Sauna
Sauna Sessions by appointment
Hour Session $20
Half Hour Session $10
Most people use the sauna just prior to the Body Work Session. The warmth and music reduces tension and relaxes the body in preparation for the Body Work. This assures the muscles are deeply warmed and ready for a deep tissue session. The sauna is particularly helpful for Fibromyalgia sufferers prior to Body Work. The sauna is extremely safe, and you are attended during your session.
What is an infrared sauna? Does it have health benefits?
Answers from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to create heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna — “far” describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A traditional sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you.
The appeal of saunas in general is that they cause reactions similar to those elicited by moderate exercise, such as vigorous sweating and increased heart rate. An infrared sauna produces these results at lower temperatures than does a regular sauna, which makes it accessible to people who can’t tolerate the heat of a conventional sauna. But does that translate into tangible health benefits? Perhaps.
Several studies have looked at using infrared saunas in the treatment of chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, headache, type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and found some evidence of benefit. However, larger and more-rigorous studies are needed to confirm these results. Some of these studies were also performed with patients using traditional sauna.
On the other hand, no adverse effects have been reported with infrared saunas. So if you’re considering trying a sauna for relaxation, an infrared sauna might be an option.
What to Bring for your Sauna Session
Bring 4 towels and a water bottle. These are used to cover the bench and backrest in the sauna, one towel to wear into and out of the sauna, and one to dry the skin of sweat as it forms. Keeping the skin wiped will remove the toxins and not let them seep back into the skin. We will provide towels and water for an additional $5 charge.
General Considerations
Drink 24 to 48 ounces of water before your sauna to amply hydrate your system. Take a bath or shower without soap or bath gels to rinse your skin and prepare for the detoxification process. Let the sauna heat up before you enter. Follow the protocol of the sauna you use—if it’s in a public space, wear a bathing suit, hygiene suit or towels as indicated. If you’re in an individual sauna, lay a towel down on the bench as the sauna heats. While preparing to enter the sauna, let your mind relax and wander into the deep, lovely warmth you are about to enjoy.
Enter the sauna and position yourself comfortably on a towel on the bench. You want the majority of your body to receive the infrared energy, so sit with your feet on the bench, knees bent, or stretch out your legs and lean back against the wall.
Let your mind settle, and breathe deeply. Taking a sauna has the dual rewards of helping you to relax and improving your health. While you start to heat up and begin to sweat, try to slow breathing to counts of 10 as you inhale and counts of 10 as you exhale.
Frequency and Additives
To maximize the benefits, take an infrared sauna one to three times per week. Select a good time when you are unhurried and can spend an hour on the process before, during and after the sauna.
Some spas offer sauna lotions that are thought to enhance circulation or reduce cellulite. Use these if you choose, although they are not necessary to gain the full benefit from an infrared sauna session.
Completing a Sauna Session is the Perfect time for your Body Work Session.
When you finish your sauna, sit inside for a few minutes before you start moving again. Stretch your muscles and enjoy the moments.
As you exit the sauna, try to move without hurrying. Dry off with a towel, or take a cool shower to rinse your skin before drying off.
Drink another 24 to 48 ounces of water and sit for 5 to 10 minutes after you are dressed to rest and let your body rehydrate. This transition period helps your body take in the effects of the sauna and cool down before your next activity.