It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, as many of Klafs clients know.  Klafs Sanarium for example offers a highly beneficial alternative to having to choose between either sauna or steam simply by creating a cabin delivering the benefits of both.

Sanarium creates a bathing environment where humidity and temperature are fully controllable to enable wide variations on bathing experience. The heat range sits slightly lower than that of a traditional sauna whilst the humidity levels are perfectly balanced to induce the benefits of steam bathing without necessitating the usually high levels of humidity. This flexibility works perfectly in the home and commercial environment allowing bather experiences to be tailored to need, thereby optimising the range of  health and wellness benefits available.

Another hugely beneficial but little discussed bathing experience is infrared and though usually regarded as the sauna of choice for athletes, there is a great wealth of benefits for any spa user. The shift to a health and wellness over health and beauty philosophy is bringing Infrared bathing back into focus and for good reason.

The gentle yet effective bathing experience induces deep physical and physiological relaxation, reduces heart rate, blood pressure, elongates muscles, eases tension, and stimulates healthy circulation. In fact Infrared does all a sauna can in a much subtler, gentler way which offers a safe and comfortable bathing environment particularly for those unable to withstand the rigours of a traditional sauna.

Klafs Infrared cabins combine the very latest in Infrared technology coupled with design flexibility and a choice of integrated technology.  Unlike many infrared cabins, Klafs Infrared uses gently radiating Infrared C panels, cleverly hidden within the walls to create a beautiful, practical and functional cabin.  The internal cabin walls are aspen, chosen for their knot free, resin free structure enabling even heating and heat distribution across the entire cabin.

Designing a cabin with the infrared panels integrated into the structure has enabled Klafs to combine sauna heating technology as well as Infrared capabilities within a single cabin, creating a choice of bathing options highly suited to a wide variety of home and commercial bathing environments.

Choosing an alternative to the traditional sauna or steam room options for your home or commercial spa needn’t be a headache or technically complex. Klafs offer a wealth of expertise and knowledge which can support the decision-making process within existing design and space constraints. If you are planning wellness spaces, call or email the office and we will happily talk you through the options and alternatives to help you really get the most out of your investment.

Spa businesses here in the UK have already begun to change and adapt to a new marketplace, tapping in to resources and technology which help deepen and improve connectivity with their clients. The urge to cut back on marketing activities has, in the main, been quelled, aided in particular by increasingly accessible marketing tools which utilise a varied number of technologies, apps and social networking tools.  Marketing has become less about selling ‘to’ and more about service provision and experience enhancement, enabling a multi faceted and responsive business approach.

The historic client and business separation is finally evolving into a more free flowing communicative process creating a collaborate approach to service delivery.  Technology has enabled information exchange leading to products and services which actually meet client needs.

The spa and wellness sector has changed rapidly in 2011 and the coming year will bring additional changes and challenges requiring ahead of the game thinking to respond and adapt to the shifting needs of the spa and wellness user.

2012 may prove to be the tipping point signalling a different and smarter method of working.  The ability to adapt, innovate and create closer more meaningful connections will be key in maintaining stability and steady growth.

For us here at Klafs this is an exciting and challenging time to operate within the wellness sphere.  Our activities will continue through the coming year and where many be tempted to cut back, tighten the belt and rein in activities, we will continue to develop, create and innovate to meet the ever changing needs of our clients, collaborators and partners.  2012 will also see the continuation in our charitable endeavours and will be a year of giving in new and evolving ways. We look forward to the journey into 2012, with it’s inevitable bumps, potholes and all!

Traditionally, time was set aside on Christmas Eve for family and friends to gather and spend time indulging in sauna bathing rituals. Nirkko writes that historically, the preferred bathing time was the afternoon to allow time during the evening for the spirit world to take their place in the cabin.

Today, Christmas Eve bathing traditions are a continued practice with the focus remaining firmly on the living, taking time for reflection and contemplation, enjoyment and cleansing before the festivities begin with renewed abandon. The process is slow, beginning with preparations for the heating of the sauna, through to the final cabin cooling stage. It is very much a social affair with the cold Finnish winter providing the perfect natural landscape for icy dips and snowy cooling in between hot sauna sessions.

Whist here in the UK the likelihood of a white Christmas might prevent us from fully experiencing a traditional Finnish style sauna, the idea of taking time out on Christmas Eve to be with friends and family inside a warm and inviting sauna cabin is very much top of list this year. Here are some top tips for creating the perfect Christmas sauna experience:

• Make it social and make it an event, taking the afternoon through to evening to spend time relaxing, talking and enjoying time with invited friends and family.
• Have plenty of large thick towels, fluffy robes and spare flip flops for additional eager guests.
• Heat the sauna well in advance and ensure the there is plenty of water on hand for raponsing regularly.
• Herbs such as Rosemary, Sage and Thyme and essential oils of Frankincense, Cedarwood and Sandalwood can be used to fragrance the cabin with seasonal and uplifting scents.
• Prepare light and delicious snacks accompanied by non alcoholic drinks to keep everyone fed and happy during the afternoon. Try hot pear or apple juice warmed with cinnamon, lemon, ginger and clove for a festive but non tipsy tipple or hot chocolate and marshmallows for the younger family members.
• Relaxation space is a must, make sure there are plenty of seats, benches and cushions for everyone to rest and relax on.
• Finally, stock up with plenty of candles and pick out a suitably laid back festive playlist.

A Christmas Eve Sauna is the perfect way to unwind and take stock before the festivities commence. Personally, I’m secretly hoping for an icy if not white Christmas for that authentic hint of the Finnish cool!

First up is feet first with the prediction that we will see an increase in healthy feet treatments developed and offered across all spa sectors. Wellness comes to the fore with professional podiatrists consulting alongside foot therapists to deliver treatments combining foot beauty with foot health.

Next is the predicted rise in a more mainstream use of cooling treatments and experiences with the development of new and innovative technologies delivering icy blasts through cold water, ice and snow experiences. As many of you already know, Klafs has long understood the importance of cooling effectively so we are rather happy to hear that our Snow Cabins, Ice Fountains and Experience Showers are already ahead of next years trend towards the cool.

Third on the list is a shift towards lasting and effective health and wellness regimes with wellness coaches now looking set to become key in helping spa goers develop a health and fitness regime which is effective, manageable, achievable and delivers the desired results.

Wellness Gaming is next with online interactive games allowing the integration of fun activities with brand loyalty schemes with additional health and wellness monitoring capabilities. Fun combined with health and knowledge seems to be the key message.

As with 2011, the next prediction for 2012 is for the continuation in development of more tailored and unique packages incorporating Spa activities with fine wines and fine dining.  Consistency and curated will be buzz words ensuring that the spa goers receive a truly complete experience fit for their culinary as well as their bodily needs.

A focus on sensory stimulation through light, sound, music, vibration and colour are number six on the list with spas developing a range of therapies incorporating each element individually or in combination for a multi sensory experience. Good news for Klafs again given our long history of technological developments which deliver a whole range of sensory stimulation.

Number seven on the SpaFinders top 10 Global spa trends is the return to glamour where predictions see an increase in pop up (and pop in) spa salons and bars specialising in specific services such as blow drys, manicures, waxing and brow shaping.  Regular and short weekly treatments look set to become the norm.

2012 will also see an increasing thirst for knowledge and reassurance for the would-be spa goer with an ever increasing demand for the development of evidence based treatment programmes. The ‘science of spa’ will be key in delivering health and wellness treatments through a continued growth in the development of medi-spa facilities.

Ninth on the list is the predicted swing towards family friendly spa facilities where adult time can be combined with child-friendly spaces to enable time together and time apart as a family unit. Klafs latest development demonstrates how exceptional spa design is already challenging the ‘no children allowed’ rules.

Finally on the list of predictions for next year is the need for a bigger WOW factor with seasoned spa goers expecting to be astonished, delighted and surprised by the spa experience. Bigger, brighter and more unique experiences will come together through design and technology innovations. ‘Delivering beyond expectation’ will take notice of the little things, with closer attention paid to the small but greatly significant details which combine to create a unique user experience.

Our personal feelings on next year is that 2012 will become a year of immense global change creating an environment where innovation, technology and service delivery will be the key in adapting, surviving and thriving to create a sustainable spa business of the future. Our focus remains firmly on our clients.

The media has historically shied away from discussing sensitive mental health issues in an open, honest and public forum but has this week joined many of the supporters in talking openly about the death of Gary Speed.  Social media has helped create an expanded online community of friends, acquaintances and sympathetic well wishers sharing experience and feelings. A conversation has begun and it now time for us all to start talking.

This may seem an unusual topic on what is a sauna spa feed but the team here at Klafs is not your usual team. Wellness is very much at the heart of what we do, not just for our clients but for our staff too.  We are a team and we take care of each of other.  Honesty, integrity and support is at the very heart of what we do in the office and outside of it. Employers have a responsibility to encourage open dialogue and to offer support networks through the sharing of information.  Why should you take the lead too?

Here are some quick and rather stark facts:

• 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health issues during their lifetime
• Depression and Anxiety related disorders are the most commonly diagnosed
• 10% of the UK population will be experiencing depression at any one time
• 4000 people every year in England and Wales will take their own life
• 75% taking their own life will be men
• In Men under 35, Suicide is the second most common cause of death in England and Wales

So, in context even if you are a small team of only 4 individuals, it is statistically likely that one of you will, at some point, experience mental health issues at some time. But, if you are a large company employing 100’s of individuals, it is highly likely that there will already be a number of individuals experiencing mental health issues of some kind. Conversation leads to action and action ultimately helps to safeguard the health and wellbeing of each of us individually.

This time of year is particulaly busy for Mental Health Charities and Support networks who are in need of volunteers and donations to help keep vital services in place so if you can offer time or money, do it this year and help support the work these amazing organisations continue to do.

Our personal support goes to CALM which originated here in Liverpool but there are many other organisations which need funds and time including MIND, Samaritans and HOPElineUK.

Start a conversation today, support your team and support the bigger picture.

The key concern for many is the effect of heat and the temporary fever that sauna bathing induces and whilst there is a wealth of research relating to hyperthermia during pregnancy, few, if any, relate directly to current sauna bathing practices.

The key findings which bridge the possible gap are derived from research specifically looking at the relationship between fever (caused by internal biological response mechanisms through infection) and feotal development or miscarriage. The studies all broadly concluded that high fever during the first trimester could possibly, particularly during the first 6 weeks, create a slightly higher risk of nueral tube defects leading to congenital issues such as spina bifida.

It is worth noting that the temperature increase induced by sauna bathing raises core temperature, on average, by less than 1 degree and that the duration of time spent in a sauna during pregnancy is suggested to be no longer than 5-10 minutes so the key difference between externally induced fever (via the sauna) or internally induced (through infection or other biological processes) is the duration and temperature differences experienced.

One of the few published research pieces on sauna bathing during pregnancy was assessed and can be found in a 1979 edition of the British Medical Journal where the sauna bathing practices of Finnish women during pregnancy were investigated to assess a possible correlation between sauna induced hyperthermia and the instances of congenital abnormalities. It was concluded that sauna bathing had no ill effects in this group of women nor could they establish a scientific reason for finnish women to discontinue their usual bathing practices.  An important factor was noted on the historical context of traditions in sauna bathing rituals where regular sauna visits were a regular part of cultural  practices.

So, where does this leave the unanswered questions surrounding sauna bathing during pregnancy?  As with all health related issues is it is for the individual to firstly assess their own personal medical history and current sate of wellbeing.  Stage of pregnancy should be taken into account, exercising restraint or caution during the first trimester.  Blood Pressure can fall, body temperature will raise naturally and nauseous feelings may continue throughout inducing feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness and so sauna bathing under such circumstances is ill advised due to risk of fainting and vomiting. It is also wise to avoid sauna bathing during pregnancy if it not a regular part of your routine.

Sauna bathing during pregnancy is yet to become part of our cultural norms here in the UK but is rarely questioned in countries where there is a long history of regular sauna practices but that is not to say that we shouldn’t question or assess the risks. Our advice is  to talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife first, then if you are in good health and are a usual sauna bather, the health promoting benefits of the sauna should continue throughout   – just remember to take a friend or partner with you for support, stay only for 5-10 minutes or less if you feel uncomfortable and take regular sips of caffeine free fluids to keep you fully hydrated.

Our olfactory system is finely tuned to detect volatile chemical components in the air, translating them to chemical and electrical signals within the brain. Forming part of the limbic system, our olfactory bulb communicates these messenger signals directly to both the emotional centre (the amygdala), and the hipocampus (associated learning) to create either a new smell association or works to trigger a conditioned response to a scent previously encountered.

It is these conditioned responses which have us responding either positively – inducing feelings of pleasure, enjoyment, relaxation, happiness etc or negatively creating a sense of repulsion, dread, unhappiness. The memories associated with scent can be subliminal in nature producing only a perceived emotional response but in reality, it is the subconscious mechanism tying emotion, association and conditioning together to create the physical and psychological responses we encounter.

The link between memory and odour is incredibly strong as demonstrated when we encounter smells from childhood; the ever familiar scent of lavender may remind some of us of a much loved great aunt whilst others a strongly disliked distant relative, the emotional response experienced is created by the conditioned responses encountered much earlier in life. Our brain processes odours in such a way as to be indelibly printed, never to be lost, even when the source of conditioning to such odours has long been forgotten.

Scent is in itself a powerful tool for inducing a state of calm relaxation or for delivering an energy boosting pick me up when needed, so it no surprise that our use of herbs, flowers and oils to enhance the sauna and steam bathing process has a long standing history.

High quality naturally derived essences and oil concentrates used within the sauna and steam room create not only a mood enhancing environment but can have physiological benefits too.

With Autumn now in full swing essences such Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and Eucalyptus will be beneficial in staving off cold inducing germs whist clearing foggy heads and stuffy noses. However, if you are looking for alternatives to the usual seasonal essences try Sandalwood, Chamomile, Orange and Mandarin which will soothe tight chests and calm those frazzled Christmas planning nerves.

The use of essence as a tool within the bathing environment will create a welcoming and inviting space helping to enhance the mood and physical wellbeing of the bather. Talk to your clients to discover odour biases and tailor the environment to meet the needs of your guests in turn helping to create positive, mood enhancing emotional responses and those feel good connections!

Spa operation activities are centered around the delivery of services, activities and products which support, enhance and promote an overall sense of wellbeing and as the recent Spa Trend Report highlighted, for the last 25 years the vast majority of spa goers have given relaxation as the top reason for a visit to the spa.

So with our clients carefully attended to, what are we doing to support our staff, team members and colleagues in safeguarding their own mental health and that of those around them? If the answer is nothing in particular, we should be thinking again. A report released this week by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development highlights the shifting patterns of absenteeism with employers now clearly seeing a shift away from staff absence caused by back pain and RSI and instead stress related illness is now the number one reason for staff taking time off.

Here at Klafs we have long understood the importance of a happy healthy working environment and our Feel Well ethos is well established, the culture it creates helping to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the team as whole.

Family first (the F in our Feel Well Values) takes into account the need for life outside work as well as developing a sense of family here at the office which in turn creates an environment of mutual respect, support and honesty – important elements in safeguarding against stress related illness.

Our team is also encouraged to use the spa equipment regularly not only so they know the product up close and personal but because we all value the health benefits it offers. Bathing regularly gives each team member time to reflect, time to relax and a offers a big boost to mental and physical health.

Playtime and work time often collide with games and shenanigans in copious doses.  Getting to know each other outside the day to day remit provides valuable opportunity to forge connections, improve communication and creates discussions in a less formal environment.

Supporting your staff doesn’t have to take the usual shape, we are a pretty unconventional bunch here at Klafs but in developing an environment which is both productive and enjoyable means that we know our team really well in a working and non working environment and so communication and support mechanisms have been created far more easily.

Safeguarding the health and wellbeing of your team is important in any environment but for those of us in the health and wellness sector, the need to practice what we preach is certainly ever more present than in today’s social and economic climate.

1. Klafs Technical are a Klafs Gold Partner, an accolade awarded only to Klafs Partners who deliver the very highest levels of service, technical expertise and facilities. Only a handful of partners worldwide have achieved Gold status so we are understandably a rather proud recipient!
2. Our Team have been with us for a long time so they know our product and our clients exceptionally well. Personal service, expertise and a professional yet no nonsense approach is assured whatever the size of your project.
3. Our core team are based in Liverpool which means we are within easy reach of all our UK clients. The airport is just a stride away (being just 15 minutes out of the city) whilst mainline trains offer easy and efficient access to key cities across the UK. Being only 20 minutes form the M6 helps too.
4. We specialise in creating exceptional spa spaces where wellness is the key consideration, whatever shape your project takes. Wellness begins with client experience so from initial contact through to post installation support you can feel reassured that working with our team will be plain sailing not run of the mill.
5. Klafs cabins are engineered and hand-built in Germany by an expert team of crafts men and women. They also happen to be made to order so whilst you can’t buy them off the shelf, you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that your cabin is built with your personal requirements in mind.
6. Built to order means that there is no product to see right?  Wrong.  If you are a private customer or planner, our showroom here in the UK offers a private space to view and experience Klafs cabins for yourself.  Where those larger commercial projects are planned, the House of Sauna and Spa, situated at head office in Germany, offers a unique invitation to the Klafs spa experience.  Either way, you get to meet the team and the product in a way which is uniquely Klafs.
7. Sustainability is a key priority where sourcing and manufacturing is concerned but it doesn’t end there. Sustainable and environmentally aware operation is a key concern for many of our clients – which is why you can choose to integrate Klafs technology to suit your operational needs.
8. Technology is the cornerstone of Klafs quality. Extensive research and testing produces year on year advancements, improvements and new experiences in health & wellness. Sensory stimulation is carefully crafted to subtly address the needs of the spa environment and the individual spa user.
9. Spa equipment requires regular maintenance to keep things running smoothly and efficiently but making sure you get the right advice and support is important.  Here at Klafs we offer service, spare part sales and support packages to meet the needs of the private and commercial spa environment.  Our team will offer advice and service to help you or your team to keep things in good shape.
10. Klafs engineering teams are based in both the north and south of the UK to offer you convenient and efficient support when you need it.

Your level of comfort with public nudity depends on many factors having been shaped through cultural expectation, socio-economic factors, geographical location and many other wide reaching and diverse indicators. Nudity in the sauna is sometimes assumed to equate with sexuality but in countries where nude sauna bathing is the cultural norm, this idea couldn’t be further from the truth.

Sauna etiquette can be a strange and confusing business simply because it does vary so vastly from country to country so the first step in feeling comfortable in this sauna (naked or not) is to ask directly about the spas’ etiquette. You will feel prepared and more at ease knowing the whys and wherefores of appropriate swimwear or towel use.

Here in the UK and over in the USA the expectation is to wear suitable swimwear at all times but in Norway or Germany for example nudity is very much the norm. If you are planning a spa trip where nudity will be expected and are feeling a little apprehensive, it’s worth remembering the following points:

• Swimwear is often excluded for reasons of hygiene and to improve the known health benefits in allowing skin to breathe freely. The close fitting nature of swimsuits creates a barrier to effective perspiration (a key benefit of sauna bathing), which in turn is said to create a warm dark and rather cosy place for bacteria to reside.
• You will not be naked the whole time, rather, spa rules will often demand that a robe and suitable footwear is worn when in the main spa areas – so there is no risk of free abandon of those personal bits for those a little unsure!.  A towel should be taken into the sauna for siting on and a second smaller towel should be used to wipe away excess perspiration.
• Nobody will actually notice that you are naked in fact, you are far more likely to attract attention if wearing swimwear. Where nudity is the cultural default, it creates a different perspective on what it is to be naked, just breathe and relax remembering that sauna bathers want to simply enjoy the time of quiet contemplation the sauna offers.
• If you are uncomfortable with mixed sauna bathing you will often find that there’s the option for single sex or family bathing sessions at certain times of the day or on a particular day of the week.  Check the spa timetable or talk to the spa manager directly.

Sauna bathing in the nude has a long history and is known to improve the overall health benefits and levels of comfort experienced. If you are travelling to a country where nudity is expected, embrace the opportunity to really get closer to nature and enjoy the experience of the sauna in a whole new (and highly beneficial) way.