Zen and Schwitz
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Private Infrared Sauna Studio in Bicton
Our Saunas
Engaging in sauna has been historical tradition in many cultures worldwide. The earliest saunas (estimated in the time of the Stone Age in Finland) were as basic as holes dug into the ground, fortified walls and a firepit in the middle. Greek sauna history is purported to have begun around the 6th century BCE when the Spartans invented 'hot-air bathing' to add to the communal bathing practices of the population. While the Romans communal bathing practices were similar - the creation of the large Roman thermae baths wasn't even until the 1st century CE!
Fast forward to current day culture and sauna use is much more sophisticated and accessible. Use predominately revolves around relaxation, recovery and rejuvenation, and although conducting business is probably less likely, it can still be a very social activity. At SchwitZen we have room for two, but we also value the peace that comes from schwitzing alleine (alone).
The science community has been interested in sauna in its varying forms for some time, and in the last few years there has been enough data to confidently report that these benefits are scientifically recognised:
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
- Relieving muscle pain
- Alleviating joint pain and stiffness
- Enhancing mental well-being
- Improving sleep quality
- Enhancing skin health
Benefits that have been suggested but need further research include a boosted immune system, detox and weight loss.
So how do infrared saunas work without hot rocks, fire or steam?
Infrared refers to a wavelength of light, below the visible spectrum and only felt as heat. Panels in the sauna emit infrared waves which your body absorbs and converts to thermal energy, causing physiological changes that increase your core body temperature and heart rate, and results in you sweating.
The biggest difference between infrared and other saunas, is that the infrared sauna heats YOU rather than just the air. They also run at a lower temperature than traditional saunas - ours are capped at 65°C - which means you can comfortably sauna for longer.
So rather than a fire, hot rocks, water or steam in our saunas - there is just you and some invisible wavelengths that are making you schwitz!
Our saunas are Vortex Prestige saunas, made from Forest Stewardship Council certified sustainable Canadian Western Red Cedar. The heating elements are made of carbon fibre and output far-infrared waves (FIR), which penetrate your skin up to 4cms.
Carbon fibre elements improve overall efficiency of the units and have an independently tested EMF (electromagnetic field) rating of less than 3mg.
Read the independent magnetic field test report here.
Each unit has a sound system with Bluetooth capabilities enabling you to connect and unwind to your favourite tunes, podcast or audiobook.
There are also Chromotherapy lights, easily operated via the digital panel inside the sauna. Each colour has its own proposed benefits.
For example
Red: increases circulation and stimulates metabolism
Blue: promotes relaxation
Violet: calms the nervous system
We will explore the science of chromotherapy later, and provide a link for further reading here.
The wood of the sauna is naturally antimicrobacterial and microbial resistant. We use a simple vinegar and water solution to disinfect and clean our saunas in between users.
We ask that you do not wear perfumes, deodorants or moisturisers as they can stain the surface of the wood, and we cannot allow those who have recently applied fake tan to enter. Because we fully encourage enjoying your sauna in your skin only, we also ask that you always sit on one of the towels provided to prevent any damage or staining from sweat, and prolong the life of the saunas.
The individual rooms and all of the furniture within are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between each session. This is why we stagger our session times, so that we have time to prepare, and you can feel comfortable in the space.
What we're reading
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We love sauna for the sake of sauna and the feel goods that it gives us. But there is science behind it all...
The links below will take you to a platform where you can read the individual full articles (for free).
Fair warning - some of the articles use some very specific language!
Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review
Published 2018
This article reviewed and summarised the findings of 40 studies covering both Infrared and Finnish sauna. They discuss the mechanism of action, reported benefits and are transparent about the limitations of current literature.
Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan
Published 2021
Plain language English (easy to read!) that gives an overview of different sauna practices, the physiological response to heat stress, the benefits and risks of engaging in sauna, and just how sauna can help to compliment and extend a healthy life.
A post-exercise infrared sauna session improves recovery of neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness after resistance exercise training
Published 2023
Researchers at universities in Sweden and Finland looked specifically at the recovery of male athletes after training, using just one IR sauna session. The result? Decreased muscle soreness and improved performance!