would compliment or just ‘look right’ with certain decor. If any of our customers wish to contribute it would be fantastic to see some images of your sauna set ups; or even a video if you’re feeling as confident as John and Dana. We are grateful for all the feedback we receive.

You can view the video testimonial at the bottom of this article and head over to our testimonials page to see what other customers had to say about a SaunaMed infrared sauna.

As numerous research articles have discovered, using an infrared sauna has helped countless people who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and many other physical ailments. And while the condition known as Raynaud’s disease has perhaps not received as much attention as those previously mentioned, credible sources are suggesting that the use of an infrared sauna can benefit its sufferers as well. As a suffer of Raynaud’s myself this is something that I can relate to.

Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs when the extremities of the body, usually the fingers and toes, change colour and may become painful. It is due to a narrowing (constriction) of the small blood vessels on exposure to the cold, or to a change in temperature, or to emotional stress. In most cases, the cause is not known. In some cases, it is a symptom of an underlying condition such as scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. The main treatment is to keep warm or drugs to open up the blood vessels are used in severe cases.

As for how a sauna can help people who suffer from Raynaud’s, as well as those who wish to avoid such suffering, both the traditional Finnish sauna and the infrared sauna offer health benefits that are very relevant to this topic. For example, during a session in either type of sauna, the users heart responds to the sauna heat by increasing blood flow and perspiration production to cool the body. In this way, sauna bathing is a form of cardiovascular exercise.

Perspiring in a sauna, especially an infrared sauna, also helps the body rid itself of harmful toxins that have built up over time. With experts having already drawn the connection between nicotine, secondhand smoke and Raynaud’s, this benefit is certainly noteworthy.

As anyone who has stepped into a sauna seeking relief from muscle aches should already know sauna bathing also offers a proven way to alleviate pain. A clinical study conducted at Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Science Centers at the University of Toronto confirmed that far infrared therapy can bring about significant improvements in both subjective measures of pain and discomfort associated with Raynaud’s disease.

Lastly, sauna bathing fosters relaxation and stress relief. To those Raynaud’s sufferers whose attacks are caused by emotional stress, as well as to the innumerable Raynaud’s sufferers whose emotional stress is understandably caused by their attacks, this news is likely very welcome.

If you think you may be suffering from Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s phenomenon, be sure to discuss your concerns with your General Practitioner. Meanwhile, you’d be wise to investigate the many ways a home sauna, be it a traditional Finnish sauna or a far infrared sauna, can improve your health and happiness.