Iyashi Dôme was founded by Shogoro Uemura, who wanted to re-create the ancient method of Suna Ryoho in a modern setting
What is Iyashi Dome? Iyashi is a Japanese word which carries the notion of wellness. It has, however, a number of other meanings depending on context – including relief, healing and cure. The word Dôme has been added to reflect the technology.
The brand itself was created in 2004 and it was the first company on the market – hence Iyashi Dôme became the generic term for “japanese sauna” (the combination of dry heat and Japanese technology).
The technology has been inspired by the ancient Suna Ryoho practice, which originates from the Ibuzuki beach in the south of Japan. For centuries, people there have been burying themselves in the hot sand – which has been warmed up by the sun and the underground hot springs – to induce sweating. As the sand on the beach is volcanic, it emits infrared which is perfect for the purpose of sweating.
How does it work? Iyashi Dôme Sessions take 30 minutes. Guests strip and then spend 15 minutes lying on their front and 15 minutes on their back. The first 15 minutes feels like a sun bathing session and is very relaxing – many people fall asleep during the process. We describe the second 15 minutes as a “sport session”, as users sweat intensely during it.
It is estimated that each 30 minute session is the equivalent of a 20km run, burning up to 600 kcals and sweating up to 1,200ml.
What health benefits does Iyashi Dôme offer users? It has shown proven results in a number of areas – it helps people to detox and slim down and also has anti-ageing benefits. It also works in a sports environment, aiding preparation and recovery.
To prove the effects, we have invested in clinical studies which clearly outline the benefits. A clinical trial undertaken in Switzerland, for example, showed that users who undertook two sessions a week achieved an average weight loss of 4kgs.
The analysis also showed that, through sweating, Iyashi Dôme can help rid the body of toxic heavy metals – including strontium, barium, nickel, lead, chromium, arsenic and cadmium.
How can installing an Iyashi Dome benefit spas? By adding a new customer offer and increasing business. It is a “hands free” device, so therapists can safely leave a customer while undertaking other tasks.
What is the recommended set-up at a spa? Iyashi Dôme devices are 225cm long and 90cm wide, so they fit in most spaces. We recommend a room of 10-12sq m. A shower isn’t necessary. Some spas locate Iyashi Dôme in a separate room and others in rooms with massage tables in order to create signature treatments.
KEYWORD: Iyashi Dome
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Iyashi Dôme was founded by Shogoro Uemura, who wanted to re-create the ancient method of Suna Ryoho in a modern setting
What is Iyashi Dome? Iyashi is a Japanese word which carries the notion of wellness. It has, however, a number of other meanings depending on context – including relief, healing and cure. The word Dôme has been added to reflect the technology.
The brand itself was created in 2004 and it was the first company on the market – hence Iyashi Dôme became the generic term for “japanese sauna” (the combination of dry heat and Japanese technology).
The technology has been inspired by the ancient Suna Ryoho practice, which originates from the Ibuzuki beach in the south of Japan. For centuries, people there have been burying themselves in the hot sand – which has been warmed up by the sun and the underground hot springs – to induce sweating. As the sand on the beach is volcanic, it emits infrared which is perfect for the purpose of sweating.
How does it work? Iyashi Dôme Sessions take 30 minutes. Guests strip and then spend 15 minutes lying on their front and 15 minutes on their back. The first 15 minutes feels like a sun bathing session and is very relaxing – many people fall asleep during the process. We describe the second 15 minutes as a “sport session”, as users sweat intensely during it.
It is estimated that each 30 minute session is the equivalent of a 20km run, burning up to 600 kcals and sweating up to 1,200ml.
What health benefits does Iyashi Dôme offer users? It has shown proven results in a number of areas – it helps people to detox and slim down and also has anti-ageing benefits. It also works in a sports environment, aiding preparation and recovery.
To prove the effects, we have invested in clinical studies which clearly outline the benefits. A clinical trial undertaken in Switzerland, for example, showed that users who undertook two sessions a week achieved an average weight loss of 4kgs.
The analysis also showed that, through sweating, Iyashi Dôme can help rid the body of toxic heavy metals – including strontium, barium, nickel, lead, chromium, arsenic and cadmium.
How can installing an Iyashi Dome benefit spas? By adding a new customer offer and increasing business. It is a “hands free” device, so therapists can safely leave a customer while undertaking other tasks.
What is the recommended set-up at a spa? Iyashi Dôme devices are 225cm long and 90cm wide, so they fit in most spaces. We recommend a room of 10-12sq m. A shower isn’t necessary. Some spas locate Iyashi Dôme in a separate room and others in rooms with massage tables in order to create signature treatments.
KEYWORD: Iyashi Dome
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Lemi - Italian Touch
From humble beginnings in a small Italian village, Lemi has grown a hugely successful global business in the massage bed market. As it celebrates its 30th anniversary year, we talk to GM Matteo Brusaferri
Spa Programmes: On the menu
Olivia Newton-John skincare, Sounds of Africa and jet lag butlers feature in our programming series
Interview: Dale Hipsh
The senior VP of hotels at Hard Rock International tells Katie Barnes why its music-centric spa menu is striking the right chord with consumers and the media
Promotional feature: ISPA
After almost three decades serving members and contributing to the growth of the industry, we talk to ISPA’s Crystal Ducker about the work of the association and the future of spa
Spa Design: Jungle VIP
Kim Megson ventures deep into Mexico’s jungle to discover how two Chablé resorts with Mayan spas are aiming to redefine wellness
Interview: John & Karina Stewart
The inspirational couple behind Kamalaya in Thailand talk to Neena Dhillon about emotional therapies, why stress-busting is the new detox and how they’re evolving the concept
Promotional feature: Gharieni - Luxury Recognition
Gharieni has long been known as an industry innovator. Now, Forbes Travel Guide has named the company as its official Spa & Wellness Equipment Manufacturer. Sammy Gharieni tells us more
Promotional feature: Comfort Zone - Beauty Reloaded
Skincare brand Comfort Zone has partnered with Wellness for Cancer to create a new programme of spa treatments for people touched by cancer. Barbara Gavazzoli tells us more
Family spa: Multi-story
With the rise in multi-generational tourism, family spas are growing in popularity. Jane Kitchen reports
Software: Training & education
From bespoke training programmes to 24/7 support teams and company super-users, how are software suppliers helping spas get the most out of their systems?
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, has put together a Global Wellness Day
(GWD) agenda with activations rooted in nature and shaped by four pillars of Joy – in
alignment with the day’s theme #JoyMagenta.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2026 event in
Phuket, Thailand, later this year with the theme: The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a
series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, has opened a 2,800sq m spa called The Sanctuary,
with the design and concept inspired by the Native American people that populated Florida’s
Southwest coast – the Calusa.
Swire Hotels’ luxury hospitality brand Upper House has revealed it will roll out its two-day
House of Healing retreats at its three hotels in Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.
LVMH-owned beauty house Guerlain will launch up to five spas with partners a year as part of
its plan to expand globally, according to the brand’s international spa and wellness director,
Diane Davody.
A new global study by Kevin Kelly and Peter Yesawich, called WELLSurvey 2.0, has revealed
more than half of consumers in the UK, US and Germany would not choose numerous high-
profile wellness resort brands for a future trip.
Luxury hospitality and wellness pioneer Jeremy McCarthy has launched Leisure Alchemy, a
digital platform that will provide professionals with strategic guidance on how to build
transformational leisure experiences that drive profit.
