Many of the Nordic countries like Scandinavia and Norway have been emphasizing the virtues of saunas for many years. They have understood the benefits of using a sauna for easing muscle problems, aches and pains, as well as the benefits realized in the reduction of tension and stress.

Many serious health issues are also benefitted by regular sauna use. Arthritis sufferers have long understood and enjoyed the benefits of a regular sauna session as have sufferers of other chronic ailments, like fibromyalgia, anxiety and even depression.

While the use of saunas was once limited to those lucky enough to be able to hit the local gym or spa that housed a sauna, it is not simple to have a sauna installed in your own house or even backyard. To make sure that you choose the right sauna for your personal needs and situation, there are a few things one should keep in mind when shopping for a new sauna.

The different types of saunas makes choosing one a bit of an adventure, but the best advice is to determine exactly what type and style is right for you and for what you require it for. Do you want an indoor or outdoor model? After you have made that decision, the most important thing to do is to ensure that you are able to install that type of sauna according to local bylaws and restrictions. You may have to obtain a building permit if you are constructing a standalone model or even if you are adding one to an existing structure.

Contacting local officials to ensure compliance before you build will save you any aggravation in the long run. Another big consideration is the size of the sauna you plan to purchase. Do you plan on having friends and family over regularly for a good sweat session or do you mainly plan on using the sauna alone or with just the immediate family? Choosing the right size for your needs is essential as over or under building can become a pain that you want to avoid.

Choosing the right heat source for your sauna is another very big consideration. This again depends on what exactly you intend to use the sauna for. The traditional wood stove sauna may be perfectly fine for someone using the sauna more for pleasure as would the other available options, such as electricity or gas. However, if you are using your sauna for a specific medical ailment, the infrared sauna may be the best choice. You need to do some homework and decide which type will suit your needs the best and then check local bylaws and prices to determine if that is the right choice for you and your budget.