According to the National Library of Medicine, using a sauna on a regular basis can improve cardiovascular health and chronic conditions such as hypertension, especially for those in high-stress occupations: firefighting, police work and paramedics.
The health benefits of a sauna was one of the reasons Ryan E. Barfoot started a portable sauna business in the qathet region, but not the only one.
“There is a bulk of research that is peer-reviewed showing cardiovascular improvement and recovery after training [running, climbing, cycling, et cetera],” said Barfoot. “But we [he and his partner] were looking to take something on as a family enterprise, and show the kids a bit about business, that it can be run ethically and in a sustainable way.”
The business has been running for two years and had what Barfoot calls a soft start, to work around his family’s lifestyle.
“We are pretty busy with the rental and now getting more into manufacturing,” said Barfoot. “We have a partner now, and so we will see what happens.”
Currently, Barfoot has one sauna that can be transported for folks who want to enhance their camping or outdoor adventures; that is the primary focus right now. However, on the manufacturing-side, a custom-built sauna can be made for people who want their own backyard sauna.
The wood-fire portable sauna is made from cedar and has a floor to ceiling window.
“If we place [the sauna] just right, the window frames the world in a lovely way, and accentuates the beautiful things in life,” said Barfoot.
Those who rent the sauna aren’t just left to their own devices. Barfoot stressed that he does a thorough orientation and goes over how to light the fire and operate the sauna.
“My own kids are involved [in the business], and teaching them along the way, and we make sure to take time and have good interactions with those using the sauna,” said Barfoot. “I want to make sure we are doing things right and maintain the quality of our business.”
All of the wood used for the sauna is ethically sourced from natural downfall and the kindling is salvaged from wood shavings.
“The sauna is very efficient,” said Barfoot, “and a little wood goes a long way.”
For more information, go to orcasaunas.com.
