How to choose a sauna for yourself?

Warm sauna right at home. Sounds dreamy, right? Today, the sauna has spread all over the world, and versions have emerged, the common goal of which is to cleanse the body. The sauna has a beneficial effect on our health and well-being. Having a sauna at home is nothing impossible or unattainable these days. We present to you some information that is good to know before choosing the right sauna for you. The real question is not which sauna is the healthiest, but which sauna is right for you.

Types of saunas 

There are basically three types of saunas: dry, steam and infrared. There are also many variations and combinations of these basic ones. Which sauna is ideal for you is a matter of your preferences and taste. It is best to try them all and then choose the one that suits you best.

1. Dry saunas

Dry saunas are characterized by relatively low air humidity, up to max. 70%, and temperatures range from 50 °C to 120 °C.

Finnish sauna 

The Finnish sauna is the most common form of sauna and is actually the predecessor of all other types of saunas. Our ancestors have known it for more than 1000 years. It is a sauna in which the body is exposed to high air temperatures in a closed, insulated, mostly wooden room with low humidity. You can recognize it by the several stepped benches on which the temperature varies, because on each next (higher) step it can be up to 10 °C higher. The temperature in the Finnish sauna is somewhere between 80°C-110°C, and the relative air humidity is 5% - 10%. Due to the low air humidity, the Finnish sauna is especially suitable for healthy people. The stove of the Finnish sauna heats the stones, which are poured with water, and essential oils can also be added. A wave of hot steam is released, which cleanses and rejuvenates the body and spirit. By pouring stones, we also raise the humidity, which gives the feeling of an even higher temperature.

In the Finnish sauna, we sweat profusely, which stimulates blood circulation, strengthens blood vessels, accelerates metabolism and sweat secretion. It also perfectly relaxes muscles, relieves tension and stress, improves blood circulation, strengthens immunity and helps the body eliminate toxins through sweat. The sweat produced on the surface of the skin evaporates and in this way cools the skin and thus protects the body from dangerous overheating. The recommended time to use the Finnish sauna is three times of 8 - 15 minutes each, with a 10 - 20 minute break in between for cooling down. After the sauna, it is necessary to shower with cold water, which quickly compresses the veins, which strengthens the immune system and at the same time strengthens the body. Finns also use snow during the sauna, namely to roll around in it after the sauna. This stimulates blood circulation.

Bioenergetic sauna

In it, we want to achieve the maximum wave of natural energies on the body. It is similar to classic Finnish, except that it has additional elements of natural crystals and minerals or bioenergetic crystals. These are present in the form of lights, as the center stone in the room, or they are made up of a larger composition of several different crystals, for example walls, floors, stones on the stove and the like. The temperature in it varies between 60 - 80 °C, and the humidity is between 35 - 50%.

Bio or herbal sauna 

This type of sauna is a milder form of the Finnish sauna. is a combination of Finnish and steam sauna. It has a special Bio oven with a steam evaporator. The advantage of this oven is that it can work as a regular Finnish oven or as a herbal bio oven. The control panel automatically measures and controls the humidity in the air and automatically turns on and off when the desired temperature is reached. Temperatures range from 45 - 55 °C and humidity from 50 - 60%.

You can add essential oils and herbs to it, which further enriches the sauna experience. It is mainly intended for people who do not tolerate high temperatures and those who want aromatherapy and inhaling warm air with various aromas and herbs. Above all, for those who want the best for their breath. It is connected with the biological comfort of the human body, as the conditions are within the limits of our physical comfort, hence its name. Moderate temperatures affect the increased activity of the glands, which affects sweating and the excretion of toxic substances. It appears in combination with color therapy, which has an additional positive effect on the human organism.

Salt sauna 

This type of sauna is very special and has a different climate. The walls of the sauna are coated with salt, as well as the floor, lighting and decoration can be made of salt. Himalayan crystal salt is most often used. Salt emits positive ions into the room, which improve the air quality in the room. The temperature is from 60 - 80 °C, and the humidity is from 35 - 55%. It is especially suitable for people with chronic problems of the respiratory system, as well as for children, as it is non-disturbing and without side effects. It has a very positive effect on the treatment of colds.

The salt sauna has a built-in salt vaporizer, which allows you to enjoy salt therapy, which has been recognized for centuries. The vaporizer creates steam that rises through the salt and, enriched with tiny salt particles, spreads evenly throughout the sauna. You can also use essential oils and dry herbs that you add to the grill. Inhaling such air has a beneficial effect on the entire respiratory system, and also has an excellent effect on the skin and the entire body. It is often used together with an infrared sauna.

Caution: Never add essential oils to salt, as they can damage it.

Sauna in the ground or maa sauna 

There is something special about this type of sauna embedded in the ground, which is why it is also called sauna in the ground. It is an ancient version of the Finnish sauna, which is half embedded in the ground. It is heated by a stove and has an extreme temperature regime. The construction method allows airiness of the room despite the high temperatures. The temperature varies from 110 - 120 °C, and the humidity from 3 - 6%.

2. Steam saunas

Steam saunas are characterized by a slightly lower temperature and higher humidity compared to dry saunas. The walls in these types of saunas are often lined with beautiful mosaics that take us to a world of imagination and self-dedication.

Steam or Turkish sauna   

The air temperature is around 50 °C, and the humidity is 100%. A thin moist layer is created on our skin, which prevents the evaporation of body moisture, which strengthens circulation and blood vessels. Due to the high humidity and essential oils, this type of sauna has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. The heat accelerates the circulation in the body, which has a beneficial effect on the relaxation of tension in the muscles. It relieves stress, tension and regulates blood pressure. It improves the general mental state and has a rejuvenating effect.

Turkish or Arabic sauna (hammam)   

It is known for its special philosophy and ritual. First, the face is thoroughly cleansed and massaged. Then we go into the first phase of sweating, which is carried out in heated seating niches. This is followed by an extensive sweaty walk on hot stones. The highlight is a massage scrub with the help of soap, which ends with a cold water shower. The steam helps to open the pores and thus contributes to the natural cleansing of the skin, which becomes gentle and smooth. Increased heart rate accelerates blood circulation and improves metabolism.

Mud sauna 

The most special of the steam saunas is definitely the mud sauna. Each visitor sits in his seat. We clean our skin well with the help of various mud packs. The active ingredients of natural materials are absorbed deep into the skin and thereby contribute to better blood circulation of the skin, which will be more tense and healthy.

3. Infrared saunas  

Infrared saunas are becoming more and more popular. The temperature is between 40 and 60 °C, and the humidity is around 45%. This is precisely why they are most suitable for people who cannot tolerate high temperatures. They are usually wooden. The energy of infrared rays penetrates the body and has a deep effect. Infrared rays heat our tissue up to 5 cm deep and thus also our internal organs. The body responds to this by increasing the heart rate and blood flow through the heart. Excretion of toxins in an infrared cabin is as much as three times higher than in classic saunas. It stimulates metabolism and at the same time limits the reproduction of bacteria and viruses. It is suitable for starting detoxification, warming up muscles, alleviating rheumatic pains and stimulating the heart. It can also be used by those who have to avoid other, hotter saunas due to high blood pressure, heart or other problems.

Size of saunas

Often the size of the sauna is determined by the size of the room where we intend to place the sauna. It can be a small space in the bathroom, but it can also be a special space that will only be used for the sauna. Planning is very important, because only a correctly placed and organized sauna will perfectly adapt to the dimensions and shape. The size also depends on how many people will use the sauna. Consider how many people will spend the whole year in the sauna. Only in this way will the sauna be really efficient and adapted to its frequent users and their wishes.

The most common dimensions of saunas (depth x width):

- infra for two people, sitting position: 100 x 120 cm,

- infra for three persons or semi-lying position: 110 x 150 cm,

- infra for four people or one bed: 110 x 200 cm,

- Finnish for one to two people, with one bed: 120 x 200 cm,

- Finnish for two to four people, with two beds: 160 x 200 cm.

The power of the sauna

The power of the sauna itself must correspond to the size of the sauna. This is the only way the atmosphere in the sauna will warm up to a suitable temperature. In the table, we show you what power is suitable for heating, depending on the size of the sauna:

Relaxation programs and therapies in saunas

For an additional atmosphere and an even better sauna experience, we present a few more useful therapies.

Sauna with honey

Honey therapy is most often performed in steam saunas. Honey has healing effects that have a very positive effect on your health. Honey regulates the moisture content of the skin and makes it soft and gentle, and fills it with vitamins and other medicinal elements it contains, and it also has an antibacterial effect.

Chocolate therapy

Sauna with chocolate is recommended especially for people with dry and dehydrated skin. After it, a thin layer of natural chocolate fat remains on the skin, which at the same time supplies the skin with moisture and inhibits its aging.

Wine therapy

Grapes and grape seeds usually contain a large amount of polyphenols, its antioxidant effect is said to be 50 times stronger than vitamin E. Grapes also have the property of retaining water, renewing cells, and reducing wrinkles. Therefore, wine therapy is really healthy and effective.

Algae detoxification

This therapy accelerates metabolism, reduces fatty deposits. It supplies the body with vitamins and minerals.

Ice cave

It is a cooling therapy that will invigorate you upon exiting the hot sauna area. Rapid cooling has been part of the sauna ritual since time immemorial. The combination of hot and cold therapy accelerates circulation and increases the body's resistance.

We are sure that this article, with all these instructions, will help you decide how to choose a sauna for yourself. You can find all saunas on our website Trgovina Jana.