Did You Know? The Mayans Used Saunas For Health Benefits

October 30, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

The Fact: The Mayans used saunas

An important purification element to the ancient Maya was the sweat bath, or zumpul-ché. Similar to a modern day sauna, sweat baths were constructed of stone walls and ceilings, with a small opening in the top of the ceiling. Water poured onto the hot rocks in the room created steam, offering a setting in which to sweat out impurities. Sweat baths were used for a range of conditions and situations. New mothers who had recently given birth would seek revitalization in them, while individuals who were sick could use sweat for healing. Mayan kings made a habit out of visiting the sweat baths as well because it left them feeling refreshed and, as they believed, cleaner.

Ancient technique? Ancient rituals? Will they work for you? There are hundreds of documented studies on the healing properties of hyperthermia-immersion in high heat for health.  What modern technology has added to the idea of sweat for health is the ability to study the results-not take them on faith. And, of course, the convenience of having one at home that’s ready anytime you are!

Saunas-the good sweat starts with a Finnleo Sauna from Olympic Hot Tub Company.

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Finnleo Infrared Sauna Use Aids Recovery From Toxic Chemical Exposure -One Woman's Story

October 27, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

Here’s a story about recovering from the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals by using an infrared sauna. On Monday, I received the following letter from Jane Potter, an attorney with a PhD in Biochemistry.  Jane purchased a Finnelo far infrared sauna from Olympic Hot Tub Company in March.  She had planned to buy one around the same time that a story about the health benefits gained by using an infrared sauna aired on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Read her compelling and personal story.

Dear Alice:

In 2007, I was exposed to an array of toxins at the workplace.  I was seriously ill for months. When I began getting out and about again, I found that I felt slightly better after using a sauna at the gym.  In March 2009, I visited your Seattle store to learn about your saunas and I bought a small Finnleo Saunatec infrared sauna.  I soon had to upgrade to a larger one in which I could lie down.  It was so effective.

I concur with other people who suffer from chemical sensitivity: frequent use of the far infrared sauna can help in the recovery process. I have also lost almost 15 pounds since buying the sauna, and I was not overweight to start with.  I credit the sauna with much of that weight loss.  I use the sauna 5 times a week.

My recovery was also due to a healthier eating plan, and I have a contract to write three inspirational books on health and diet; the first is enclosed: “Change Your Eating, Change Your Life-A Guide to Healthy Eating” by Jane Ross Potter published by our Little books-Little books with a big message.  If I can help promote saunas for alleviating the effects of chemical injury, please keep me in mind!

Sincerely,
Jane Potter
Seattle, Washington

Thanks to Jane for writing and sharing her story. I am so glad that she has found the key to wellness after such a long period of suffering-two years!  Her story is a true testament to the health benefits of an infrared sauna .  She has agreed to be a resource for anyone suffering from toxic chemical exposure. Her contact information is available on request.

I urge anyone who is suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, which in some cases can be the result of toxic chemical exposure,  to explore the use of a sauna  to aid their recovery.  Please share this post with anyone you know who is suffering from toxic chemical exposure.

THE GOOD SWEAT STARTS with a Finnleo Sauna from Olympic Hot Tub Company.

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Belly Dancing & Sauna Use

October 27, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

I love the internet.  There’s more fun stuff and interesting tidbits posted everyday. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. But every once in awhile there’s a real gem like this one.

Here’s a question posted on a sauna blog: “Does Anyone Have Info About The Health Benefits Of Belly Dance And Sauna?”

One response: “Sauna and Turkish baths are supposed to be good for you for purifying the body and improving the body’s immune defenses.

Belly dance is a gentle form of exercise that helps strengthen the core muscles and it is very good for back and posture.”  I can verify the truth of this last statement. My cousin is a famous belly dancer in the Plaka in Athens, Greece. Her stage name is “Miss Rina” and always introduced as “The lovely Miss Rina”.  At 68 she has marvelous stomach muscles and posture to die for.  And, yes, a sauna does help you detoxify and does boost the body’s immune system.

The second reply: “You get in shape and get nice skin” is equally valid.  So belly dancing and taking saunas is a twofer worth looking into.  Let me know if you’re doing both and how they’re working for you!

THE GOOD SWEAT begins with a Finnleo Sauna from Olympic Hot Tub Company.

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Grandma & Grandpa Say SilkBalance Gives Them Soft Skin After Hot Tub Soaking

October 26, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

Here’s an email from “Grizzly”:

My grandma and grandpa bought Silk Balance to help the water be soft on their skin.
They like it and asked me if I would pose for them. Since I am not camera shy, I said yes.

They let me get in the tub with my life jacket on. Grandma has a little duck in the water that we play with. My younger brother and I climb on the hot tub cover when they’re not looking.

You may think my name is funny, but I really am a nice boy.

Grizzly

P.S. Grandma says she bought the spa in 2005 for Grandpa, who has arthritis.
A note from the grandparents:
We really do like the product which we purchased from the Olympic Hot Tub Company Issaquah store.
Thanks!
Mike and Yvonne Setzer
Bellevue, Washington

Thanks for writing, Grizzly.  Love your name & love that towel. I’m glad to hear that Grandma & Grandpa are loving SilkBalance and that you are, too.  You really are a nice boy.  I can tell.

Now that winter’s on the way, it’s time to try SilkBalance in your spa or hot tub. Banish the dry skin blues with the natural sea salts in every bottle of SilkBalance. Not only does it keep the water clean & fresh, there’s no mixing, testing or use of all of those other bottles of chemicals that other systems use. No pH up or down, no calcium increaser or reducer, no alkalinity plus. Only a few ounces of SilkBalance a week and a small amount of sanitizer and that’s it!  What are you waiting for? Switch to SilkBalance today!!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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Do Not Use Chlorox to Sanitize Your Hot Tub!

October 22, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

See this photo of a bottle of Chlorox? Our Valet Team member, Chris Nordby, took this photo at a hot tub owner’s home this week.  While we don’t like to call ourselves the “hot tub police”, we will speak out when we see something that’s just plain WRONG!

You’ve purchased a Hot Spring Spa to bring you relaxation and peace. Our goal at Olympic Hot Tub Company is to make it as easy as possible to take it easy.

And Chlorox as a sanitizer is so wrong. Once chlorine is in solution (like Chlorox) it has almost zero disinfecting capabilities. Bleaching is all it’s good for.  Use it on your sheets & towels. I do. It works great. But, you add chlorine to your hot tub water to disinfect it; to kill bacteria.  Chlorine will not do it and has the wrong pH and will cause very dry skin to boot.

Use only dry chlorine to sanitize and make sure the formula is sodium dichlor NOT calcium hypochlorite which is for swimming pools only. If you’re all tied up in knots and can’t get your water chemistry right and your hot tub does not have clean, clear water with NO SMELL, send us an email or check out our e-store. We sell only products that are right for hot tubs and spas!

If you want a water care lesson on-site, we’re happy to do that or drain and clean and maintain it for you.  Our Valet team gets rave reviews. Call the Service Center 206 431-2876 to schedule valet service in select locations inthe Puget Sound area.

Here’s our Valet Team: Left to right:  Tim, Enrique & Josh. They earn rave reviews from our customers!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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Watch the Meteor Shower From Your Hot Spring Spa Tonight!

October 22, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

Hot tub soakers & stargazers this is your night! Avid astronomy fans are planning to look up and search the skies for this month’s Orionid meteor showers. Occurring from October 17th through October 25th, there is some disagreement among scientists about the peak-was it last night or tonight? Either way, you’re in for a treat.  You may not see anything as dramatic as the photo here, but if the skies are clear you’ll see plenty of meteors aka “shooting stars”.

The Orionids are one of the most watched meteor showers of the year. They are the result of debris left behind by Halley’s Comet in 1986. They are called Orionid meteor showers because they appear to shoot from a point in the constellation Orion, the hunter.

This easily spotted constellation “kind of looks like an hourglass with a very recognizable belt of stars,” said astronomer Mark Hammergren of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. In addition, “the constellation is visible from pretty much anywhere in the world, because it appears along a line of sight close to the Equator,” he said.

Orionids are most visible after midnight from October 20th through the 25th. There will be little moonlight under an early-setting, waxing crescent moon, making for dark skies and a wonderful viewing experience. Hopefully the skies over Puget Sound will be clear enough to see them. The best viewing time will be after midnight in the eastward sky. Since meteor showers are wider than Earth, they may actually appear all over the sky-wouldn’t that be exciting? Something to wait up for!

So grab your towels, beverage of choice (non-alcoholic, please) and head out to your Hot Spring Spa tonight. Seeing a meteor shower is a real treat and makes you feel like you’re part of a great universe. Guaranteed to “make your night”!

Sanum per Aqua. Latin for Health through water.

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Take A Sauna 2-3 Times a Week For Optimum Health Says Dr. Andrew Weil

October 21, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

In his book “8 Weeks to Optimum Health-A Proven Program for Taking Full Advantage of Your Body’s Natural Healing Power “, noted natural health practitioner, Dr. Andrew Weil recommends taking a sauna 2-3 times a week. The health benefits are unbeatable.  Saunas promote sweating by exposing the skin to high heat. The body’s surface temperature while sitting in a sauna, even briefly, can rise to 104 degrees F. The heart rate will increase, and blood will begin to circulate toward the skin surface, causing the body to sweat as it cools itself down.

Many people believe it is this process that is the biggest benefit of a sauna.  Dr. Weil says that “when you take a sauna, the heat pumps up blood circulation near the skin and stimulates sweating. The Finns say a proper sauna elicits about a quart of sweat per hour. … It helps the body rid itself of unwanted materials and improves general circulation.”

Dr Weil also says in his health column, “I’m a sauna enthusiast, and I often recommend “sweat bathing” in saunas to cleanse the skin, soothe sore muscles, or simply relax. Sweating in a sauna can also be beneficial to patients with arthritis, asthma or respiratory infections, and is a good way to recover from overindulgence in food or drink. The sweating rids the body of excess sodium and other unwanted substances. It also helps eliminate drugs and some toxins and by doing so can take some of the workload off the liver and kidneys. I recommend regular visits to saunas or steam rooms to patients with liver or kidney disease.

Sweating in a sauna or steam room dilates the blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and increases circulation to the skin. You don’t need much time in the heat – 10 to 20 minutes is enough to work up a good sweat.

If you have high blood pressure or a heart problem, be sure to check with your physician before going to a sauna or steam room. The heat can cause circulatory changes, including an increased heart rate. Overall, however, the only real risk to a sauna or steam room is spending too much time sweating. You can faint from overheating and from dehydration. Be sure to drink lots of water before, during and after your sweat.”

Take it from Dr. Weil whose reputation for wellness advocacy is worldwide. He believes that taking the steps to maintain good health pays huge dividends as we age. Taking a sauna 2-3 times a week is one giant step to attaining optimum health.  He’s not the only raving fan of saunas. Our Olympic sauna customers can’t say enough about the benefits!

THE GOOD SWEAT  begins with a Finnleo Sauna from Olympic Hot Tub Company.

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Extend the Life of Your Hot Tub Cover With Proper Water Care

October 20, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

Good water care helps to assure a healthy hot tub for a healthy body. As you prepare for  winter, Fall is a great time to freshen up your spa cover-using 303 Protectant and doing a drain and refill of the water before winter. Your spa cover will last longer and be more durable if the vinyl is properly cared for and the water is properly balanced.

Apply one good conditioning treatment of 303 Protectant to preserve the vinyl against drying out from the harsh winter weather. Use it on the top vinyl, straps, handles and skirts.

If you close your Hot Spring Spa for the winter, it is critical to have balanced water. Bad water chemistry can cause a smelly cover by springtime if the spa is continually closed and the pH is off.  It’s typically better to drain the spa and close it completely for winter.  This will involve draining plumbing lines as well as the spa itself.  If you’ve forgotten how to do this, email for help!

Fresh, clean, clear water makes all the difference in your spa experience. You  will enjoy a lifetime of healthful soaking in your Hot Spring Spa and extend the life of your spa cover as long as you maintain good water care.

Blog special on Sunstar Spa Covers ends Friday, October 23rd.  Save $75. off a new Sunstar Spa Top.  Sunstar can make a cover for every hot tub ever made. Size does matter. Get the right fit to save energy costs AND keep your water clean.  Call the Service Center M-F 8-5 and say the passwords: “Blog Special” to receive $75. off your new cover.  Don’t miss this special!!

RES EST SERVA VOLUPTAS. Pleasure is a serious business.

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Get The Maximum Benefit From Your Finnleo Infrared Sauna

October 19, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

Finnleo far Infrared saunas are a perfect way to bring relaxation into your life. Many people are accustomed to traditional saunas and how to use them for maximum health benefits. Infrared saunas are a newer way to take a sauna and most people are not familiar with how to use them for maximum effect. Here are some suggestions for using your infrared sauna to maximize your enjoyment and well-being. The many health benefits are detailed on other posts.

1. Infrared saunas should be turned on and allowed to heat to about 102 or 103 degrees before you enter the sauna room. Your body will heat up as the room temperature rises.
2. Laying a towel on your bench will help keep the sauna wood clean and free from staining.

3. Some users will take longer to sweat in an infrared sauna-don’t give up! Because infrared is designed to heat your body differently than a traditional sauna, you are in fact receiving the systemic benefits the minute you enter the infrared sauna.
4. If your body is not used to an infrared sauna environment, it may take 2-3 weeks for you to condition your body to sweat during an infrared session. Once you go through this initial “ramp up” period, you will find your body heating up more quickly and sweating toxins at a more rapid pace.
5. Remember-you are, in fact, in a sauna environment,

even though there is no steam or extreme heat like a traditional sauna uses. Hydrating while in the sauna will help you detoxify, and allow you to remain in your infrared sauna longer. Sweating helps the body rid itself of excess sodium, drugs and some toxins, thereby reducing the workload of the liver. It also improves general circulation. The deeper penetration of an infrared sauna can cause you to sweat more than in a traditional sauna. Caution: If you have high blood pressure or heart problems check with your doctor before using.
6. A typical infrared therapy session can last up to 30 minutes.
7. Follow your sauna with a shower, rest and a glass of water.

To make the most out of your time in the sauna, you will need:

* At least half an hour of uninterrupted time, preferably an hour or more, so you have ample time to cool down and benefit fully from the relaxation effect;
* A large cotton towel to dry yourself;
* A loofah sponge or scrub brush to remove dead skin;
* Eucalyptus oil or other calming fragrance to scent the sauna.
* Plenty of cool, not cold water to drink.

Nice to have ready:
· A small towel to sit on;
· A moisturizing lotion for after the sauna;
· A big, Turkish cotton bathrobe to wear while cooling down.

THE GOOD SWEAT begins with a Finnleo sauna from Olympic Hot Tub Company.


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Hot Tub Daily? No More Dry Skin! SilkBalance Keeps Skin Soft and Smooth

October 19, 2009 By Alice Leave a Comment

Here’s an email from a real hot tub enthusiast. He and his family have been soaking in their Hot Spring Vanguard daily since 2003!  Read on:

Silk balance has made a world of difference to my family and me. We have enjoyed our Vanguard model on a daily basis since August of 2003. Silk balance keeps our tub nice and our skin silky smooth. Thank you so much for a great product!

Tom R. Nelson
Freeland Washington 98249

Thanks, Tom, for writing and sharing your SilkBalance story. Like Tom, thousands across the country, including me, have made the switch from soaking in a vat of chemicals to all natural SilkBalance. When are you going to switch to easier, cleaner water care and enjoying the added benefit of smooth, soft skin? If you’ve already switched, write and tell us about your experience with SilkBalance!

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

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