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All Your Sauna Questions Answered
The Ultimate Guide to Sauna
A sauna is more than just a heated roomβitβs an ancient tradition deeply rooted in relaxation, wellness, and social connection. According to theΒ International Sauna Association, a sauna is a wooden room heated to 175-194F with low humidity briefly increased by steam from water poured over hot stones. But sauna is more than just a definitionβitβs a holistic experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Sauna provides scientifically proven health benefits, promotes well-being, and offers a natural escape from the stress of daily life. Whether enjoyed alone for reflection or shared with others in a peaceful setting, sauna is a timeless practice that everyone should have access to, no matter where they are.Β Types of Saunas: Find Your Perfect FitΒ Saunas come in various styles, each offering unique benefits. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best sauna for your lifestyle.Β 1. Traditional SaunasΒ Heated by an electric or wood-burning stove loaded with stones. The famous Finnish lΓΆyly (steam) is created by splashing water on the hot stones. Benefits:Β Improves blood circulation Detoxifies the body throughΒ sweating RelievesΒ muscle and joint pain Customizable experiencesβfrom intense heat to a gentle, relaxing soak 2. Infrared SaunasΒ Uses infrared panels to heat the body directly rather than warming the air. Operates at lower temperatures while still inducingΒ deep sweating. Benefits:Β Faster recovery from sore muscles and joint pain Enhances cardiovascular health Lower temperatures make it ideal for those sensitive to high heat Heats up in 20-30 minutes, making it easy to use anytimeΒ 3. Hybrid SaunasΒ A combination of traditional sauna heat and infrared technology. Offers the full benefits of both types, providing deeper muscle relaxation and detoxification. Benefits: Intense sweating and detox like a traditional sauna Infrared heat penetrates muscles deeply for better recoveryΒ 4. Steam Saunas/ShowerΒ Uses boiling water to create steam, maintaining high humidity with lower temperatures. Benefits: Ideal forΒ muscle relaxation and skin hydration Provides aΒ gentle heat for a soothing experience Helps withΒ respiratory health and congestion reliefΒ Β The Benefits of Sauna: Why You Should Make It a HabitΒ Short-Term BenefitsΒ Reduces stress by releasing endorphins, the bodyβs βfeel-goodβ hormones. Improves sleep by regulating hormone activity and promoting deep rest. Relieves muscle and joint pain by increasing circulation and reducing soreness. Enhances skin health through deep sweating that removes toxins and impurities.Β Long-Term Health BenefitsΒ Heart Health: Regular sauna use improves cardiovascular function. Using a sauna 2-3 times a week reduces the risk of heart disease by over 20%, while 4-7 times a week lowers it by 50%. Better Circulation: Sauna improves blood vessel flexibility, reducing blood pressure and improving oxygen flow. Stronger Immunity: The heat stress triggers a boost in immune function, helping the body fight off illness. Cognitive Protection: Regular sauna use reduces the risk of dementia by 66% and Alzheimerβs by 65%.Β Sauna Use Reduces the Risk of:Β Heart-related deaths by 50% Dementia by 66% Alzheimerβs disease by 65% High blood pressure by 47% Pulmonary diseases by 41% Stroke by 62%Β Citation: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/s0025-6196(18)30275-1/fulltextΒ Β How to Sauna: A Step-by-Step GuideΒ 1. Shower First: Always rinse off before entering to keep the sauna clean. 2. Relax & Adjust: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. 3. Use LΓΆyly (Steam): If using a traditional sauna, throw water on the stones to create steam, but be mindful of others. 4. Stay Hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your sauna session. 5. Listen to Your Body: Stay in the sauna for 10-20 minutes or as long as feels good. 6. Cool Down: Step outside, take a cold shower, or enjoy fresh air. 7. Repeat If Desired: You can enjoy 2-4 rounds or just oneβwhatever works for you. 8. End with a Final Shower: Refresh before finishing your session. 9. Relax Afterward: Embrace the post-sauna calm and rehydrate.Β Choosing the Right Sauna for YouΒ 1. Sauna TypeΒ Do you prefer intense heat and steam? Choose a Traditional SaunaΒ Need gentle, deep-penetrating warmth? Go for InfraredΒ Want the best of both worlds? Try a Hybrid SaunaΒ Prefer high humidity? A Steam Sauna/Shower is idealΒ 2. LocationΒ Indoor Sauna β Convenient and accessible year-round. Outdoor Sauna β Connects you with nature and provides a spa-like escape.Β 3. Size & SeatingΒ Ensure the sauna has proper seating height and enough space for users.Β 4. Features & AccessoriesΒ Enhance your sauna with lighting, audio options, and safety features.Β Take The Perfect Sauna Quiz Β Choosing the Right Sauna HeaterΒ Types of Sauna HeatersΒ Wall-mounted heaters β Best for small saunas with limited space.Β Floor-mounted heaters β Ideal for larger saunas.Β Β Wood-burning heaters β Perfect for certain outdoor sauna models with larger spaces.Β Pillar heaters β Provide even heat and steam due to their large stone capacity.Β Combi heaters β Include a built-in steamer, allowing precise humidity control.Β Β Matching Your Heater to Your ExperienceΒ Soft & Gentle Sauna: Choose a heater with a large stone mass for long-lasting warmth.Β Hot & Dry Sauna: Opt for a heater with fewer stones for quick, intense heat.Β Moist Sauna (180% Humidity): Use a Combi heater for a steam-like experience.Β Take The Perfect Heater QuizΒ Β Preparing Your Indoor or Outdoor Sauna SpaceΒ Setting Up an Outdoor SaunaΒ Installing an outdoor sauna is an excellent way to create a backyard wellness retreat. To ensure stability, longevity, and an optimal experience, follow these key preparation steps:Β 1. Choose a Location: Select a flat, level area with good drainage, easy access to power (if using an electric heater), and privacy for relaxation. 2. Prepare a Solid Base: A sturdy foundation is essential for sauna stability.Β Recommended options include:Β Concrete Pad: Provides maximum durability (ideal thickness: 3-4 inches). Gravel Base: Allows for natural drainage (use 4-6 inches of crushed stone). Wood Deck or Patio: Aesthetically pleasing but must support the saunaβs weight. Paving Stones: A cost-effective option that ensures even weight distribution.Β 3. Plan for Electrical Needs: If using an electric heater, hire a licensed electrician to ensure proper wiring and compliance with local codes.Β Β 4. Finalize the Installation Site: Before assembling your sauna: Remove debris and level the ground. Confirm accessibility to power sources. Ensure ventilation around the sauna for air circulation.Β Β π‘Β Note: Outdoor saunas are delivered curbside in flat-pack boxes and require assemblyβplan for at least two people to assist in setup.Β Β Guide to How To Prepare Your Outdoor Sauna SpaceΒ Β Preparing an Indoor Sauna SpaceΒ An indoor sauna is a fantastic addition to a home gym, bathroom, or wellness space. Proper preparation ensures a safe and efficient installation:Β Β 1. Select the Best Location:Β Choose a space with good ventilation, structural support, and easy access to a shower or bathroom for post-sauna rinsing.Β Common locations include basements, home gyms, and master bathrooms.Β 2. Prepare the Flooring: Use water-resistant surfaces like tile, concrete, or laminate.Β Avoid placing the sauna directly on hardwood or carpet, as heat and moisture can cause damage.Β 3. Plan for Electrical Installation:Β Ensure the sauna is close to an appropriate power source.Β Hire a licensed electrician to install wiring safely and to code.Β Β 4. Final Considerations:Β Ensure the sauna door is positioned for easy access.Β Plan seating arrangements for comfort and space efficiency.Β Install sauna-safe lighting to enhance the ambiance.Β π‘ Note: Indoor saunas are also delivered in flat-pack boxes/crates for assemblyβensure you have the necessary space and tools for installation.Β Β Guide to How To Prepare Your Indoor Sauna SpaceΒ Β Sauna Maintenance: Keeping Your Sauna in Great ShapeΒ Clean Regularly: Sweep, vacuum, and wipe down benches with sauna cleaner. Prevent Moisture Buildup: Let the heater stay warm after use to dry out the sauna. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Regular checks keep air circulation optimal. Check Chimney (For Wood-Burning Saunas): Regular maintenance ensures safety. Inspect Heater Stones Annually: Rearrange and replace any broken stones for even heating.Β Guide to Sauna Maintenance Sauna is for EveryoneΒ At Almost Heaven by Harvia, we believe that sauna should be accessible to all, no matter where you live. Whether you're looking for a personal retreat, a family wellness space, or a spa-like escape, thereβs a perfect sauna for you. Investing in a sauna isnβt just about heatβitβs about creating a lifestyle of wellness, relaxation, and longevity. So, find the right sauna, heater, and setup for you, and start experiencing the profound benefits of sauna bathing today.Β Β
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Become the Best Version of Yourself
Β Become the Best Version of Yourself Working toward personal goalsβwhether itβs improving health, making more time for loved ones, or prioritizing self-careβcan be challenging. As life gets busy, routines shift, and motivation can fade. Almost Heaven Saunas is here to help you stay on track with five practical ways to enhance your sauna experience and support your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. 1. Add Essential Oils Elevate your sauna experience with the power of essential oils. Almost Heaven Saunas offers eight natural essential oil scents, available in a box set or individually. Each oil carries unique benefits: Pine β Reduces inflammation, boosts immunity, relieves stress Ylang Ylang β Mood-lifting, antiseptic, deeply relaxing Lavender β Enhances sleep, reduces anxiety, eases pain Cedarwood β Anti-inflammatory, natural antiseptic, deodorizer Frankincense β Supports immunity, promotes skin health, aids digestion Eucalyptus β Invigorating, relaxing, clears the mind Peppermint β Energizing, cooling, and calming Lemon β Mood booster, immune support, natural antiseptic Mix and match to create the perfect sauna atmosphereβjust add a few drops of oil to a bucket of water and enjoy the benefits of these mood-boosting, body-relaxing, and mind-clearing scents. 2. Turn up the heat- Sauna Workouts Maximize your sauna time by incorporating light movement. Try squats, push-ups, or gentle stretchingβheat helps release lactic acid from muscles, easing tension and improving flexibility. Simply sitting in a sauna burns calories, but adding a little activity can enhance the benefits. Just remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body! 3. Family Sauna Night Prioritize meaningful connections by dedicating time to a sauna night with family or friends. No screens, no distractionsβjust genuine conversation and relaxation in the warmth of your sauna. 4. Get Better Sleep Saunas help melt away stress, allowing the body to unwind and the mind to relax. As a sauna session ends, endorphins are released, creating a deep sense of calm that promotes restful sleep. Struggling with insomnia? A few drops of lavender essential oil in the sauna can help prepare the body and mind for a night of deep, quality rest. 5. Be Consistent Sticking to healthy habits can be difficult, but consistency is key. The more regularly a sauna is used, the more noticeable the benefits become. Regular sauna sessions not only promote relaxation but also contribute to overall well-being, helping to maintain focus, energy, and motivation in all areas of life. No matter what the goal, taking time for a sauna session can help restore balanceβphysically, mentally, and spirituallyβleaving you refreshed and ready to keep moving forward. Start today. Start with a sauna. Β Β
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How To Prepare Your Indoor Sauna Space
Installing an indoor sauna is a fantastic way to create a personal wellness retreat inside your home. Whether integrating a freestanding sauna or building a custom sauna, proper preparation ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity.Β Step 1: Choose the Right Location Before installing your sauna, consider the following factors to select the best location: βοΈ Accessibility: Pick a space that is easy to reach and provides privacy, ideally near a bathroom or shower for post-sauna rinsing. βοΈ Structural Integrity: Ensure the floor can support the saunaβs weight, especially in multi-story homes. βοΈ Ventilation: Good ventilation is essential to allow for fresh air intake and moisture removal. βοΈ Available Space: Determine the size of your sauna based on your needs and available room space. Common indoor sauna locations include: Home gyms Master bathrooms Basements Spas or wellness areas Thinking about placing an indoor sauna outdoors? Indoor saunas are not designed to withstand outdoor elements like rain or snow. If youβre considering an outdoor installation, keep in mind: Covering is required: A covered patio or pergola is ideal. Glass retains less heat: Indoor saunas have more glass than outdoor models, so in colder climates, upgrading to a more powerful heater is recommended. No enclosed floor: Indoor saunas do not come with flooring. If placing it on a slatted deck, install a sealed platform underneath to prevent drafts. Step 2: Frame Insulate the Space If you are building a custom indoor sauna, proper framing and insulation are key to heat retention and moisture control. βοΈ Frame the area: Use wood framing to create the sauna enclosure. βοΈ Insulate walls and ceiling: Use high-quality insulation like fiberglass or rock wool to maintain heat efficiency. βοΈ Install a vapor barrier: A foil-faced vapor barrier should be installed to prevent moisture from seeping into surrounding walls. Freestanding saunas do not require framing but should still be placed in a well-ventilated, dry area.Β Step 3: Electrical Considerations for Your Heater If you choose an electric sauna heater, proper installation is crucial for safety and compliance. βοΈ Power source: Ensure your chosen location has access to the appropriate electrical supply. βοΈ Consult an electrician: All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician who understands local codes and regulations. βοΈ Cost considerations: Electrical installation costs vary based on: Distance from your sauna to your electrical panel Local electrician rates Cost of wiring and material βοΈ Get multiple quotes: We recommend contacting 2-3 electricians for estimates before starting installation. Step 4: Prepare the Floor Your indoor sauna can be placed on almost any solid surfaceβincluding concrete, tile, and laminate. However, avoid placing it directly on carpet or hardwood flooring, as moisture and heat can cause damage. βοΈ Use a waterproof surface: Tile, concrete, or other water-resistant materials are best. βοΈ Ensure proper drainage: A slight floor slope can direct water toward a drain in areas with higher moisture. βοΈ Install a sealed platform if necessary: If placing the sauna on a slatted deck, build a sealed platform underneath to eliminate drafts. Step 5: Plan for Final Details Before installation, consider these final touches: βοΈ Door Size Β Placement: Ensure the sauna door is positioned for easy access. βοΈ Benches Β Seating: Plan your seating arrangement based on your comfort and available space. βοΈ Lighting: Use low-wattage, sauna-safe lighting to enhance the atmosphere. Step 6: Shipping Delivery Information All Almost Heaven Saunas ship within the continental U.S. via freight service. Hereβs what to expect: βοΈ Delivery Timeline: Most saunas ship within 2-4 weeks, depending on the model and inventory availability. βοΈ Freight Delivery: The sauna will arrive in multiple flat-packaged boxes on a large truck. You will need to unload and move the boxes to your assembly location. βοΈ Curbside Drop-Off: The freight company will deliver the sauna to the curb or driveway, not inside the home or backyard. βοΈ Assembly Required: Most of our saunas are designed for DIY assembly with easy-to-follow instructions. We recommend having at least two people for installation. Need more details? Visit our full Shipping Info page. Β Preparing your space properly will ensure your indoor sauna lasts for years, providing a safe, comfortable environment for relaxation. Whether youβre placing your sauna in a home gym, bathroom, or basement, taking the right steps will maximize performance and durability. Need help choosing the perfect indoor sauna? Explore our collection of Almost Heaven Indoor Saunas today. Β
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