Saunas – How to choose between different types
Let’s take a look at the different types of sauna and get straight to the point about who is best suited to which type of sauna.
In today’s article, we’ll look at which sauna to choose, the different types of saunas and, most importantly, their health benefits.
Not everyone is suited to the extreme conditions of a Finnish sauna. That’s why there are different types of sauna with specific effects. There are also combinations of different sauna types so that everyone in the household can choose their own.
Why choose a Finnish sauna – a classic with many benefits
You may not believe it, but the Finns use the sauna for all sorts of things – not just to harden up. A Finnish proverb says: “Build a sauna and then a house”. One of Finland’s former presidents, Urho Kekkonen, was born in a sauna. If you watch Finnish talk shows regularly, you might notice that some of them are filmed in the sauna.
Finns never go abroad for a long time without a sauna. They take special saunas with them – sauna tents that are borrowed by UN peacekeepers, for example. Sauna sleigh races are also very popular, and what would a big Finnish company be without its own sauna? But let’s take a look at the characteristics of a Finnish sauna and who it’s suitable for.
A Finnish sauna can be heated up to 105°C. The air inside is dry, with a humidity of about 5%. It is therefore recommended that you stay in the Finnish sauna for no more than 15 minutes and then take a break of the same length before the next cycle. After the sauna, it is advisable to cool down in the cooling pool and then relax. The effectiveness of the Finnish sauna is increased by watering the stove, as the humidity increases and you sweat more.
Who is a Finnish sauna suitable for?
A Finnish sauna is suitable for people who don’t mind and can tolerate extreme heat. It should be avoided by people with certain health problems – vein problems, heart disease and high blood pressure, people with poor kidney function, inflammatory diseases, open wounds or people with skin conditions. Women in the first trimester of pregnancy should not use a Finnish sauna. People who do not eat meat, who are sensitive or who have cold hands or feet can try a gentler bio- or herbal sauna or an infrared sauna with lower temperatures.
The benefits of the Finnish sauna include boosting the immune system, general detoxification of the body and individual organs, reduced pain perception and relief for people suffering from arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions. There are also muscle relaxation and various psychological benefits.
If you visit the sauna regularly, two to three times a week, you can reduce your risk of disease by up to 65%. If you go once a week, you can reduce your risk of viral diseases by up to 30%. That’s why it’s worth having a sauna at home or a sauna cabin in the garden.
Infrared sauna – regenerate your muscles and joints
The infrared sauna is equipped with special radiators that emit infrared rays. It is worth investing in the more advanced full spectrum tube heaters. You’ll warm up faster and sweat more. What’s more, they are moisture-resistant, which means they can be used in combination saunas.
The temperature in this sauna is around 50°C because the radiation heats your skin, not the air. A session usually lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. These saunas are easy to take home and don’t take up much space. There is also no need to cool down after a session.
Infrared saunas are particularly useful for relieving muscle tension and joint pain, promoting relaxation after a hard day’s work, warming the body and making you feel more relaxed. They are suitable for people who cannot tolerate the classic Finnish sauna, asthmatics, allergy sufferers or people with high blood pressure.
Bio and herbal saunas can be bought by anyone, or you can experience the power of herbs for yourself.
Herbal and bio saunas are ideal for all types of people. You can heat the bio sauna to 60 degrees and the herbal sauna to 30-50 degrees. You can also enjoy aromatherapy and sauna cosmetics. The advantage of the bio-sauna is its positive effect on the skin, it does not dry out the respiratory tract or the hair. The humidity in the herbal sauna is the same as in a conventional sauna – between 10 and 20 per cent. In a bio-sauna it is between 30 and 60 per cent. The bio-sauna is heated by a stove with an evaporator that can maintain a constant temperature in the sauna.
Bio and herbal saunas are suitable for all types of people. Children, the elderly and people with high blood pressure can use them. It can help asthmatics, allergy sufferers and strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. The combination of moisture and steam relaxes the airways and regenerates the muscles. It is excellent for preventing colds, cleaning pores, increasing skin elasticity, smoothing the skin and washing away impurities.
Steam saunas were used by the ancient Romans
Steam saunas are characterised by high humidity, which can reach 100%, and a lower temperature of around 40 to 50 degrees. The ancient Romans enjoyed steam saunas and knew about their benefits.
The source of the steam is a steam generator, which works like a classic electric kettle. Many people also add a fragrance injector to their steam sauna. This can turn a steam sauna into a tropical paradise and help you relax more effectively. The scent also helps you breathe easier.
This sauna is often used by people with breathing difficulties as it relaxes the airways and helps with coughing. Steam saunas can help with asthma and bronchitis. The steam itself removes toxins from the body and cleanses the skin.
It is recommended that the sauna be equipped with a good quality, modern steam generator with an automatic drain valve. Better steam generators are also easier to maintain. In general, steam saunas are more difficult to build because the hot steam can penetrate common building materials. The vapour barrier, waterproofing and lighting need to be perfect. Have a quality steam sauna built by professionals.
Get a combination sauna, or if you don’t have to choose
Nowadays you can also choose a combination sauna.The great advantage of a combination sauna is that you can choose whether you want to enjoy a Finnish sauna, a bio-sauna or an infrared sauna. A combination sauna is particularly suitable for a household where one member cannot tolerate the high temperature of a Finnish sauna.
The most common combination is a Finnish sauna with a bio-sauna or a Finnish sauna with an infrared heater.
Why Quality TAO saunas?
Our company specialises in the sale of quality saunas, pools and hot tubs. We also create exclusive private and commercial spas. What makes us different?
-The durability and quality of our products.-The choice of Finnish saunas, steam saunas or combined infrared and bio saunas.
-Advice, care and quality service.
-We offer designer saunas made in the Czech Republic – in our workshop in the Czech Republic.
-Custom-made saunas with salt wall, starry sky, glass wall, light therapy, decoration, etc.
