Let me introduce you to the latest addition to Eltham Wellness Centre: our traditional outdoor steam sauna.
This spacious four-person sauna can reach temperatures of up to 110°C, although you remain in control and can choose a lower temperature that feels comfortable for you.
To create a burst of steam, simply pour a small amount of water over the heated stones. This briefly increases the humidity and creates that unmistakable traditional sauna experience.
New to traditional saunas? Start with a shorter session, drink plenty of water and step outside if you begin to feel light-headed or unwell.
The main benefits of sauna bathing come from controlled exposure to heat. As your body warms up, your heart rate and circulation increase, your muscles begin to relax and sweating helps regulate your body temperature.
Although sweating is often described as “detoxing”, your liver and kidneys perform most of the body’s detoxification. The better-supported benefits of sauna bathing relate to relaxation, circulation, recovery and cardiovascular wellbeing. You can read a review of the available sauna research here.
Heat exposure may also increase the production of heat shock proteins, which help the body respond and adapt to physical stress.
• Help protect cells during periods of physical stress
• Help repair, refold or remove damaged proteins
• Support the body’s adaptation to heat
• Potentially support healthy metabolic and cardiovascular responses
• Encourage relaxation and may support better sleep
Both infrared and traditional saunas warm the body, encourage sweating and activate the body’s natural response to heat. The major difference between them is how that heat is delivered.
Infrared saunas use infrared energy to warm your body more directly. They generally operate at a lower room temperature, creating a gentler experience that many people enjoy for relaxation, muscle comfort and recovery. You can learn more through the Mayo Clinic’s overview of infrared saunas.
Traditional saunas heat the surrounding air using a stove and heated stones. They provide a hotter, more intense environment, while pouring water over the stones creates short bursts of steam and humidity.
Choose infrared if you prefer a gentler, lower-temperature session. Choose traditional if you enjoy stronger heat, steam and a more immersive sauna experience.
After your sauna, you’re welcome to cool down in our outdoor barrel at no additional charge.
For an additional $40, you can add ice from our outdoor ice machine and turn your session into a proper hot-and-cold contrast therapy experience.
Alternating between heat and cold can provide an invigorating finish to your visit. Cold-water immersion may also help temporarily reduce muscle soreness following exercise.
• Finish your session feeling refreshed and alert
• Practise calm, controlled breathing during cold exposure
• Potentially ease short-term muscle soreness after exercise
• Add an energising finish to your sauna experience
Cold exposure can be intense and is not suitable for everyone. Enter gradually, keep your first immersion brief and stop immediately if you feel dizzy, numb or unwell. Please seek medical advice beforehand if you have a cardiovascular condition or other relevant health concerns.