Staying healthy takes commitment and work, especially with today’s demands on your time. Work, soccer practice, errands – who can get to the gym? Why not consider the benefits of adding a home sauna or home steam room? Invigorate yourself with a cold plunge pool? Please note that if you have health issues, you should discuss these with your physician before investing the time and money into a unit.
Infrared vs. Traditional Home Saunas
Per Cleveland Clinic, the health benefits of a home sauna include stress reduction, improved cardiovascular health, and pain relief among other benefits. There are two types of saunas – infrared and traditional. An infrared sauna utilizes infrared heaters to directly heat your body, which induces sweat at a lower temperature range. It is typically a gentler heat which may allow for longer sessions. Infrared saunas may also offer smaller sizes and easier installation.
Traditional saunas typically operate at a higher temperature. The heating element heats the sauna rocks which then heat the air, creating a more intense heat. Water poured on the rocks creates a steamy environment, and essential oils can be added to the water for more effect. Traditional saunas will take longer to heat up, and sessions are typically shorter.
How a Home Steam Room Boosts Wellness
A home steam room may be its own space, or incorporated into a shower situation. There are specific considerations when creating a steam room (materials, generator location, sloped ceiling, etc), so please consult a professional. The 100% humidity can assist with skin health and clearing congestion, along with other health benefits. Again, aromatherapy benefits can be gained through essential oils when properly used. Be sure to choose an oil that will give you the assistance you desire as they will vary in effect.
What A Cold Plunge Pool Can Do For You
Instead of heat, try cold. Immersion into cold plunge pools offers better muscle recovery, reduced inflammation and a mood boost. It can be as simple as rotating that shower valve to the cold side, but there are an increasing variety of cold plunge pools available for the home. You can also create your own with the addition of ice to cold water in your own tub. But start out slow! Water in the 50-59 F range and only 1-2 minutes. You can gradually work your way up in duration and down in temperature (but not below 40 F).
Closing Thoughts: Listen To Your Body
It’s important when using any of these therapies that you listen to your body. If you get too uncomfortable for any reason, stop. And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Saunas especially can create dehydration, so drink water (and maybe electrolytes) before, during and after a session. Contact us today so you can utilize these therapies properly to gain the health benefits, and enjoy!
