Traditional saunas are what everyone thinks of when the word is mentioned. These types of saunas have been around for hundreds of years. The first saunas were basically a pit dug into the earth and lined with rocks. Then they covered it with hides or other covering. After creating a fire in the middle, the occupants would heat stones and then douse it with water for steam. Today, the design of traditional saunas has been refined. A typical Finnish sauna is made with wood and has a stove instead of an open fire. The concept of using stones and water for steam is still being used today.

Far infrared saunas are newer innovations of the traditional variety. About eighty years ago, the Germans began experimenting with heating the human body using infrared waves. The Japanese also began doing similar work in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1965, a Japanese medical doctor patented a ceramic infrared heater that was the precursor of the modern designs in use today. That heater came into the general market in 1979 and that started the wave of using infrared heaters in the modern sauna. It offers heating from the inside out and does not use the high temperatures that the traditional sauna requires.

Full spectrum saunas offer even more modern benefits than the far infrared kind. The first infrared heaters only worked on the far end of the spectrum. Today, you can get heaters that offer the full spectrum of infrared waves. This innovation helps to increase the health benefits offered by these heaters. Each end of the infrared spectrum works at different levels of the body. Studies show that full spectrum infrared technology works to detoxify the body, aid with weight loss, and help with pain management. These are only a few of the benefits you will enjoy with this technology.

Portable saunas are great for modern living. Portability is a great option for those who are renting or have a small space. Having a sauna in the house is a great option for those who want to experience the health benefits. Making them happen at the same time is the best of both worlds. A portable sauna will do this. It setups quickly and plugs into a regular outlet. Then when you are done, it breaks down and stores in a small location. This makes a great way to experience the benefits of the sauna without a more permanent installation.