Questions About The Sauna HOW TO USE THE HEALTH BATH

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31114, 18 July 1966, Page 9

Questions About The Sauna HOW TO USE THE HEALTH BATH

TIOW does the home sauna bath work? 11 How-much does it cost? How much is it installed? Is it a steam bath? These are the questions asked by people interested in the sauna, but who are not sure what it involves.

The answers are easy: the sauna bath utilises the reflected waves of short infrared heat rays—rays that have long been recognised for thdir health value. It Is a dry heat bath (asthma sufferers please note). It is portable—requires no installation. Infra-red rays are given out in great quantity by the sun, but the value of most of these is completely lost in overcast conditions, so common during the winter months. The sauna bath converts infra-red radiant energy into heat below the surface of the skin, in the region of the sweat glands and the terminal nerve endings of the skin. The user perspires freely after about 15 minutes of the infra-red application. This gives a feeling of relaxation due to the soothing effect of the sub-surface heat on the nerves Sauna baths have become very popular in all civilised countries particularly .the United States of America, but the cost of installation of such saunas (from $2OOO to $10,000) puts them beyond the reach of most people. In spite of this one Swedish firm has exported 50.000 to the U.S.A, alone

By far the most popular type of sauna bath overseas

is the home sauna bath, which incorporates every advantage of the large sauna installations while having none of their disadvantages The home sauna costs only £4O In New Zealand, which immediately places it within the financial range of every citizen and his family. . . It also offers the distinct advantages of complete privacy (a facility not shared by users of the large public baths) and complete portability. The home sauna is so self-contained and easy to move that it can be transferred to any room In a matter of minutes. The home sauna consists of a folding screen, about 40in high, lined Inside with aluminium foil to reflect the infra-red waves to every part of the body Inside the screen 'is the heating unit in the form of a comfortable padded stool with an easily - accessible switch on the right-hand- side to control the heat A plastic cover fits over the top with a space for the head. The neckband, is elasticised and a towel is placed around the neck to prevent soiling of the fabric liner. A zip fastens the cover. ► A waterproof mat is also used as the home sauna is usually set up on a carpeted floor.