by Ligel David

Created on: October 10, 2008   Last Updated: October 24, 2008

The sauna has been around for the longest time, ever present in the ancient cultures which existed thousands of years ago. Even then it was known for promoting the service of significant health and wellness. It has evolved from holes in the ground, and enclosed areas surrounded by fire to the modern day heated indoor and outdoor rooms that we know, usually housed in spas, gyms and wellness facilities. Its use of heat therapy is known to have produced a never-ending list of tremendous benefits to include some of the following:

- Beauty rituals. The steam helps in the rejuvenation process creating healthy, clear radiant skin.
- Relaxation and stress relief for the physical faculties of the body. It is usually very effective in soothing the muscles after a workout, and act as a natural medication to treat stiff joints, back pain and other body aches.
- Cleansing and detoxifying the body. Upon contact with heat, the skin's pores open up and release toxins.
- It stimulates the blood and the immune system.
- The steam aids in the elimination of respiratory problems such as chest congestion, laryngitis, and the irritating symptoms of the cold and flu.

However, before you decide to install a sauna in your home, it is important that you review the different types that are available. There are two main types of sauna: dry and steam. The difference between the two is that the dry sauna uses special heated rocks to heat the air, while the steam sauna utilizes water, which is poured on those same rocks to raise humidity and causes a hot temperature. Another popular type is the infrared sauna, where the infrared heater emanates radiant energy used to heat the room. These are usually found at spas, but you can now have them installed at your home, indoor or outdoor.

Great improvements in the home construction industry have now made it available, through the purchase of pre-cut and modular sauna kits, to install or build your own sauna at home. The sauna kit comes equipped with electric, natural gas or wood-burning heaters with rocks, lumber or insulated walls, benches and other accessories. Depending on the customer's desire for additional accents, some kits can be custom made by manufacturers. Portable saunas are also available for those of you who do not have enough space to build one, or who are always on the go. They possess the same benefits; they come waterproofed and can be easily stored by folding up.

You also have the option of building your own sauna, which is not as difficult as it sounds. All you will need is wood that is conducive to heat (e.g. cedar), and choosing a heater that best suits your needs and your budget. Wood-burning is easy if you are within a close proximity of getting it, and it is cheap, as is a gas heater. Electric heaters will be the most expensive. You can hire an electrician to set up your heater, and your sauna will be complete. The good thing is that you can design your sauna in any shape and add windows and other amenities. This is not only very convenient for unlimited access, but it is good investment since it saves you the time and money you normally spend visiting spas and fitness centers.

Learn more about this author, Ligel David.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.