Wellness - Sauna, Spa, jacuzzi and travel.

3 Tips to Enhance Your Sauna Experience

2011-06-17T23:53:00.004+01:00

Having a sauna can be an extremely relaxing experience; you can forget about all of your troubles and relax whilst you sweat out some of the unhealthy chemicals from your body. When you think of having a stint in the sauna it is difficult to think how you can adapt the experience to make it more enjoyable, but there are a few things that you can do. Below are some tips on how to enhance your sauna experience:

Take a towel in with you - Taking a towel into the sauna can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Firstly, one of the obvious side effects of being in a heated environment such as a sauna is that you will sweat a lot. It can be uncomfortable to have this sweat dripping down you and it can also be unpleasant to look at but with a towel you can control the levels of perspiration whilst remaining in the sauna. Another benefit of a towel is that you can sit on it for added comfort.

Use a back rest - One of the downsides to many saunas is that the seats are vertical. This does not provide the comfortable environment which you would desire for an extended period. By buying a back rest you can drastically increase the comfort levels.

Take a bottle of water in with you - Whilst in the sauna you can quite quickly become dehydrated and work up a thirst. By taking a bottle of water into the sauna you can tackle both of these issues. You may want to add ice to the water so that the water stays colder for longer.

Favourite Saunas in Europe

2011-03-27T15:43:00.003+01:00

If you love to travel and also love wellness, then wellness travel is a great option for a short break or main holiday. The great thing also about finding an excellent wellness, spa or sauna location is that it can easily fit into your holiday and not have to be the main focus. You can spend all day in Berlin at the Zoo and museums and then simply unwind in a LiquidRoom sauna in Berlin for example.

Similarly, in Amsterdam, unwinding for a few hours in the Art Deco Sauna on HerenGracht street can be a great way to relax those feet after a day's walking. Another sauna well worth a visit and a short train journey just outside Amsterdam is Sauna Van Egmond Haarlem wellness center.

Sauna Van Egmond is an excellent find and for those of you who love wellness and specifically sauna, this venue is probably as good as any you will find in the whole of Holland. A lot of monehy has been spent on this sauna and it is easy to see why it is so popular with locals and also tourists who hear about it.

InfraRed sauna

Steam rooms

Dry sauna

A large sswimming pool

Outdoor area

Yet more saunas

Hot tub

Large dining area with waiters on service and great food.

This is a great location and a little bit of a hike to get to but it is a great wellness, sauna and spa location and recommended.

3 Best Naturists Resorts in Spain

2011-02-11T00:53:00.003Z

As with an increasing number of destinations around the world, Spain is becoming increasingly accommodating to all different tastes and activities and for many people, naturism offering genuine and natural relaxation. One such activity is naturism, and there are numerous resorts where naturism can be practiced and enjoyed all around the country. Below are some of the best.

Lake Uma Playa - This is the best naturist villa in Spain for the gay population. The villa is located in a large nudist area, and although the majority of people who visit the area are straight, they are traditionally friendly and welcoming of the gay community.

Greenwood Villa - The Greenwood Villa is the ideal resort for those who enjoy a nice view and a bit of nature. Surrounded by pine trees and within close proximity to the Costa Blanca, Greenwood Villa is all around aesthetically pleasing. The location is excellent if you enjoy taking scenic walks through the countryside or along the coast. As well as being well experienced in hosting naturists, the Greenwood Villa has notoriously good facilities such as wi-fi and Sky TV in each room. The swimming pool is also heated for added luxury.

Caso Rio Vera - Also set in the countryside, this naturist resort in the south of Spain s perfect for those who enjoy self contained accommodation. The standard of the accommodation is modest, but the private location and close proximity to the coast and the local naturist beach more than make up for it.

Find more naturist resorts in Spain and also Barcelona accommodation for those of you heading to Spain and especially the Barcelona area.

Chocolate Massages in London

2011-01-06T15:11:00.003Z

My wife and I were in London the last 2 weeks and whilst I went to Stamford Bridge after getting my hands on a couple of Chelsea football tickets, my wife wanted to try something new and different.

The end result: A chocolate massage in central London. Through one of the travel guides, she came across a respectable and proper wellness business which offered a range of treatments but this time involving Chocolate. As something she had never tried it was time to try.

The most amazing part she found to be that the aroma of the cocoa as you are being massaged adds to the sensation of the overall experience, given the way in which chocolate the cocoa can really ignite ones senses. The chocolate itself makes for a great massage style oil and overall she rates it as a must try experience. At least once she recommends to try a chocolate massage. I personallly also recommend a trip to watch a Premierhsip football game if you are ever in London :)

3 Places for Swimming with Dolphins

2010-11-17T18:45:00.003Z

Ever since I can remember, swimming with dolphins has been on my list of things to do in my lifetime. On my first trip to Florida, I was able to cross this off my list much to my delight. I have also enjoyed the same experience six times now and counting in my travels all over the world. If you are looking to have such an experience, a visit to any one of these places may be in order.

1. Isla Mujeres, Mexico – A trip to Dolphin Discovery and Isla Mujeres will ensure that you have a dolphin experience that you will not forget. Here, you will be able to have a dolphin encounter which involves swimming with the dolphins, petting them and getting involved in some of their tricks. You will also have the option of watching the dolphins swimming while you rest and relax over a quiet lunch.

2. Florida – There are many places to swim with the dolphins in Florida; two of the best places to visit include Florida Keys and St Augustine. Both these regions have structured dolphin swim programs, so you are sure to get your money’s worth and will be able to swim in safety at the same time. Dolphin Cove and Dolphins Plus in Florida Keys are great places to visit and allow you to pet the dolphins and swim with them. If you are looking for a non-artificial dolphin swim experience, opt for the Natural Dolphin Swim where you can swim next to dolphins underwater for 30 minutes and watch them. In St Augustine, a trip to Marineland will have you participating in swim encounters where dolphins will swim to you and paint on a canvas that you hold.

3. Akaroa, New Zealand - Akaroa in New Zealand is by far the best place to try swimming with the dolphins, if you are looking for an authentic natural swim in the ocean with wild dolphins. Going on a dolphin expedition boat and participating in a swim near the harbour area will almost guarantee you a real dolphin swim experience.

Guest post by James of Rome Apartments accommodation. Thank you for your post James and look forward to more wellness articles.

Wellness and Diet: 5 Best Garlic Recipes

2010-10-21T00:02:00.002+01:00

There are many different ways to prepare garlic so that even people who do not like the smell will come to appreciate it. This article outlines some of the best garlic recipes in the world. While they may not be comprehensive recipes, it is possible to find many different variations of the recipes provided here in cookbooks.

1. Garlic Bread – This is one of the most popular dishes prepared from garlic and is easy to prepare. One must simply add finely minced garlic to butter and add herbs like thyme and oregano according to your preferences. This is then spread inside a baguette, which is then toasted.

2. Garlic Soup – This soup is one of the simplest and most healthy ways to have garlic. In order to prepare garlic soup, chopped garlic is first sautéed in olive oil. Once the garlic is tender, about four cups of stock is added. This can then be seasoned with thyme and served with bread.

3. Roasted Garlic – Roasted garlic is prepared using a whole head of garlic. The outer covering is removed and each of the cloves is coated with butter and seasoned with salt, pepper and thyme. The garlic is then baked for an hour at 175°C.

4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – For this recipe, the garlic and the potatoes are boiled together until the potatoes can be mashed. Then the potatoes and the garlic are mashed together with salt, pepper and a little buttermilk.

5. Garlic Cheese Spread – This is prepared by mixing together 225 grams of feta cheese with 225 grams of cream cheese, adding a couple of tablespoons of yoghurt and around four cloves of garlic finely minced.

Relaxing at Sea: My Caribbean cruise experience

2010-08-03T17:24:00.004+01:00

My Caribbean cruise involved seven days of sun-bathing on the decks of a luxury liner, sipping on fruity cocktails and shopping at every Caribbean port we stopped at.

By the end of my week aboard the ship, I was not able to decide whether I liked staying on board or getting off at the ports to sightsee and shop. This was because I found everything I wanted on the ship, from gorgeous swimming pools, to bars, pubs and nightclubs, to boutiques galore that sold swimsuits and all the summery outfits that I could possibly want.

The ship I was on even had a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course and an ice skating rink – which I found to be particularly decadent. There is just something about being able to ice skate in the middle of the Caribbean at the height of summer that will make you feel like you are “living the high life” so to speak!

I also took full advantage of all the facilities aboard which included a luxury spa and fitness centre and treated myself to soothing massage on day 5 and a short workout on day 3. On Day 2 I spent the evening playing blackjack and roulette at the casino on board and even managed to win a couple of hundred dollars.

Since the ship docked at different ports during the course of the cruise, I was able to go out and explore the different islands in the Caribbean and the different attractions to be found there. In Puerto Rico, I spent the day exploring the El Yunque Forest and swimming in the Baño Grande with my companion, which was followed by a quick shopping trip and meals on the island.

On our trips to the next few islands we managed to include scuba diving, souvenir shopping and a lot of exploring and island shopping. If you need Caribbean accommodation whilst on land the guys at Holiday-velvet.com offer Caribbean rentals.

Holiday Spa and sauna packages

2010-04-28T12:10:00.003+01:00

If you are travelling abroad for a few days or longer and want also to combine a spa package, there are many possibilities and you do not need specifically to stay in a spa hotel. You can for example if going to Barcelona simply add on a Spa Day package (very good for hen groups) without any trouble by simply booking through a company such as BarcelonaAdventure.com who offer Barcelona Spa packages who groups.

Another option if you are in a city such as Berlin, is to enjoy some true Berlin wellness and sauna by enjoying one of the numerous spas and saunas. The saunas are well organised and respectable place in a country such as Germany and are a weekly routine for many German people. Some of the saunas such as Blurb offer some excellent facilities. You can often also usually get a massage and other treatments.

Amsterdam is one more city you can head to and experience sauna, wellness and massage without needing to pre-organise anything. If you find yourself in Amsterdam, you can easily walk into one of the saunas and a sauna such as the Art Deco Sauna is a very good option.

Sauna Exhibitions and events

2010-02-13T21:59:00.004Z

The choice of saunas is wide and knowing exactly which type to buy, if you are considering having a home sauna, is not easy. Knowing where to start and what accessories you should really buy, is not easy. What I find is that the best option can be to attend 1 or 2 trade exhibitions and fairs and ask around and gather information first. Below two events which I go to annually.

SPATEX which is held in Brighton, England annually is one event which is a great option for anyone in the South-East of England. Held in the Hilton Brighton Metropole, this event brings together many of the key sauna and spa makers. A great chance to pick their brains and gather information.

Spa and Health 2010 in Moscow, Russia (although quite a trek for me) is an event I enjoy going to each year in the Crocus Expo. This event normally takes place in September. Know of any more events for Sauna?

A quick thank you to David and Jeremy at Barcelona Corporate events for your help with the Sauna and Relaxation event in December in Barcelona. Hope to do the same in 2010!

Wellness and Relaxation in Amsterdam

2009-09-14T14:51:00.003+01:00

A lot of people go to Amsterdam for the cafes, museums, canals and galleries, but the city is also an excellent venue for saunas. I do not mean the seedy ones but decent and respectable saunas.

One of the very best I have come across and which is popular with locals goes by the name Art Deco Sauna. Located on Herengracht 115 just off he city centre in Amsterdam, this is a real classy sauna which has been designed in a 1920s style boutique like way.

The facilities themselves are excellent. In proper Dutch sauna tradition clothing cannot be worn in the sauna so be warned if you are shy. Inside there is a steam sauna, dry sauna, dip pool, relaxation area and area for getting professional massage.

Spa & Sauna Guide: Relaxation Centre, Bristol, UK

2009-07-24T12:11:00.003+01:00

For the start of out Spa & Sauna guide on this blog as look at the Relaxation Centre, in Clifton, Bristol, England. Many people think that in Europe you have to be in a country such as Holland, Germany or Czech to have access to the best relaxation, massage, spa and sauna facilities but there are some excellent places in the UK also.

One centre very much worthwhile considering is the Relaxation Centre in the classy area of Clifton, Bristol, almost hidden away on 9 All Saints Road (BS8 2JG). The beauty of this venue is that it is well run, offers a number of relaxation workshops and classes, an excellent spa and sauna area and a number of treatments including:

Hot Stone massage
Aromatherapy
Indian Head Massage
Colour-Light Therapy

The list of workshops they hold is also normally quite interesting and upcoming ones include 'Hands Free Massage', 'Massage & Pregnancy ' and Tai Chi & Chi Kung'. You can visit the centre's site online via http://www.relaxationcentre.co.uk

Spa Towns - Baden Baden, Germany

2009-03-17T14:35:00.004Z

With the Spring almost upon us and the summer also getting closer, you might be looking to book some holidays as I am. Mixing travel and wellness can be a great way to go and one of the best places for travel wellness I have come across is Baden Baden.

Baden Baden is a whole town which is in effect a spa town. The town is very close the the Black Forest and in the summer time it is one of my favourite places to travel to. Spa, sauna, massage and then the black forest and plenty do to within the town itself i.e. shops, bars and restaurants.

If you do head down to Baden Baden then the spa I found to be very good is the Caracalla Spa. Great facilities. Have you been to Baden Baden also? Would love to hear from you. More about Baden Baden spa.

Colour Therapy information

2009-02-11T16:19:00.004Z

Have you been in a sauna and seen lights on the ceiling changing various colors and in at different times, in different patterns. NO? Well anyway, you still might be interested in Colour Therapy (Color Therapy in American English) because colour affects each and every one of us on a daily basis.

The colour of the clothes we choose to wear reflects our mood and how we like to express ourselves; the colour of the car we drive says something about us (or means that you as it happened you bought that colour because that particular car was so cheap) and colour therapy even in an office affects the day.

In therapy and wellness, including in saunas, Colour Therapy is now used more and more and the idea is that lights are used to influence your nervous system. The lights and sequences can have a relaxing and beneficial affect on you. Ever tried colour therapy? Any views? Sens us your comments!

Thai Massage in Bangkok

2009-01-27T18:22:00.004Z

I was in Bangkok, Thailand a few weeks ago and what an experience. Khao San Road is a great place to visit if you ejoy bars, cafes and book shops. It is full of travellers and a great street for taking it easy and relaxing.

I tried a Thai Massage in one of the massage places just off of Khao San Road and wow - it is certainly a tougher form of massage than Swedish massage. With Thai massage the masseur literally stretched you and pushes you into odd positions and it is almost like a mix of yoga and massage.

After the massage though I did fell good and then I felt even better after a few cheap cocktails in the bars on Khao San Road. What a place and be sure to try Thai massage. If you are heading to Thailand, the guys I stayed with for Thailand rentals were very good by the way so they are worth trying.

Top 100 spas in the world

2009-01-22T13:21:00.004Z

Wellness, spa and sauna update:

UKNatural has now moved to a new home at wellnessandsauna.co.uk and one of the new features is the addition of the Top 100 Spas worldwide. So we need your help.

have you been to a spa in the world which you think was excellent and deserves to be in the Top 100? We would love your ideas and thoughts.

With the recession and difficult times worldwide, relaxatin becomes even more important and relaxation is needed even more. Tell us your ways you enjoy to relax! Sendus your comments.

Wellness in Winter Time

2008-10-28T00:56:00.003Z

If you are living in Europe or anywhere else in the Northern Hemispshere you are probably starting to experience the colder winter air and darker nights. I do miss the summer months but the one good thing is that winter time is a wonderful time for sauna and jumping into the outdoor hot tub.

We often go to the Relaxation Centre in Bristol, UK, which has a very good set-up with indoor and outdoor hot tubs and saunas. If you live or are visiting Holland then the Art Deco sauna in Amsterdam is another excellent sauna.

Sauna and Wellness news update

2008-09-02T15:34:00.004+01:00

A quick few Sauna and Wellness news updates:

There are bunch of new Top 10 Sauna, wellness and health Guides now online and titles include '10 Types of massage'. Some of the articles are quite interesting and we are told several more are to be added shortly.
A list of workshops and classes for Bristol. UK residents is now online for the Relaxation centre.
Do you have a sauna, spa or wellness centre anywhere in the world. You can now add your details for free on http://www.wellnessandsauna.co.uk/

Sauna around the world

2008-06-04T13:05:00.006+01:00

Even though Finland is accredited with the creation of the modern day sauna, sauna can be enjoyed in many countries around the world so below a quick list of where you can find information around enjoying Sauna in different countries.

In South Korea rather than the word sauna you'll hear the words mogyoktang and jjimjilbang for Korean sauna. You can learn more also from Seoul and Korea sauna.
In Japan you have Onchen (Onsen) although these are hot tubs rather than sauna. More about Japan and Japenese sauna and onchen here.
In Holland there are some excellent saunas and these include Art Deco Sauna in the centre of Amsterdam. More about Amsterdam and Holland saunas.
One country and I am heading to soon is Cuba. Do you have any information on sauna culture in Cuba?

Finding a Sauna Group

2008-04-12T23:23:00.006+01:00

If you are interested in Sauna then there are many Sauna groups which are now popping up across the Internet. Facebook seems to be leading the way with several dedicated Sauna group available to join.

On Facebook sauna groups you might be interested in are:

Friends of Finnish Sauna
SAUNA PARTY and
24 Hour Fitness Sauna

Sauna Update: Do not also forget that Massage Therapy has now been added to the Sauna home.

Do not also forget the 5 Wellness and Sauna Tips!

The importance of Hydration

2008-01-28T00:57:00.002Z

I used to find when I went to the local sauna that after the sauna, in the evening, my eyes would be a bit blurry and after reading up online, I find that this means dehydration. I guess I am not the only one to experience this, such is the material on this matter online.

Always remember to hydrate correctly befoe and after using a sauna and do not over-stay in the sauna. Too long can be bad. Also always remember that if you have heart problems and are pregnant or have any other condition that might make a difference, consult your doctor first!

In the meantime check out UK Natural sauna and living. You might also be interested in naturist saunas.

Sauna and spa centres UK and Europe

2007-12-11T14:07:00.001Z

A request for your details on your spa centre and sauna facilities so that we can include you on the world of Spa and sauna on the UK or new Europe spas pages.

Just send us your information and pictures to us at info@uknat.com and we will include you on the UKNat site and also write a blog about your sauna or spa. Let us here from you know!!!

Joining a sauna group or sauna association

2007-10-18T21:45:00.002+01:00

If you are a sauna lover and want to join a sauna group or association, there are some possibilities. Below we detail some possible sauna group you might want to consider.

The Finnish Sauna Society is a group who are based in Finland and they have a sauna which you can use as a member. You can find a lot more info by visiting their website via the preceeding link.
In Japan there is the Japan Sauna Association. To learn more they are based at: Ichibankan Building 2F, 1 Rokuban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. You can call them also on: 81-3-5275-1541.
In Germany, the Sauna Bund have tonnes of information about saunas on their website.
You can learn about UK saunas and clubs on the UK nature site

Home saunas can be easily installed

2007-09-10T23:30:00.001+01:00

A lot of people love sauna having experienced this beauty of this form of relaxation in leisure centres of whilst abroad in countries including Holland and Germany. The great thing these days though is that you can also have install a home sauna much more easily than you problem realised.

The thing is is that you only need even a small cupboard to install a home sauna. The space you need is only what will be the size of a 1, 2 or 4 person sauna. Even buying the sauna is relatively inexpensive with the sale of sauna kits quite common and affordable these days.

Installing the saunas is also quite easy and if you cannot do it, it should not require too many hours of manpower to sort out.

Sauna in South Korea

2007-07-04T10:20:00.002+01:00

Sauna is long associated with Finland with the word sauna being a Finnish word, and with Finland being the home of sauna. These days though, many countries have their own form of sauna and relaxation.

South Korea is no different. In a country where working hours are very long and people need a way to unwind and relax, Korean saunas (locally known as jjimjilbangs). Jjimjilbang are excellent places to relax and they can be foudn all over Seoul in South Korea, and in many other Korean cities.

Korean saunas (Jjimjilbangs) have facilities which include jacuzzis, large saunas, relaxation areas and refreshment areas. There are sometimes places to go on the Internet, although in my view, the point of going to a sauna is to escape technology. You can also find hot springs in some areas of Korea and these can offer excellent areas also for relaxation. Nearby in Japan, Onsen are an excellent alternative to sauna with hot tubs with mountain side views, excellent places to relax.

Do not forget that you can read about Onsen in Japan and sauna on one of our previous stories.

Saunas in Amsterdam, Holland

2007-06-05T18:05:00.002+01:00

Amsterdam is a famous tourist city, well known for attractions such as its museums, its architecture, its ‘coffee shops’ and more, but an experience worth doing while travelling to Holland are the Dutch saunas. Saunas are very popular in Amsterdam, as well as in any other city in Holland.

The facilities are often very good; most of the saunas are mixed and wearing swimming suits is not allowed. Dutch people, just like other northern Europeans, think that wearing a swimming suit in the sauna, rather then protecting your body, is unhygienic because the swimming suits help retain moisture onto the skin, thus helping the development of germs. Going to a sauna in Holland is a cultural experience, as much as a tourist experience, and it will give you an insight into the liberal Dutch mentality.

In Amsterdam itself there are a few nice saunas, but the most well known is Sauna Deco http://www.saunadeco.nl/. Sauna Deco is famous for its architecture (in Art Deco style, from the beginning of the 20th century) as well as for its facilities. Sauna Deco offers two sauna cabins, one Turkish steam bath, one cold-water pool with jet streams (one of my favourite features in that sauna) and a large relaxation area. Sauna Deco also has a cafeteria where it is possible to buy snacks and drinks and, if you like, massages and beauty treatments are available.

Other good saunas in Amsterdam are: De Keizer sauna, in Keizersgracht 124;
Viking sauna, Halmaheirastraat 28; Da Costa (formerly Warme Waterstraal), Costakade 200; Sauna Fenomeen on Eerste Schinkelstraat (http://www.saunafenomeen.nl)
-------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this sauna newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.
Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Tips for sauna and steam room

2007-05-10T16:06:00.001+01:00

Having a sauna is a great experience and it has many health benefits. However, there are things that you should be aware of when taking a sauna:

When taking a sauna, wait 1 or 2 hours after having a meal.
Drink a lot of water, fruit juice or herbal tea during or between sauna or steam room sessions, in order to re-hydrate the body. Avoid cold drinks; all drinks should be warm or at room temperature.
Avoid drinking alcohol and taking drugs during and before sauna sessions.
Always take a shower before going into a sauna or steam room, in order to remove dirt and grease from your body.
Cool down in between sauna or steam room sessions. You can do so by having a cold plunge, a cold shower or going outdoors into the fresh air.
Leave the sauna immediately if you feel sick or you experience dizziness, nausea, headache or blurred vision.Sauna is usually very good for health, however, there are times when you should not use the sauna or steam room or ask for advice from a doctor before.
Do not use a sauna if, for example, you are physically exhausted, ill or recovering from a long lasting illness, pregnant, suffer from high or low blood temperature, have a heart disease or other diseases.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this sauna newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Foot massage: Types of foot massage and tools

2007-04-18T17:09:00.001+01:00

One of the nicest types of massage I had in my life was foot massage in Thailand. A nice foot massage, after a day walking around, made me feel relieved and rejuvenated.

Thai foot massage is an ancient tradition in Thailand, a country were massage is an important part of the culture and influenced by India and China. Thai foot massage covers not only the feet, but also the lower part of the legs and it involves the use of the masseur’s hands to stretch and massage the feet, thus opening the energy lines, and the use of a wooden stick to apply pressure to points on the feet, which are connected to the body’s internal organs.

Foot massage is also widely practised in other Asian countries such a China, Korea and Japan. In every one of these traditions foot massage is based on reflexology, assuming that each spot on the feet’s soils corresponds to an internal organ. The massage is done using the hand and a stick (called shiatsu stick in Japan) to apply pressure on the hardest points of the sole, just like it is done in Thai massage.

If you do not have a foot masseur at hand, it is possible to buy foot massagers or sandals that stimulate pressure points. Also, nowadays it is possible to buy electrical foot massagers, which apply pressure on the feet as well on the lower legs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this sauna newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Hammam: an ancient tradition (09 March 07)

2007-03-09T22:10:00.001Z

When travelling in Turkey, Morocco or around Northern Africa or the Middle East, it could be worth visiting one of the local saunas or Hammam, also called in Europe Turkish bath.

In Middle Eastern cultures, Hammam are also important places of social gathering. Men and women attend, but never at the same time; some days the hammam are open for women, other days for men.

The hammam experience starts in the so called ‘warm room’, where the body gets used to the heat. After that, the bather moves into another section called ’hot room’, where the higher heat makes the body sweat, so that the skin gets rid of all the impurities. Then the sauna’s visitors move again into a warm room where they wash their bodies and were they can get a body scrub and a massage. At the end, the bathers move into a ‘cold room’, which is cooler than the previous ones, to relax and allow the body to cool down gradually.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Japan and hot tubs (Onsen) and saunas (9th Feb 07)

2007-02-09T15:11:00.001Z

When you think of saunas and hot tubs, you might first think of a place such as Finland rather than Japan. Japan though has some great saunas and hot tubs, better known in Japanese as Onsen and they play a large part in Japenese culture.

Many of the Onsen are located outdoors and in places where the view is often spectacular. The Onsen are normally male or female only saunas. but there are still many that are mixed. It is normal to be nude in Onsen but people usually carry with them a towel to cover up there modestly as they slip into the water.

The onsen (which are similar to outdoor hot tubs) and often paired with a steam sauna nearby. Be sure if travelling to Japan to check your travel guide book index for the location of a nearby Onsen. For more about Japanese onsen you can visit this site.

Visit a Finnish sauna. In Finland!

2007-01-08T22:57:00.002Z

If you want to experience a Finnish sauna you can probably go down to your local gym, wherever you live. If you are looking for somewhere nice to go on a short or long haul break though, why not consider Helsinki - and at the same time, experience a real finnish sauna.

British Airways presently have some great sales fares on offer , including to Helsinki. Air Berlin, KLM and Germanwings also have some good prices now and again. The allure of Helsinki is also the compactness of the city, which has many interesting bars, shops and the opportunity to go cross country skiing, ice skating and of course, the chance to enjoy a real traditional sauna experience.

The Finns take sauna very seriously. Sauna is in fact a Finnish word and sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture. So much so in fact that over 60% of home owners have a home sauna in Finland. Why not take a trip to Helsinki. I lived there for 4 months myself and the people are great!

Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Inflatable steam saunas (11th Dec. 06)

2006-12-11T18:47:00.001Z

Yes, you read the title correct. Inflatable steam saunas are now on the market and how good they are I do not know, but what an interesting concept. The company prezzybox.com sell inflatable saunas which meet many standard regulations and which for £139 can make an interesring addition to your home.

The inflatable saunas may not be beautiful to look at but WITHOUT the need for installation, plumbing or any special electrics, this is an interesting product. According tot the prezzybox website, you simply 'fill the steamer with water and inflate the steam bathtub with the pump supplied'. You then put your own chair in the inflatable sauna (after a few minutes) and hey presto, you are ready to take a steam sauna.

The sauna produces steam which reaches about 45 celcius and the sauna comes with holes in it for your hands, so that you can read something i.e. a book at the same time.

The inflatable sauna is 120cm long and 80cm wide.
--------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.*

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Steam sauna or infrared sauna? (14th Nov. 06)

2006-11-14T15:44:00.001Z

Choosing whether to buy and set up a traditional steam sauna or infrared sauna may confuse you if you are new to buying and using saunas. So what is the difference? For years and years, the traditional style steam saunas have been popular but in recent years, infrared saunas have come into the market.

Instead of using steam which is heated by coal or wood, with the steam cleaning the bodies pores; infrared saunas work by using infrared rays to directly target the skin using a radiant heat which is safe and beneficial.

Infrared rays reach your skin and the rays then transfer heat energy and thus stimulating the bodies tissues. This is considered by many experts to be excellent especially for people with arthritis and tissue injuries. The heat also causes people to sweat hence the benefits achieved with steam saunas are also gained. Many infrared saunas actually make you sweat much more than steam saunas, thus creating even more of an impact.

Infrared saunas also have many more advantages, including the fact that they operate at a lower heat setting. An infrared sauna often operates at between 100F and 130F, far less than the average 180-190 for many steam saunas. The fact also that infrared saunas do NOT require water can be a huge advantage because it means that you do not have to worry about plumbing.

Many people, especially if you live in Finland, swear by the benefits of traditional steam saunas. Some suporters of steam saunas claim that infrared saunas might be dangerous due to the nature of the rays and some claim that the way in which the steam cleans the skin is much better. If you are unsure about whether to by a hom steam sauna kit or an infrared sauna kit, do more research on the internet, including by visiting the home of sauna.
--------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.*

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

What to look for when buying a home sauna (18th Oct.06)

2006-10-18T08:56:00.001+01:00

If you have made the decision to buy a home sauna, there a few things you should consider. Safety is paramount. You do not for example want to get locked in your sauna whilst at home and you do not want to make you health worse as a result of using a sauna.

When buying a home sauna kit or when building a sauna, ensure that the door can always open outwards and also that there is NO lock at all. Similarly, ensure that the entrance to the sauna is clear. In terms of health, make sure that you only use the sauna if you meet the acceptable criteria, i.e. that you are not pregnant, do not have problems with blood pressure etc. Consult your doctor if you are in any way unsure. Sauna is considered to be healthy and beneficial for you, but not if you have high blood pressure.

Also try to buy a sauna which has a UL rating with it and which also comes with clear safety instructions. Saunas or sauna kits you buy from a known manufacturer will provide this information without problem.
--------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.*

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Sauna and wellness culture: 5 tips to enjoying your sauna experience (6th Oct.06)

2006-10-06T11:20:00.001+01:00

You can improve the quality of your sauna experience by following some simple rules and ideas. Sauna is great for your skin, for your mind and general well-being. Below are five simple rules for making the sauna visit even more fun.

1. If you or a friend owns the sauna you are using, then consider using some kind of fragrance in the sauna. Using aromatherapy oil such as eucalyptus, alpine, citrus, lavender or peppermint, can create a wonderful feeling and experience in the sauna. The benefits of using these oils vary, with oil such as eucalyptus able to give the sauna a clean and very fresh aroma, whilst lavender oil is very good for people looking to unwind and lose the tension they have.

2. Shed the swimming costume. It is peculiar that people in some countries wear swimming costumes into a sauna. It is unhygienic and also less beneficial comfortable wearing clothes in the sauna. For any sauna connoisseurs who have visited saunas in Germany, Holland, Sweden or Finland for example, you will appreciate that costumes are strictly forbidden. If the sauna you use is clothing only then you probably should wear something to avoid getting in trouble: If you are using a home sauna then no problem.

3. If you can, roll around in the snow in between sauna sessions - if your sauna is near snow. The sensation of cold after the heat of a sauna, is very refreshing. Alternatively, you can use a dip-pool with nice ice-cold water.

4. Make it a social event. Having lived in Finland for 6 months, I learned to appreciate sauna as a great social lifestyle. Finns join friends in the sauna and sometimes also organise trips to the countryside near lakes, to have sauna weekends. The Finnish saunas do tend to be male only or female only, although friends or families tend to go to the sauna together.

5. Ensure that you shower properly after the sauna. This will ensure that the pores of your skin are cleansed properly, and this in effect leaves you with much healthier skin.
--------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.*

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Finnish sauna experiences (29th Sep. 06)

2006-09-29T08:52:00.001+01:00

For one blog, rather than talk about home relaxation and sauna directly, I thought I'd mention about how I first became interested in sauna and my experiences of living in Finland. My introduction to sauna was when I moved to Helsinki for 5 months, as part of an Erasmus exchange program at university. Within days of moving to Helsinki, and settling in, it immediately became clear how important sauna (and vodka) is to the Finns. Maybe of you will already know that the word 'sauna' is a Finnish word, with sauna having been invented by Finland. The Finns are extremely proud of sauna and more than 75% of Finns have a home sauna.

The Haaga Institute where I studied has its own sauna facilities and these were discounted for students studying at the institute. In England during the student years, the social life is always based around pubs and student bars. In Finland, bars are of course popular as Finns drink their way through the long dark winter months, but it is sauna, which is the main focal point of Finnish social life. Saunas are so popular in Finland that some people are said to have even been born in saunas.

The sauna culture is very different from other European countries such as Holland and Germany whereby the majority of saunas are male only or female only, rather than mixed saunas as one finds all over Germany and Holland. The similarity between Finland, Germany and Holland is that clothing of any kind is always banned in the sauna. Wearing clothing in a sauna is considered unhealthy, with the materials stopping you from naturally sweating and as healthily.

Finnish saunas themselves are usually heated to around 95 degrees Celsius and the best Finnish saunas usually use smoke saunas which use wood to hear the sauna. The smell of the wood gives added benefits with the sense of smell also invigorated, whilst the sight of burning wood is preferred by many, because it is considered relaxing to watch the burning wood.

In Finland, in between sessions in the sauna, I watched (and ten tried myself) the traditional habit of going outside butt naked and walking down to the lake (if there is one nearby) and jumping into the icy water. If there is not a lake then people tend to roll around in the snow instead. Many modern saunas usually have heated rocks and water is then used to generate more steam and heat in the sauna. want to see photos of Helsinki, Finland?
--------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.*

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Portable saunas (22nd Sep. 06)

2006-09-22T12:21:00.001+01:00

If you are a passionate sauna and wellness fan, just like our Finnish friends, then portable saunas are your answer. These saunas can be installed just about anywhere and they come in different sizes and they are easily constructed. You can buy portable saunas which come in sauna kits, i.e. they come with all of the parts, including the sauna heater. Portable saunas are also cheaper than the bulkier non-portable models, hence, portable saunas are worth considering.

Do not underestimate how effective portable saunas are because despite their size, portable saunas can still give you an excellent sauna experience. The sauna experience tends not to be so dis-similar to commercial saunas. The only thing is, is that you cannot fit many people in the sauna with you: a disadvantage if you like to use your sauna for large social gatherings.

The cost savings with portable saunas are not just the costs saved by buying a smaller portable one, but also the costs you might otherwise have to pay if attending a commercial sauna location. To be fair, you should consider the cost of powering your sauna, although it should still work out cost effective. What I have started doing recently is cycling to work (rather than using the cardio at the gym) and using a home portable sauna (rather than the one at the gym). I save money and a lot of time and I also get to work faster by cycling the 6 miles each way.

You can even get portable saunas these days, which are infrared saunas. Infrared saunas are thought by many users to be excellent for sports injuries, aches and pains because the infra-red rays go deeper into the body tissue, hence healing becomes more effective.

I first became interested in the sauna experience after living in Helsinki, Finland for 6 months on an educational exchange. Sauna is a Finnish word and a word which Finns are extremely proud of. Living in Finland is a grea experience for whether you are a sauna fan or not. The Finns love vodka and drink copious amounts although never usually in the sauna. Drinkin in a sauna goes against sauna etiquette. In Finland a very high percentage of people have home saunas, many of which are portable in style.

--------------------------------------
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Relaxation Centre in Bristol, England (13th Sep 06)

2006-09-13T12:05:00.001+01:00

Sauna, relaxation and massage: I am not sure in which country or even county that you live, but in case you live in England or plan to visit England, let me tell you about the place where my wife and I visit once a month. If you live in a rented flat or apartment like we do, installing a home sauna is not practical, thus the only way to enjoy the benefits of sauna are with a trip down the street to The Relaxation centre in Redland, Bristol. With several saunas, hot tubs (including one outdoor sauna and hot tub), and various massage packages, it is well worth spending an afternoon there. The Relaxation centre in Bristol, is a well established and professional place, with everyone from police officers to I.T and health workers using the facilities. The facilities also include a floatation room, relaxation lounge, meditation room, massage and classes.

The centres latest treatment is hot stone massage (don't ask me what it is as I have no idea :) The spa and sauna sessions are sometimes women only and sometimes mixed. Sundays are couples only and set as clothing-optional day in the facilities. My wife and I tend to not bother with the extra costs for massage etc and choose to pay the £40 per couple on Sundays for the sauna/spa facilities - which we spend hours in.
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Making a living from Massage and other home therapies (4th Sep 06)

2006-09-04T11:20:00.001+01:00

Indian head massage, Swedish massage and other home therapies can now be used as a career move. If you are like my wife then you are probably bored with the 9-5 daily grind and you might be looking for a job which is more flexible, rewarding and allows you to get out and meet different people.

What my wife has done is to start studying the therapy of Indian Head massage. A course with Internationally recognised certificiate in Bristol, England costs only a few hundred pounds and the course is 14 weeks long and has a good reputation. Wherever you live in the world, there are classes in most main cities these days, for learning different skills. It is true that it does take time and experience to become proficient in these new massage or aromatherapy skills but the sooner you get started the better! Many people now are turning to self-employment and enjoying fitting their work in around children and school holidays etc. It is certainly worth considering. To get started, I would recommend going onto your local Google (i.e. google.co.uk or google.es etc) and then doing a search for local classes, once you have decided what type of therapy you are interested in training in.
Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Home Relaxation: Choosing the size of your Home Sauna (29th Aug 06)

2006-08-29T10:31:00.001+01:00

So you have decided after some serious (or perhaps not so serious thought) that you will install a Home Sauna. With this decision made you will then want to evaluate what sauna size would be most suitable to your needs. There are several things you need to consider.

The size of your sauna will be largely dictated by
i) The amount of space you have available for the sauna, and
ii) What size sauna you would actually like, i.e. a 2,3, 4 or larger sauna.

A home sauna can be positioned just about anywhere in your house including for example, in a spare room, a cupboard, a bathroom, the basement, or even outside in your garden. If you have a spare cupboard which is unused, this can potentially be big enough for a 2 person sauna. If you want sauna sauna evenings with friends, you might want a 6-person sauna but otherwise, for just your and your partners own relaxation, a 2 or 4 person sauna should suffice.

Worth considering is that sauna users often enjoy laying down in the sauna, thus you may want to try and ensure that the sauna wall is at least 6ft by 5ft in size. The 6ft length will allow most peopel to have space to lie down and the 5ft width should allow space for an upper and lower bench. For the ceiling height, a 6.5 to 7 feet in height can be good because heat rises and this height will give room for the warmer air in the sauna to rise enough but not too much.

Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Dolphin Massage Chairs (21st Aug 06)

2006-08-21T11:39:00.001+01:00

Massage is one area of Home Relaxation which is both very affordable and also something which everyone CAN do. You may need to get a little training in various massage techniques, i.e. by reading some books or even better, by doing a short evening course, but it isn't hard and yet can be rewarding for both you and your partner.

On this blog I discuss 'Dolphin Massage chairs' because these chairs can be excellent to use anywhere and they are not that expensive. These chairs are excellent for positioning ones body during a massage; excellent for both the person being massaged and for the masseur. The Pisces Dolphin II massage chair for example, is enables the masseur to comfortably lean over and massage whilst the Dolphin Massage chair also has a telescoping design which in effect allows you to sit between a vertical and horizontal position.

Made on a fixed-base, these chairs have no side bar which means you can sit down on the chair from the side if you wish. A lady for example, can gracefully sit on the chair without having to climb onto the chair. The chair also has a removable one piece knee pad, an optional travel case with wheels and other features. This chair is excellent for home use, in addition to being excellent if you are planning to start small business business - if you need a portable massage chair. Get an agreement with a local shopping mall for example, and with one of these chairs and your massage therapy oils, you are all set. The chair is very easy to transport and you can thus take it anywhere. The chairs weight is only about 18 lbs, has a strong aluminium frame, comes with shoulder strap, face rest and can costs approximately Â£400.

Subscribe to this newsfeed. Get all updates sent to your RSS reader.

Select one of the RSS news readers above or add our feed link: http://homerelaxationspasauna.blogspot.com/atom.xml to your own RSS reader.

Choosing the best Sauna heater (15th Aug 06)

2006-08-15T12:01:00.001+01:00

People often ask me what the best sauna heater is for a sauna and in humble opinion, Vico sauna heaters are a very good option as are Amerec sauna heaters. If you want to relax at home and rejuvenate your body and participate in a little self-appreciation, you will need a heater for that home sauna. The only possible negative is that for a home sauna, the heaters made by Vico and Amerec are perhaps slightly to big and industrial in nature. If you buy a sauna kit i.e. from www.simplysaunas.co.uk you may be better off for a home sauna.

Vico heaters do are arguably a little bit more expensive than some other sauna heaters, but Vico do offer some attractive and powerful models. Vico heaters are probably more practical if you are looking to use your heater for a commercial sized sauna - i.e. with several people in the sauna. if you have a 2 person home sauna then a Vico model for $1500 (£1000) or so if too expensive. The 80,000 BTU Vico model is able to take 450lbs (pounds) of rocks which is far more than you may need for a home sauna.

For a home sauna, if you want something small and cheap, then a 2.3kw or 3.6kw will likely be much more practical and also affordable. A low cost heater stove with built-in controls might only set you back about £120 (US$180, €170). If you do decide that you are going for a more industrial style sauna heater then think carefully as to if you need something so large, powerful and expensive. Vico heaters often meet regulation approval (as do most sauna heaters) and the Vico sauna heaters often look classy and are built strong and too last well. You shouldn't be disappointed.

Types of Sauna for the home (4th Aug 06)

2006-08-04T13:04:00.002+01:00

Sauna is an invention from Finland, an invention which has now become popular in health clubs worldwide, and which exists in an average of one per household in Finland. These days home sauna is also becoming popular in Western Europe and in the U.S. Home saunas are now more affordable and easy to install.

The modern day Finnish sauna one of the main types of sauna, is essentially a steam sauna, the steam created by splashing water on heated rocks. The rocks sit inside a metal woodstove, (usually with a chimney). Air temperatures can average 70-80 ÂCelsiuss. The steam makes the sauna users sweat, which in effect makes the impurities sweat out of the body. This type of sauna can easily be created in your home. You do not need much space, with even an un-used cupboard for example, possibly large enough for a small sauna.

Infrared saunas on the other hand, are deep penetrating infra-red rays ensure that the whole of your body istargetedd. This type of sauna is great for relieving tired and aching muscles, as well as offering a good sauna experience in general. Home infrared saunas can be bought just as easily as home Finnish saunas, thus this type ofsaunaa is worth considering.

The Infrared sauna uses a special heater that creates infrared radiation rays. Even though these rays are similar to rays produced by the sun, the infrared rays are considered to be very good for ones health. In infrared saunas, the heater warms the air and also penetrate the skin to encourage perspiration, producing many of the same health benefits of traditional steam saunas.

Choosing the right home sauna (21st July 06)

2006-07-21T19:55:00.001+01:00

Choosing a home sauna is not easy when there are so many models to choose from these days. Saunas for home use (both for indoors and outdoors) include portable, Finnish and infrared models, using different heat sources such as electric or wood. Then there is the choice of indoor and outdoor; dry, smoke, steam, wet. There is additionally the choice of 2, 3 , 4 or even bigger home saunas.

The traditional type of sauna is the Finnish wood sauna. The Finnish sauna is basically a steam sauna with the steam created as water is put onto the heated rocks. Air temperatures often average 75+ Celsius. This type of sauna can easily be created in your home and you do not need much space. You can for example, use an empty cupboard as the place for your sauna.

Infrared saunas (with deep penetrating infra-red rays - which ensure that the whole of your body is targeted) are perhaps less practical for the home. This type of sauna is great for relieving tired and aching musclesl. Home infrared saunas can be bought just as easily as home Finnish saunas, thus this type of sauna is still worth considering.

Size wise you just need to work out what you need and what space you have available. What sauna size can you realistically fit into the room for you using? A 2 or 4 person sauna might be the best. If you are looking to have sauna parties with friends then maybe a 6 person sauna.

When choosing a sauna, be sure also to consider the water source and also consider the heaters.Visit www.uknat.com for more detailed information.

The Wellness revolution - Home relaxation (7th July 06)

2006-06-07T14:08:00.001+01:00

In England many of us are working more and more and stress is becoming an issue. Affording relaxation in terms of money and time can be difficult and thus we have to find ways to unwind and de-stress. There are many ways to relax at home and also cheap places we can visit to re-charge ourselves.

The new website Wellness and sauna site is a new site dedicated to Home Realaxation - focusing especially on sauna, spa, hot tubs and massage. In the coming blogs all of these areas will be discussed in detail, as we look at affordable and realistic ways of relaxing. Building a home 2 or 4 person sauna for example, in a spare cupboard, is actually very practical and not actually very expensive. A more in depth look at such ideas very soon.....