Here's Why To Start Using Sauna!

Contact SoCal Sauna at 951-741-1048 and please visit our website at www.socalsauna.com for a NO COST consultation to make sure you get the right sauna!

The sauna can seem like an enigma to someone who’s never experienced it before. I mean, when you think about it, a hot box with half-naked (or fully naked) people dripping in sweat is a little strange. I was skeptical of its usefulness until I entered one for the first time a year ago—and I’ve been addicted ever since. Why? Because I experienced the benefits. From relieving pesky back pain to giving you flawless skin, saunas can do wonders for your health—here’s how.

Poof—Pain Is Gone

One of the best times to use the sauna is after a tough workout. Mario Sarno, fitness director at Rittenhouse Square Fitness Club, says that a sauna session can help relax and loosen muscles to prevent soreness, as well as alleviate deep muscle pain and achy joints. The heat causes your body temperature to rise, which then forces blood vessels to dilate. The increased blood circulation accelerates the body's natural healing process, which is why you won't feel so beaten up the next day. You can save time by completing your stretches while in the sauna, although Sarno says it doesn't matter if you stretch before or afterward. "There's no one set of rules, it's up to an individual person's preference," he says. Sauna sessions get your body ready for the next workout sooner and can help prevent injuries, so they're especially useful if you're attempting new exercises or augmenting your training program.

Sweat for Your Skin

There's a reason why the sauna is sometimes referred to as a sweat bath. Each session cleanses your skin through deep sweating by rinsing out bacteria and replacing dead skin cells, resulting in a healthy glow after use. Danuta Mieloch, owner of Rescue Rittenhouse Spa in Center City, says heat opens up pores and softens the skin.

"Heat speeds up circulation, and any time the skin's circulation is improved, color and texture are improved, as well," Mieloch says. She adds that sauna use can be an excellent way to clear up acne but advises going in sans makeup because products could clog pores as your skin tries to sweat. Using the sauna is especially great in the winter, since your skin doesn't have as much opportunity for increased circulation in the cold weather.

Body and Mind

The sauna's health benefits extend beyond muscle and skin care. According to this study, regular sauna sessions can help people suffering from hypertension and congestive heart failure, and can be useful in care after heart attacks. Of course, you'll want to consult your doctor before beginning regular sauna sessions if you have a health condition.

Don't forget about the sauna's mental benefits, too. The high temperatures cause your brain to release feel-good endorphins, and the atmosphere provides a place to de-stress and relax.

Advice for Sauna Use

Before you start soaking up the heat, you'll want to take several precautions. Sarno says to make sure that you drink plenty of water to replenish all the fluid lost, especially since you might already be a little dehydrated post-workout. Don't use a sauna as a weight-loss tool, since the water weight will be replaced as soon as you drink or eat something. While saunas do raise your metabolic rate for a short period of time because your body is working hard to cool down, diet and exercise are more important for healthy, long-term weight loss.

The first time you try out the sauna, aim for staying in for about five to ten minutes. When you begin building a tolerance for the heat, you can work yourself up to safely staying in there for half an hour. Of course, you should listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or faint after fifteen minutes, take a break. Everyone's different.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your water bottle, and plant yourself in that little dark room. I promise—it's totally worth it.

Written by: Julianne Mele

Traditional vs Far-Infrared Sauna

Contact SoCal Sauna at 951-741-1048 and please visit our website at www.socalsauna.com for a NO COST consultation to make sure you get the right sauna! 

Traditional vs Far-Infrared Sauna - Comparison and contrast -by Craig Lahti

If you are interested in heat bathing, you have probably read many articles regarding the health benefits of traditional sauna, far-infrared sauna, and steam baths. Today, we are going to look at the biggest debate, which is between traditional sauna and far-infrared sauna.


To begin: "The sauna you will use the most is the best sauna.” Thus, this article is not to address the question of "What’s better—Traditional Sauna or Far-Infrared Sauna?” Rather, we’ll explore the differences between the sauna types and why you might prefer one over the other.


If you enjoy steam in the sauna, higher temperatures and a more social environment, then traditional sauna may be the best sauna for you. If you prefer lower temperatures but with body-penetrating heat, far-infrared sauna may be your best sauna choice.


First, let us look at the similarities of the rooms and the shared benefits. The goal of sauna bathing varies by person, but let’s assume your general goal is to enjoy the benefits of heat bathing: relaxation and stress reduction, sweating (with the associated detoxification) and relieving aches and pains. Both sauna types provide these benefits, although the conditions under which the benefits are achieved are quite different.


The benefits of heat bathing have much to do with the sauna creating a self-induced fever. As Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine observed, "Give me fever and I can cure every disease.” While this statement is hyperbole, it does point to the healing power of an increased body temperature.


Both sauna types will be relatively dry. The far-infrared rooms tends to be close to normal house humidity levels unless it has been on for extended periods of time. The traditional sauna will be drier (10% or lower) until water is sprinkled over the rocks. The traditional sauna is the only bath in the world where the user controls both temperature and humidity, with humidity controlled to user liking by how much water is thrown on the rocks. In far-infrared saunas you control the temperature, but the humidity is whatever it is


While perspiring in either sauna, you will experience deep relaxation, sore muscles are loosened, and aching joints will likely feel relief. The process of perspiration burns some calories, though the amount of calories burned is debatable and is dependent upon the individual. Most of the weight lost in a sauna is water loss and is re-gained upon rehydrating. However, without a doubt sauna can be an important part of a healthy weight loss program.


To look at the differences between traditional and IR saunas, I will separate these into verifiable, theoretical, and fabricated differences. The verifiable differences are temperature, method of heat, heat-up time, amount of energy used for typical sized room, and the social experience.


The temperature for a traditional sauna typically ranges between 150 and 185º F. In the United States, Underwriters Laboratory (UL) dictates that the maximum temperature at ceiling level is 194º F (90º C). Thus, the hottest point in the sauna—which is at the ceiling directly above the sauna heater—is typically between 185 and 190º F. Claims that a traditional sauna exceeds 200º F is simply not true and not applicable for electric saunas sold in the US.





The temperature for a far-infrared sauna is usually set between 120 and 140º F; however, unlike the traditional sauna, the goal in and IR room is not to achieve a high temperature. Instead, in a far-infrared room, the bather wants the emitters to remain active because infrared energy is only being emitted (therefore providing the benefit of the deep penetrating infrared heat) when the emitters are on. Because of this, the temperature difference is almost irrelevant, since profuse sweating results in both sauna types, but the method of heating the body is different. In an IR sauna the bather will feel hot and will sweat profusely, but at much lower temperatures. Thus, if the goal is to spend longer periods of time in the sauna, the IR sauna is a good choice.





In a traditional sauna, perspiration is achieved when the bather enters a heated room. When a traditional sauna has been properly heated, the sauna walls are warm, the air temperature has achieved set temperature and the rocks are super heated. As an interesting side note, the heated walls and the rocks are emitting far-infrared heat, combined with the heated air, to create an "enveloping heat”. The process for heating the room most often involves an electric heater that heats a compartment of stones, which then radiate the heat throughout the room. When the high temperature is achieved, the elements cycle on and off to maintain the high temperature. Most traditional sauna users enjoy pouring water over the rocks to create steam to raise sauna humidity levels. The benefits of pouring water over the rocks include: making the room more comfortable, moistening the nasal passages, and allowing the use of aromatherapy by mixing essential oils with the water.


There is an on-going worldwide trend with traditional sauna bathing for "lower temperatures and higher humidity”—the so-called "soft sauna”.


In a far-infrared sauna, the heat waves penetrate the body to effectively heat the body and raise the body core temperature. To achieve this increased temperature, Far-infrared emitters create infrared energy which is close to the same wavelength as that which the body naturally emits—often referred to as the "Vital Range” of 7 to 14 microns), so the energy is well received by the body. The infrared energy deeply penetrates the skin and warms the muscles and joints. When the energy enters the body, it causes the body temperature to increase and ultimately results in perspiration. In an infrared sauna it’s important for the emitters/heaters to remain on almost constantly. Since there is no mass of rocks to retain heat, the sauna will cool if the emitters shut off. Thus, even though most of the energy is turned into efficient infrared energy, IR saunas are designed for almost continuous operation of the infrared emitters. As mentioned above, the sauna bather in an infrared room wants to position himself in front of operating emitters to get maximum benefit from the heat.





The heating time for the two rooms can be very different, depending on how the rooms are used. For a traditional sauna, a bather should allow 30-40 minutes for the room to achieve a desired temperature and to properly pre-heat the rocks. This heating time is dependent upon the ambient temperature from which the room begins heating, the amount of insulation in the walls, and the ventilation provided in the room. A well constructed sauna will typically achieve a temperature of 150-160º F in about 30-40 minutes. For hotter temperatures, the room may need to heat for a longer period. Once the room achieves set temperature, the heater will cycle on and off, typically operating about 50% of the time. The insulated walls and the heated rocks will keep the room hot and at stable temperatures. Many sauna users enjoy staying in the sauna after the elements have timed out (a 60 minute timer is standard on all residential saunas).


For a Far-Infrared room, a person may begin bathing when the room is turned on, since the infrared energy is being emitted by the heaters; however, many bathers would prefer to wait until the room is 110º F or hotter. Over the weekend, I worked a trade show, and I turned our infrared sauna on with an ambient room temperature of 70º F degrees, and within 15 minutes, the room had exceeded 100º F . There are two schools of thought with how to use the room. To some, 15 minutes was "wasted” while the infrared energy heated the wood panels rather than heating a body, while others find a pre-heated room to be more comfortable and believe an elevated starting temperature is necessary to begin perspiring.


The length of recommended use for each room is approximately the same (10-15 minutes per session); however, due to the lower air temperatures and the ability to feel the effects of infrared heat faster than a traditional sauna, it is not uncommon for a person to spend a total of 20-30 minutes in an infrared sauna. There are many medical practitioners, especially in Canada, who prescribe 30 minute infrared sauna sessions for their patients. Regardless of which heat system is used, the bather must closely monitor how he feels while using the room, and he must be sure to drink plenty of water during the break between sessions.


From an economic and ecologic standpoint, energy use has become a more important factor in consumers’ decision making. Neither room will cause a substantial increase in a household electric bill, but I will compare one of the most common traditional sauna sizes to one of the most common infrared sauna sizes. Traditional saunas tend to be larger (hence use more electricity) than infrared saunas, although traditional saunas are certainly available in one and two person sizes as well.


For a two-person traditional sauna, 5x6 or 5x7 size is most popular. The top bench can comfortably seat two or three people and is also long enough to lie down during the sauna session. This room uses a 4.5 kW heater, 240 volt, 1 phase power; it draws 18.8 amps and requires a dedicated line and breaker. The average cost per kWH of electricity in the U.S. is approximately $0.11 (varies by region), so a 4.5 kW heater will cost approximately $.50 to run for one hour, if the heater runs continuously for one hour. Typically a sauna heater will run for 75% of the first hour and 50% of subsequent hours on since the elements cycle once the set temperature is achieved. Thus, a 4.5 kW heater will cost about $.37 the first hour and $.25 each subsequent hour of continuous use.





A two person far-infrared room is usually physically smaller than a traditional sauna, often about 4’ x 4’ or smaller. The IR heating system is typically 1.5-1.7 kW using a 120 volt 15 amp plug-in service. Since the room can be used sooner than a sauna room, we will assume the room is used for ½ to ¾ of an hour including heat up time. At $0.11 / kWH, a two person infrared room will cost $0.18 to run for 1 hour, but because the IR sauna most likely not on for a full hour, realistically the room will cost about $.10 per use.





Finally, there is a seldom discussed difference in the social experience between the two rooms. While our culture has lost some of the social benefit of the traditional sauna experience, it can be very socially rewarding. From family time in the sauna, to heart-felt conversations with significant others, to sauna parties—the traditional sauna experience can lead to intimate socializing. Traditional saunas are typically large enough to allow multiple people to enjoy the sauna for social time. Though a sauna session may only be 10-15 minutes at a time, when time allows the sauna can be used in multiple "innings”; the experience of heating the sauna, preparing to use the sauna, talking while in the sauna, and relaxing after the sauna can be very therapeutic and rewarding.


While it is possible to converse in an infrared room, due to the smaller room sizes and room design the typical experience of the infrared room is often more of a private escape. Most higher end infrared rooms include colored light therapy, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radios and in some cases TVs. The size of most rooms allow for 2 people to comfortably use the room, while some designs may allow for a 3rd or 4th person to use the room. Custom infrared rooms are available, but given the need to be in close proximity to the infrared emitters, the range of available sizes is not as great as a traditional sauna.


As you prepare to purchase your sauna, please keep an open mind to both experiences. If you cannot decide which is best for you, consider an InfraSauna which combines both traditional and far-infrared in one room—where the user decides what type of sauna he/she is in the mood for at "sauna time”.





When you research your purchase, carefully read relevant information; consider for yourself how you plan to use your sauna and what health benefits seems relevant. Carefully sort out claims by some manufacturers of superior health or safety benefits. The truth is, both types of saunas have the benefits of heat bathing. Your goal is to find a sauna that fits your wellness plan, your space available and your budget. As I stated in the beginning, "The sauna you will use the most is the best sauna.”

If you require further assistance in determining which room best meets your needs, contact SoCal Sauna for more information who carries BOTH traditional sauna and far-infrared sauna. Their interest is in meeting your needs rather than promoting and selling only one product. If you are using heat bathing as part of a recommended program by a doctor, ask your physician for her advice given your medical history. 

 

Contact SoCal Sauna at 951-741-1048 and please visit our website at www.socalsauna.com for a NO COST consultation to make sure you get the right sauna! 

5 Health Benefits of Sauna Use

If you’ve ever been in a sauna then you know first hand how rejuvenating and invigorating a good sweat can be. Sweating is a form of detoxification and there may be no better place to stimulate this process than in the sauna. Sauna therapy developed in the Scandinavian region, specifically Finland, and is used for bathing, improving ailments, and even as a setting for childbirth. To say the sauna is a foundational element of Finnish society would be an understatement, some even view it as a holy place and behave as they would in a church. It’s no wonder, more than just a place to feel good, the sweat inducing heat is also thought to balance many health problems including hypertension, fatigue, discomfort, and even certain cravings.

Many formal studies have set out to determine the health benefits of using a sauna and the outcomes have been very positive.

1. May Offer Fibromyalgia Symptom Support

The Department of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine at Japan’s Kagoshima University conducted a study comprised of 44 females who had fibromyalgia symptoms. Three days a week, the participants took part in daily sauna sessions combined with twice a week water exercise sessions. Researchers reported the combination of sauna therapy and water exercise improved the participants’ quality of life and fibromyalgia symptoms. ^[1]

2. Supports Your Heart

Some critics have unduly fingered the sauna as potentially being too stressful on the heart but, according to Finland’s UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, responsible sauna use is highly unlikely to cause any cardiac problems. ^[2] In fact, research orchestrated by the Cardiovascular and Prevention Centre at Quebec’s Université de Montréal found that exercise and sauna provided a 24 hour window of improvement of symptoms for persons with hypertension. ^[3] One word of caution, however, is advised before participating in the old tradition of jumping from the sauna into the snowbank as the immediate, extreme cooling can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

3. May Improve Endurance

A New Zealand study comprised of distance runners found that bathing increased run time to exhaustion by 32%. Additionally, plasma and red-cell volumes after sauna increased by 7.1% and 3.5%. Researchers concluded that the increased blood volume was likely the reason why post-exercise sauna bathing produced a significant enhancement of performance. ^[4]

4. May Reduce Incidence of the Cold

Austria’s University of Vienna designed an experiment to determine if sauna use impacted the incidence of developing the common cold. Over a 6 month period, a group that included 50 subjects total that were split two ways: 25 persons used the sauna, and 25 did not. At the end of the study, it was observed the sauna group had much less incidence of common cold than the control group and researchers concluded that regular sauna bathing may reduce the incidence of common colds. ^[5]

5. Assists Detoxification

Research has repeatedly shown that sweating in a sauna can help detoxify the body of the toxic agents, such as lactic acid, sodium, and uric acid, that routinely accumulate in the body. Toxins stored in subcutaneous fat are released through perspiration.  As toxin stored in the fat pass through perspiration, toxins that are stored at deeper levels of tissue throughout the body will move up into this layer of fat and continue to be released through sweat.  Circulation increases when you’re in the sauna and increased blood flow improves blood oxygenation.  Enhanced oxygen levels can assist in the dissolution of hidden toxic agents in the blood. ^[2]

 

 

According to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, sauna can be an effective component of purification and cleansing protocols and very effective for flushing out fat-soluble chemical and toxins. ^[6]

Unfortunately, law enforcement officers are often at risk for exposure to harmful substances such as methamphetamine and the toxic chemicals used to create it. This exposure can lead to chronic symptoms that may be disabling. To find new ways to combat this issue, 69 officers participated in a study conducted by the Utah Meth Cops Project. Subjects followed a multi faceted detoxification program that included exercise, nutrition, and sauna therapy. Following the detoxification routine, significant health improvements were observed. Researchers concluded that sauna and nutritional therapy may improve some symptoms of methamphetamine-related exposure for affected officers. ^[7]

- Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

1. Matsumoto S, Shimodozono M, Etoh S, Miyata R, Kawahira K. Effects of thermal therapy combining sauna therapy and underwater exercise in patients with fibromyalgia. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Aug;17(3):162-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.08.004. Epub 2010 Sep 25.
2. Vuori I. Sauna bather’s circulation. Ann Clin Res. 1988;20(4):249-56.
3. Gayda M, Paillard F, Sosner P, Juneau M, Garzon M, Gonzalez M, Bélanger M, Nigam A. Effects of sauna alone and postexercise sauna baths on blood pressure and hemodynamic variables in patients with untreated hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012 Aug;14(8):553-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7176.2012.00637.x. Epub 2012 May 3.
4. Scoon GS, Hopkins WG, Mayhew S, Cotter JD. Effect of post-exercise sauna bathing on the endurance performance of competitive male runners. J Sci Med Sport. 2007 Aug;10(4):259-62. Epub 2006 Jul 31.
5. Ernst E, Pecho E, Wirz P, Saradeth T. Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds. Ann Med. 1990;22(4):225-7.
6. Crinnion WJ. Sauna as a valuable clinical tool for cardiovascular, autoimmune, toxicant- induced and other chronic health problems. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Sep;16(3):215-25. Review.
7. Ross GH, Sternquist MC. Methamphetamine exposure and chronic illness in police officers: significant improvement with sauna-based detoxification therapy. Toxicol Ind Health. 2012 Sep;28(8):758-68. doi: 10.1177/0748233711425070. Epub 2011 Nov 16.

 

Top 10 Reasons To Use A Sauna!

Contact SoCal Sauna at 951-741-1048 and please visit our website at www.socalsauna.com for a NO COST consultation to make sure you get the right sauna! 

Health and Wellness

Much has been made of the health benefits of sauna bathing. With good reason. Physically, nothing is more reinvigorating than a deep, healthy sweat every day. Tension fades. Muscles unwind. Mentally, we emerge relaxed, revived and ready for whatever the day may bring.

A few minutes a day is all it takes to look and feel better. The body’s response to gentle, persistent heat is well-documented and proven day in and out by people all over the world. Which is why more and more doctors are recommending its purifying benefits.

1. Saunas relieve stress.

Not surprisingly, sauna bathers most frequently cite stress reduction as the number one benefit of sauna use. Medical studies often determine that stress in our daily lives can negatively affect our health. In fact, the vast majority of disease (i.e. heart disease) is at least partially stress-related. Heat bathing in a sauna provides stress relief in a number of ways. It’s a warm, quiet space without any distractions coming from the outside. As we like to say, "Step into a Finnleo sauna, and close the door on the rest of the world." The heat from the sauna relaxes the body's muscles, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s all-natural "feel good" chemical, and their release provides a truly wonderful "after sauna glow.”.

2. Saunas relax muscles and soothe aches/pains in both muscles and joints.

Under the high heat provided by a sauna, the body releases endorphins (see health and wellness benefit #1). Endorphins can have a mild, enjoyable "tranquilizing effect" and the ability to minimize the pain of arthritis and muscle soreness other from, say, an intense physical workout. Body temperature also rises from the heat of the sauna.. This causes blood vessels to dilate, therefore increasing blood circulation. This increased blood flow in turn speeds up the body’s natural healing process via soothing aches and pains and/or speeding up of the healing of minor bruises or cuts. After participating in physical sports, use the heat and/or steam of a sauna to promote muscle relaxation by helping to reduce muscle tension and eliminate lactic acid and/or other toxins that may be present.

3. Saunas flush toxins.

Many - if not most - of us do not actively sweat on a daily basis. Deep sweating, however, has multiple proven health benefits. Benefits derived from a deep sweat can be achieved via regular sauna bathing.Due to the heat of a sauna, the core body temperature begins to rise. The blood vessels then dilate, causing increased blood flow (see above). As heat from the blood begins to move toward the skin's surface, the body’s nervous system then sends signals to the millions of sweat glands that cover the human body. As the sweat glands become stimulated, they produce sweat. Sweat production is primarily designed to cool the body, and is composed of 99% water. However, deep sweating in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury and chemical - which are all toxins commonly absorbed just from interacting with our daily environments.There is no shortage of books from Doctors and practitioners, who describe the benefits of detoxifying our bodies regularly. As many doctors will agree, a big reason for the popularity of saunas is that they are one of the best ways to detoxify our bodies.

4. Sauna cleanses the skin.

Heat bathing is one of the oldest beauty and/or health strategies in terms of cleansing one's skin. When the body begins to produce sweat via deep sweating, the skin is then cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced - keeping your skin in good working condition.Sweating rinses bacteria out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores has been shown to improve the capillary circulation, while giving the skin a softer-looking quality. Dr. Ben H Douglas, a professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and author of "Ageless: Living Younger Longer,” attests that "Sweating is a way of energizing the skin almost the way exercising a muscle energizes it.” He goes on to explain that, when you sweat, the rush of fluid to the skin "bathes skin cells with a liquid rich in nutrients,” which "fills in the spaces around the cells” and even "plumps up" tiny wrinkles. He also mentions that the nutrients and minerals in sweat "are essential to maintaining the collagen structure of the skin.” Bathing skin in sweat on a fairly regular basis, therefore deters collagen breakdown that can ultimately result in wrinkles and sags. By continually flushing body waste through individual cells, one eventually brings back vitality, tone and a healthy glow to the skin. Sauna usage is certainly not a cure for acne, but it can very often help - due to the deep cleansing it provides from a deep sweat (that is, cleaning the pores from the very inside out - instead of just cleaning the top of the skin).

5. Saunas can induce a deeper sleep.

Research has shown that a deeper, more relaxed sleep can result from sauna use. In addition to the release of endorphins (see above), body temperatures, which become elevated in the late evening,fall at bedtime. This slow, relaxing decline in endorphins is key in facilitating sleep. Numerous sauna bathers worldwide recall the deep sleep experiences that they feel after bathing the the calming heat of a sauna.

6. Saunas bring about recreational and social benefits.

While the social benefit is rarely talked about, it's really actually quite important. The sauna can be a private, personal area of relaxation and solitude. However, it can just as easily be a relaxing environment for socializing with family, friends and soon-to-be friends. The sauna room environment is conducive to open, intimate and quiet conversation.

7. Saunas improve cardiovascular performance.

In the high temperatures of a traditional or infrared sauna, skin heats up and core body temperature rises.In response to these increase heat levels, the blood vessels near the skin dilate and "cardiac output" increases. Medical research has told us that the heart rate can rise from 60-70 bpm (beats per minute) to 110-120 bpm in the sauna (140-150 with more intensive bathing), and can often sink to below normal after the cooling off stage. With regular sauna useage, we not only train our heart muscles and improve the heart rate/cardiac output, but we also help the body's regulatory system.Even more cardiovascular conditioning takes place when the sauna bathing is taken in multiple "innings”, with sessions in the sauna separated by a cool shower or a quick dip into a cool pool or lake. Each time you rapidly change temperature (from hot to cool or vice-versa), your heart rate increases by as much as 60%, which is very comparable to the increase experienced during moderate exercise..

8. Saunas burn calories.

Outlandish claims are often made by some sauna sellers (primarily those who sell infrared saunas) to promote saunas as an end-all weight loss tool. While some individuals may experience high amounts of calorie burn at first - particularly those individuals in poor shape to begin with - over the long term, saunas are simply treated as one of many tools in our arsenal when it comes to burn additional calories.The sweating process itself requires a notable amount of energy. That energy is derived from the conversion of fat and carbohydrates in a bodily process that burns up calories. According to U.S. Army medical research (Ward Dean, M.D.), "A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories in the process.”The body consumes said calories due to the acceleration of heart activity (the cardiovascular section). As heart activity increases and as these processes demand more oxygen, the body begins to convert more calories into usable energy.

9. Saunas can help fight illness.

German sauna medical research shows that saunas were able to significantly reduce the incidences of colds and influenza amongst participants. As the body is exposed to the heat of a sauna and steam (in the case of traditional saunas), it produces white blood cells more rapidly, which in turn helps to fight illnesses and helps to kill viruses.In addition, saunas can relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus congestion from from colds or allergies - especially when used with steam (tip: add eucalyptus to the water for added benefit and overall enjoyment). The steam vapor action helps to clear up unwanted congestion and is a wonderful aspect of the Finnish sauna experience.

10. Saunas just feel good.

A sauna not only feels good, it’s good for your body. Whether it’s the physiological changes that occur during the warmth of a sauna, or if it’s simply the time spent in the calming and still retreat of the sauna, every seasoned sauna bather agrees - it feels wonderful! As we progress through our stressful everyday lives, the sauna provides a pampering retreat - where we can relax and restore body and soul. Sauna bathing truly makes you "Feel Better”, "Look Better” and "Sleep Better”!

Sauna Health Benefits!

Contact SoCal Sauna at 951-741-1048 and please visit our website at www.socalsauna.com for a NO COST consultation to make sure you get the right sauna!

A few precious moments to reflect the day.

The healing benefits of sauna and steam have been known by cultures around the world for at least a thousand years. After a workout, it soothes aching bodies. After any activity, it renews passion for life. Regular use of sauna, steam or IR can help detoxify your body, relieve muscle and joint aches and pains, and relieve stress. The physical benefits combined with the associated stress reduction makes the decision to purchase a Helo experience an easy one—it not only feels good, it’s good for you.

Sauna

Taking a sauna bath opens the pores, relaxes the muscles and frees the mind from every day stress. Then relax and cool off. You feel good during a sauna bath –but more importantly, you feel even better after one. Just allow enough time for cooling off before putting your clothes on.

Steam

Steam bathing, just like sauna bathing, has a long tradition dating back to ancient Rome. The temperature in a steam bath is lower than in a traditional Finnish sauna, but the humidity is much higher. A steam bath rejuvenates the body and revitalizes the mind. It deep cleans and moisturizes the skin, relaxes tight and overworked muscles and reduces aches and pains.

Infrared

Not to be confused with saunas, infrared rooms offer their own unique features and benefits. Infrared heat caresses and relaxes your muscles by speeding up metabolism and blood circulation. Professional athletes rely on infrared light treatment during warm-up and recovery. It's also ideal for pre-warm-up for massage therapy.