A Brief History of the Infrared Sauna

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A Brief History of the Infrared Sauna
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• For thousands of years, sauna culture has stood
  the test of time.
• The next step on the journey of sauna technology
  is our patented Solocarbon heating technology,
  but where did it all begin?

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• Thousands of years ago
• Before infrared technology, electrical circuits,
  automobiles, industrial factories and even metal,
  it is likely there were saunas.
• In 2011, archaeologists in England uncovered
  what they believe could be a neolithic "sweat
  lodge". This supposed purification room
  overlooked a prominent Stone Age temple area, and
  was nearby the River Avon (a water source for the
  room).

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• Following this period, as man developed, it is
  said that nomadic tribes from near Tibet traveled
  westward to where Finland is now, bringing with
  them their culture of portable saunas. It is
  believed that these rooms were used for a variety
  of medical procedures, such as curing the ill,
  delivering children and drawing blood.

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• Moving forward
• Other instances of saunas and similar styles of
  bathhouse appear throughout history all over the
  world.
• For example, many believe the ancient Mayan
  people used sweat therapy for some of their
  rituals. There are instances in China, too, where
  an early form of spiritual infrared heat therapy
  is said to have been practised around 1,000 BC.

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• It is well-known that the Native American people
  also used transportable saunas in their travels -
  generally dug-out pits that were heated and
  covered with animal skins.As cultures began to
  mingle for the first time, and technology was
  traded, sauna culture expanded throughout Europe,
  Asia and, later, the Americas during the Middle
  Ages and beyond.

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• A famous illustration, created in 1496 by
  Albrecht Durer, depicts women bathing in a wooden
  bathhouse that appears to be heated by hot stones
  - an early sauna.

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• Dawn of infrared
• Infrared technology itself didn't appear until
  the end of the 1800s. In its early form, it was
  known as a 'light bath', and was designed by a
  man called Dr J H Kellogg. An upgraded version of
  this strange new cabinet was brought to the 1893
  Chicago World Fair, where an investor from
  Germany picked up the idea and promoted it in
  Europe.

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• A columnist from the 1916 Battle Creek Enquirer,
  a newspaper from the town where Kellogg invented
  his machine, wrote about its success.
• "It now finds place in every down-to-today
  hospital, sanitarium and physician's office. It
  has found its way also in to many clubs and
  private homes as a hygienic appliance far
  superior to the Turkish bath in attractiveness
  and healing power.

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• Indeed, it has come to be classed with the
  necessary equipment of every modern day home.
• Sunlighten saunas now feature the latest
  evolution in sauna heating - Solocarbon
  full-spectrum infrared heating. Our mPulse series
  saunas utilise this innovative technology, as
  well as Android touch screens to help truly
  customise and harness the power of full-spectrum
  infrared heating, helping you achieve targeted
  health and wellness results.

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• The same philosophies that have driven sauna
  culture for hundreds of years continue in every
  Sunlighten sauna today.
• If you're interested in a piece of healing
  history, call to speak with a Sunlighten sales
  consultant or enquire online.