Saunas - What to Know Before You Buy
By Marie Kannen
For centuries, saunas have purified the mind and body, while providing a relaxing arena for social gatherings and spiritual reflection. The sauna tradition of exposing the body to temperatures high enough to induce sweating began in Finland as early as 2,000 years ago, though other cultures have used similar practices. The first saunas were no more than pits dug into the side of a hill that contained heated stones. They evolved into log huts with a chimney to release the smoke that accrued from the fire.
The Finnish sauna made its way to America in the 1600s, but did not catch on until about the 1960s. Today, a sauna is referred to as a building or room with wooden walls, floor and ceiling. Inside, a stove warms a thick layer of volcanic or ceramic stones, which radiate dry heat to the room. Newer models have taken on an aesthetic appearance, allowing them to move to central locations of the home, such as the master bedroom or exercise room, where they are used frequently for socialization, relaxation and cleansing toxins from the body.
The Routine
Inside a sauna, temperatures can reach anywhere from 175 to 195 degrees F with very low humidity. When water is ladled onto the rocks, a vapor arises, which is called löyly. This allows users to control the humidity in the room and, for many sauna enthusiasts, is a defining part of the experience. After a typical 10- to 20-minute sauna session, users often plunge the body into a cooler environment - a shower, a pool or even a patch of snow, which is a common custom in many European countries. This cold dip recirculates the blood and stimulates the senses.
Benefits
There are many benefits attributed to sauna use. In addition to providing total body pleasure, the environment helps relieve mental fatigue and soothe sore muscles. As blood vessels expand and become more flexible, circulation is improved, as is the skin's complexion. Whereas the Finns used whisks of birch branches to help raise circulation, body brushes are now available for that purpose. Saunas also promote healing by inducing the body's release of natural painkillers.
Heat Source
While many varieties of saunas are available, the distinction is normally based upon the heating source. Traditional saunas employ rocks to radiate heat to the room, while newer infrared models use a special heater that generates infrared rays, though the resulting temperature is considerably lower - around 160 degrees F. Heaters with a higher rock capacity correlate to shorter heat-up times and better energy efficiency. Electric heaters normally require about 220 - 240 volts, though infrared models can usually plug into a 110 - 115-volt outlet. Some aficionados feel that infrared models cannot be classified in the same category as the Finnish sauna; others view the infrared sauna as part of a continuously evolving tradition.
When purchasing a traditional sauna, options abound for the heat source, including wood, electricity or gas. Some heaters require a warm-up time, while others are equipped to provide instant heat. Timers that allow preprogrammed warm-up times to be stored are available on certain units. Other distinguishing characteristics involve the type of heat, whether wet or dry. Löyly, or the vapor that results from ladling water onto the rocks, allows for wet heat in a dry sauna, while infrared models operate on dry heat only.
Selection
When selecting a sauna, it is important to consider how it will be used. The number of people that will be enjoying the sauna and whether they will be sitting or reclining will likely influence the size. Residential sizes typically range from 4 by 6 feet to 6 by 8 feet and can comfortably seat three to four people. A couple may want to consider a smaller, intimate sauna, while a family of five may want to invest in a larger sauna. To maximize the benefits of hot air, users should keep in mind that the taller the sauna, the longer it takes for heat to circulate. Similarly, buyers should consider including benches at various levels, as higher benches will receive more heat.
Installation
A variety of installation options are available. Precut kits, which contain all the ingredients to transform the inside of a framed, insulated and wired space, allow the handy homeowner to build his or her own sauna with a fair amount of labor. Even with these do-it-yourself kits, the assistance of a professional is recommended to hook up the power source and ensure proper ventilation. Prefabricated kits contain complete freestanding pieces that quickly snap together. These are generally prewired and can be up and running in a few hours. Modular units, which are prebuilt, freestanding and mobile, can be moved between spaces easily, whereas custom-built saunas are usually permanent and tend to become the focal point of the home or backyard.
Style & Cost
Aesthetics should be considered so that the sauna will blend smoothly with its environment and the lifestyle of its owners. The type of wood can also affect the appearance and overall feel of a sauna. Soft woods are used as they absorb heat and humidity without becoming hot to the touch. Nordic white spruce, cedar, redwood and hemlock are popular choices. Glass doors and windows have become increasingly popular to create an open and airy feeling within the sauna. Sharp angles and etched glass can help establish a modern look. A variety of accessories can change or add to the appearance and atmosphere, including LED lighting, head and leg rests, seat coverings, aromatherapy products, audio systems, towel hangers, thermometers, timers, hydrometers (to measure humidity) and more.
The cost of a sauna depends on a variety of factors, including the quality, size, wood, heater, accessories and type of kit - precut, prefab, custom-built, etc. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to $10,000 and above, but many people feel that a sauna adds to the overall value of a home.
After all of the important decisions have been made, users will be able to sit back and enjoy a variety of health and relaxation benefits in the privacy of their own homes. The body will perspire, the mind will be at ease and conversation will flow as the sauna heats things up a bit!