How to Create a Sauna Environment in a Bathroom

Saunas originated in Finland and are still used there today. A traditional Finnish sauna has a wood fire heating a pile of stones that radiate the heat into the wooden (usually cedar) sauna room. Once the rocks are hot, the steaming effects are intensified by ladling water on the rocks. Steam permeates the room, creating a deep cleansing environment. If you don't have the means to build a sauna in your home, you can create a sauna-like environment in your bathroom and still enjoy the benefits.

Things You'll Need

• 2 FIR (infrared) heaters
• Towels
• Extension cord
• Heat lamp
• 5 foot x 10 foot enclosed space

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase two far infrared heaters (FIR) and a heat lamp for your bathroom to make a more cost-effective version of what might be found at a spa or health center. Position the heaters away from walls, shower curtains and towels to prevent fire. Do not run water in the sink, tub or shower while the heaters and lamp are plugged in. You are creating a dry heat sauna.

• 2

  Plug in the heaters where your circuit will support 20 amps plus the heat lamp. Using an extension cord from an outside the bathroom outlet is also possible.

• 3

  Cover windows with a towel or plastic covering to keep outside air from entering the sauna/bathroom space. Roll a cloth, towel or rug in front of the bathroom door at the floor to keep the warm air from seeping out.

• 4

  Place the heaters five to six feet apart within the bathroom, initially facing the door or plain wall to warm the room. Any substance that will absorb the heat will help create the effects of a sauna. Tile may not heat as well or effectively for the desired sauna effect.

• 5

  Add a heat lamp to the ceiling or use a clamp-on work lamp with an infrared heat lamp bulb to warm the air so the body will sweat to detoxify the skin and system. If the surrounding air is too cold, the lungs only work to regulate your body temperature rather than sweat to regulate it. You lose the sauna effect and benefits. 

• 6

  Lay out a towel on the floor between the heaters. Turn the heaters on and warm the room for 30 to 40 minutes before entering. When you enter, disrobe completely and sit on the towel between the two heaters, now facing each other. Sit upright with your feet somewhat apart and knees bent or use a short stool. Ideally you want the heat from the FIR heaters to hit as much of your torso as possible.

• 7

  Drink three to four glasses of water while in your sauna or just after you finish to re-hydrate your body. Turn off the heaters and unplug the extra cords. Take a shower or bath afterwards to cleanse your skin as the final benefit to the sauna if you wish, or towel dry after the sauna and re-dress.