Sauna is both a luxury and source of healing

"Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities." Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect (1869-1959), quoted in his obituary, April 9, 1959

As we enter into a new year, we often think about what luxuries we might achieve during the year. When asked about what a real luxury would be for the dream house, saunas tend to be at the top of the list. And in winter, this experience is even more popular. What a wonderful addition to any home.

Just think, the Finnish sauna has been in existence for at least 2,000 years. In its early days, the sauna was regarded as a place to bathe, but for a time it became something of a multipurpose room as people also used the sauna as a place to give birth and care for the sick.

While Scandinavia is the first place you think of when it comes to saunas, different versions of the sweat bath can be found in the histories of other cultures. Close equivalents include the Russian banya, the Roman thermae or public bath, the Turkish hammam or steam bath, and the Native American inipi or sweat lodge.

And you can have one in your own home.

The best reason for an indoor one is that it guarantees usage year-round. For most homeowners it would require a minor or, in some instances, major renovation to accommodate everything you want in your sauna. Most include a "cooling down" or rest area, a shower and dressing area. If you build the sauna near or adjoining an existing bathroom, that would, of course, be taken care of. You also need to install 240-volt wiring, if it's not already in place.

In addition to year-round use, you also ensure your privacy in an indoor sauna, encounter no predators (of the animal type), and you're not open to vandalism of any kind.

Normal sauna sizes can range from a small 3-foot-by-4-foot size to as large as you like, depending upon how many people you want to enjoy it with you. Keep in mind that it gets pretty hot and a smaller space may seem somewhat claustrophobic to some.

If you have a two-level bench set up, the height of the sauna should be about 7 feet. You can make it room height, but the higher the ceilings, the longer it will take to heat up. Remember, heat rises.

You can also indulge all of your senses. For example, Sunlight Saunas uses technology for the ultimate in home-spa luxury.

With sheer indulgence in mind, the Armana line at Sunlight Saunas features a CD player with Blaupunkt speakers (used by BMW), flat-screen television and an MP3 circuit for PC and iPod stereo use. Just imagine!

If you are limited in space, according to Sunlight, you also can transform any room of your home or apartment into a luxury high-tech sauna with the stand-alone, Solocarbon-technology infrared heater. Unlike conventional saunas that use convection heat, the Sunburst series of heaters plug right into a household outlet and emit infrared light, the same healing energy that is released naturally by the sun. For more information on Sunburst, visit www.sunlightsaunas.com.

You can see from this little bit of information, there are many choices. Do more research, try some saunas in your friends' homes or in a commercial facility and see what suits you best.

I also ran across these sauna tips and wanted to pass them on. We always need instructions, you know.

As to why we should use a sauna, here are some tips from sauna expert Pertti Olavi Jalasjaa.

1. Sauna bathing is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders or pulmonary diseases, and anyone who is pregnant or has multiple sclerosis, hyperthyroidism or hypertension should consult a qualified health professional before using a sauna.

2. Do not use the sauna while under the influence of any type of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics or tranquilizers.

3. Avoid eating heavily before you take your sauna bath.

4. Remove all metal objects, such as watches and eyeglasses, and jewelry from your body prior to entering the sauna. Do not wear contact lenses in the sauna.

5. Take a shower before entering the sauna, and be sure to dry your body completely after you wash yourself.

6. Drink some mineralized water before your sauna.

7. Allow yourself a reasonable amount of time for your sauna session. A typical sauna sequence consists of: a warm shower, 15 minutes in the sauna heat, a cool shower and optional dip in a swimming pool, lake or pond, and then a 10 to 30 minute rest. Most sauna fans repeat this sequence, or one similar to it, many times during a morning, afternoon or evening. People with heart problems or high blood pressure, however, are advised to avoid swimming in cold water after their sweat bath.

8. Don't smoke in the sauna.

9. Leave the sauna immediately if you feel faint or dizzy. One of the most important principles to follow when you are in the sauna is to listen to the messages your body sends you.

10. To prevent dehydration, be sure to replenish your fluids after you come out of the sauna. Drinking mineralized water is recommended.

Further according to Jalasjaa, "Adding a sauna room to your home can help your health and personal finances. Indeed, many health benefits have been attributed to regular sauna bathing, including improved blood circulation, improved lung function and strengthened immunity to illness. A study by the British Medical Association found that people who take sauna baths two or three times a week reduce their incidence of colds and flu by more than 65 percent. Imagine the impact that could have on your own life: fewer visits to the doctor and pharmacy, and fewer days away from work."

So, as you can see, saunas can be relaxing, fun, and healthy, as well as a luxury. In or out of the sauna, best wishes for your new year!

Carolyn Muse Grant is a design consultant, expert home stager and creator of beautiful spaces. Questions can be sent to her at creativemuse@cox.net.