We all know the great benefits of saunas in helping to recover after a hard workout, or to relive pent up tension and frustration when visiting a hotel or luxury resort. What few people realize is that saunas have many more benefits than these. In fact there are a wide variety of benefits that can be enjoyed by having access to a sauna at home.

The Greeks were the first to realize the benefits of temperature bathing and created what amounts to be the first steam rooms. It was the Romans who took the sauna to its height of development in the ancient world by building entire complexes centered around temperature baths. Thought the centuries the power of heat to help relax and heal has been respected and appreciated. There is no better way to unwind than to relax in a warm soothing environment free of the distractions of the world.

The first home based saunas were simply called steam cabinets and were sold by major catalog retailers in the first part of the 20th century. They featured a water tank with a heating element in it that was situated under a wooden seat. The user would sit naked on the seat and close the doors around him. He had a choice to either leave his head exposed with a towel forming a seal between him and the opening of the box or to use a fabric hood which was draped over the head to allow them to breathe in the steam as it escaped.

The debate over hot and wet or warm and dry has been a virulent one. These days it is the general consensus that hot and wet is best for deep relaxation and recovery from strenuous workouts, while warm and dry is best for mild to moderate daily relaxation and assistance with medical conditions. The truth is that the best type of sauna for the home user is the dry style since not only does it provide the best results for the casual users needs but it is also easier to build since it only requires a power connection for the heating unit and lights. This is unlike the steam room style which needs gas for the heater, electric for the lights and plumbing for the water.

If you want a moist environment from a dry sauna you can always add water to the rocks or place a pan of water on the grill. This gives you the best of both worlds. Of course there are major advantages to having a dry sauna that a steam sauna cannot accommodate. The first is the ability to read, watch TV or use a cell phone or cordless phone while relaxing. These things are out of the question in a wet environment.

The benefits of a sauna in your home are tremendous. Imagine being able to come home and undress before heading to your personal sauna. The gentle warmth engulfing your naked body as you sit or lay comfortably reading the paper or a favorite book. The time floats away as does your tension and stress from the long hard day. Your spouse or children can join you and you can reconnect with those you love while you all release the grip the day to day grind of the outer world has on you. You can also invite over your buddies and your spouse will enjoy the extra time she can have with her pals as well.

There are other benefits as well. It has been shown that those who use saunas regularly have lower levels of toxins in their bodies, have high metabolic rates and have stronger immune systems. Users of home saunas also have healthier and more vibrant skin and due to less stress in their lives, tend to not be at as high of risk with cardiovascular disease, migraines, over eating or addictions to “comfort” items such as alcohol or nicotine.

The personal benefits of having a home pre-fab saunas for health and medical purposes are great. Many doctors suggest that those dealing with respiratory distress, some skin conditions, suffers of arthritis, and those who have tension related conditions consider the installation of a home sauna. This is due to the fact that the dry heat of the sauna helps to loosen the lungs, reduce inflammation in the joints and exfoliate the outer layers of the skin.

Building your own personal saunas in your home is a great way to connect with friends, your family, your spouse and yourself. It can be beneficial to your health as well as your happiness. If you have never considered the building of a sauna, you should think about it. There are a wide variety of reasons to do it, and you will love the end result.

Find the right home sauna to add to your home. Sauna showers and baths are the perfect way to unwind after a day at work and improve your health and mentality. Also available are infrared saunas, outdoor saunas, and sauna material kits.