Hot rock saunas and infrared saunas
A sauna is a small room or house designed as a place to experience dry or
wet heat sessions. Taking a sauna is often a social affair in which the
participants disrobe and sit or recline in relaxaed conversation while
the sauna cleans the bathers from the inside out.
Traditional "hot rock" saunas typically have temperatures over 80 °C
(176 °F), while the modern infrared saunas utilize radiant heat that
does not depend on room temperature. Any heat that builds up in an infrared sauna
is of secondary importance to the infrared energy that will be absorbed
directly, and at the speed of light!
Infrared saunas use a special heater that generates infrared radiation rays similar
to that produced by the sun. Unlike the sun's ultraviolet radiation, infrared is
beneficial to overall health. In an infrared sauna, the infrared emitters produce
infrared wavelengths that are absorbed by the bather.
Health Benefits
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, your heart rate increases by 50-75%. This provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. The increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.
Blood vessels become more flexible and there is increased circulation to the extremities. During a sauna, blood flow to the skin increases to as high as 50-70% of cardiac output (compared to the standard 5-10%). This brings nutrients to subcutaneous and surface tissue resulting in glowing healthy skin.
Steambaths and saunas induce sweating to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body. 30% of body wastes are passed through the skin. Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body. Sauna is an effective tool for drug detoxification. Research on former drug users has shown that sauna will contribute to evidence of drug metabolites in their system even though there were no detectable metabolites before the sauna regimen started.
When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state. Fever is part of the body's natural healing process. Fever stimulates the immune system resulting in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti viral protein with cancer fighting capability).
Deep heat has long been used for treatment of sore muscles and joints. A sauna will soothe and relax your muscles and joints, providing temporary but very beneficial relief to arthritis sufferers.
The sense of well being that you feel in a sauna will greatly reduce mental fatigue and stress. Your energy levels will improve and you will feel invigorated.
A sauna provides a moderate cardiovascular workout. In a sauna your heart rate increases, helping to condition the heart and improve circulation. The stimulation of blood cells will also improve the tone and the look of your skin.
A sauna will stimulate the production and release of natural pain killers: Beta Endorphins and Norepinephrines.
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About Saunas 
