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.

In recent years there has been considerable discussion and concern about the possible hazards of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Many doctors and medical experts are advising the avoidance of exposure levels of 3mG (Milli-Gauss) or higher. Electromagnetic fields are created when electric current flows, such as using a hair dryer, microwave or cell phone. Your brain even has its own EMF.

Many experts and public officials, as well as the few governments that have made an effort to offer public protection, have adopted the 3mG cut-off point. The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) has proposed a safety standard of 3mG. Sweden has also set a recommended safety limit of 3mG.

SaunaMed found that standard infrared emitters can emit high levels of EMR and carbon heaters give off much higher levels of Electro Magnetic Radiation. EMR Neutral infrared heaters by SaunaMed give off no EMR, the patent pending technology ensures that you are never exposed to high levels of EMR in the sauna, even when on the backrest. Thorough testing only picked up any sign of EMR when the sensor was touching the actual heater.

SaunaMed is one of the most widely accepted sauna brands used by doctors and other health care professionals. Residential users receive exactly the same product that healthcare professionals use in professional environments. That’s why we here at Aqualine only stock SaunaMed infrared saunas so can be sure you’re getting the best technology has to offer.

With the cold weather firmly upon us and no sign of a reprieve just yet, now is the perfect time to use your sauna to help stave off the seasonal cold and flu.
Scientists have recently confirmed the age-old notion that hot liquids can relieve cold and flu symptoms. But what about a dose of heat on a much larger scale say, in a sauna?

With temperatures of 55 Celsius or greater; infrared saunas have been recommended for arthritis, asthma and chronic fatigue amongst other ailments. Some reputed benefits have not been examined, but there is strong evidence that saunas help speed recovery from the common cold and flu as well as reducing their occurrence.

Some researchers suspect sauna heat reduces symptoms because it improves drainage, while others speculate that the high temperatures help weaken cold and flu viruses. Why this might prevent sickness in the first place, however, is unclear but research suggests a positive effect.

In a study by Austrian researchers a group of 50 adults were split into two groups and tracked for six months. One group was instructed to use saunas regularly; the other group abstained. At the end of the study the sauna group had contracted fewer colds.

“This was found particularly during the last three months of the study period, when the incidence was roughly halved compared to controls,” the scientists wrote.
If you’re considering purchasing a sauna this is just one of the many health benefits that they can offer. No matter what your requirements we at Aqualine can offer advice and products. You can use the contact us form or telephone our sales line for advice on which sauna is best for you.

Source
Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds.
Ernst E, Pecho E, Wirz P, Saradeth T.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Vienna, Austria.
New York Times

Are you interested in experimenting with essential oils and your sauna? If so then we’ve put together a little guide for you that will hopefully get you on your way to discovering this intriguing therapy.

The first recommendation would be to educate yourself. Put yourself in the hands of someone knowledgeable in the field, either locally, if possible, or if not, through the library and the Internet. Read everything you can about the oils and their effects, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

To start with, you can try a common oil such as lavender. Lavender essential oil is an antiseptic, and an antibacterial, anti fungal and anti-viral agent. It’s also one of the less expensive oils. A touch of lavender oil on the temples and back of the neck can ease a headache and a drop of  lavender can soothe and aide the healing of a minor burn.

To enjoy the therapeutic effects of any essential oil in the sauna, mix five drops of your chosen essential oil in one cup of water and add it to the aromatherapy dispenser.

Your nose is really your best guide to which oils will work best for you. Trust yourself, but also educate yourself on the safe and effective uses of the oils you select.

Below is a list of unpleasant emotions and the oils that can aide them.

Our SaunaMed Infrared Saunas are constructed using various 2 types of wood; Canadian Red Cedar and Canadian Hemlock, but why?

Besides the disparity in price, there are several other key differences that are important to understand and we encourage our customers to do the research and learn the differences for themselves. Since the farming of wood is such a huge part of the sauna it should play a part in any purchasing decision.

Canadian Hemlock wood does not give off toxins, under high temperatures, which pine and Sitka wood do. The wood in our saunas has a fine grain and virtually no knots, which eliminates the chances of splinting or any rough surfaces and gives a softer feel. Hemlock is known for its natural strength and durability; it is naturally resistant to decay therefore ideal for sauna uses. Its longevity is 300 -1000 years, most other woods average 200 years. Hemlock is commonly used for bridge timbers, house sills; the grain patterns are dramatically beautiful so it is prized as material for flooring, panelling and trim. Hemlock is a strong, safe, very attractive and has an even grained wood texture.

Canadian Cedar wood gives off a pleasant aroma that can also have a therapeutic effect, as shown by thousands of years of tradition. Cedar wood has been used throughout the ages by various races. The first documented use of cedar wood oil was by the Ancient Egyptians 2000-3000 years before Christ. They used cedar wood oil in the mummification process and also made the coffin from cedar wood. The Egyptians and the Greeks used cedar wood oil to ward off infections and as an ingredient used in cosmetics. They impregnated papyrus leaves with it to repel insects.

Early Europeans used cedar wood oil to help heal the sick and to prevent outbreaks of disease. The English herbalists Nicholas Culpepper, had observed that cedar wood was a remedy for heart failure, coughs, shortness of breath, tuberculosis and menstruation. American Indians seemed to have used cedar wood oil for almost any health condition. When used for burning, cedar wood strengthens and harmonises, while the essential oil has a calming and soothing effect on nervous stress. The Indians used cedar wood for all respiratory problems as well as for arthritis, rashes and menstrual pain.

Below is a quick summary of the pro’s and con’s of each wood. We hope that this information will be of use to you and aid you in your choice. Don’t forget if you’re still not sure which wood would be right for you give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.

Hemlock Wood Saunas

Light colour wood
Wood comes from the Canadian hemlock tree
Lower in price
Slight natural wood aroma
Non-allergenic
Non-toxic

Cedar Wood Saunas

Dark colour
Wood from the Canadian cedar tree
Natural cedar aroma
May cause allergic reaction in sensitive persons
Non-toxic

Do you suffer from depression and mood imbalances? Recent studies on the Far Infrared Heat therapy have show significant benefits to people suffering with these symptoms. Those of us who live in locations where sunlight isn’t a year round commodity know how much the sun’s energy and lack thereof, affects ones moods. The associated symptoms have been attributed to a lack of light, but today scientists are realizing that other aspects of the sun’s electromagnetic wavelength might be just as beneficial.

Endorphins have long been attributed to mood and the body’s ability to fight depression. Athletes are very familiar with endorphins because they are what give them the workout “high” or uplifting mood swing one experiences when partaking in physical exercise. They also know the lows or depression that can follow when the body is deprived of exercise. When the body undergoes physical strain the brain releases endorphins in large quantities. These endorphins are carried throughout the body through the blood stream where they stay for hours providing an uplifted mood and happier outlook. Far Infrared heat therapy has been documented to boost the body’s endorphins just as if it were exercising. When meditation is added to the sauna session the body can achieve many other documented health benefits, including mental wellbeing, fighting depression and maintaining a healthy physical and mental balance.

One recent study at the Kagoshima University Hospital in Japan observed twenty-eight mildly depressed patients with general fatigue,  appetite loss, and somatic and mental complaints were randomly assigned to a thermal therapy group  or non-thermal therapy group.

Patients in the thermal therapy group were treated in a Far Infrared ray dry sauna for 15 minutes at a temperature of 60°C and were then kept at bed rest with a blanket for 30 minutes once a day, 5 days a week for a total of 20 sessions in 4 weeks.

The results of the study demonstrated a significant improvement in patients suffering from somatic, hunger and relaxation complaints. Mental complaints also slightly improved in the thermal therapy group compared to the non-thermal therapy group. A significant increase in calorie intake was also witnessed in the thermal therapy.

If you suffer from depression or are affected by low light levels then sauna therapy using one of our Far Infrared Saunas could aid your recovery.

Sources: Psychosomatic Medicine, Respiratory and Stress Care Center, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan (A.M.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki University, Miyazaki, Japan (M.N.); and Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Metabolic Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan (T.K., S.M., C.T.).

It costs only a few pence to use your sauna for 30 minutes, but did you know that in that 30 minutes you could burn up to 300 calories? How? Well it’s actually quite simple.

As the body works to cool itself, there is a substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate.

Many of us who run do so to place a demand on our cardiovascular system, not to build big leg muscles.  Regular use of an sauna imparts a similar stress on the cardiovascular system, and its regular use may be as effective as regular exercise.

A moderately conditioned person can sweat off 250 grams of sweat. While the weight of the water lost can be regained by rehydration with water, the calories will not be.

The heart receives a workout similar to a 6-mile run in a 20-30 minute Far Infrared sauna session and the body perspires the same amount as a 6-mile run. Infrared saunas are perfect for those that do not have time for regular exercise or suffer from injuries that inhibit rigorous activity.

We recommend using an infrared sauna alongside regular exercise.

Sources:  Journal of the American Medical Association,  Department of Internal Medicine and University of Oulu, Finland, Division of Cardiology, Washington Hospital Center, Washington D.C.