Sauna Bath

There are several choices you can make when you decide to try a sauna or steam bath. However, the real question is should you opt for sauna baths or steam bathing? Hmmmmm - tough question. Aren't they the same you think? Is there a difference between sauna baths or steam bathing?

Time to find out. And the way to do that is to take a walk back in time and do a little history. The steam bath was a hot hit with the ancient Greeks, and was adopted by the Romans at a later time. Called the Sudatorium, it reigned supreme during virtually the whole life span of the Roman Empire. A variation on this theme was utilized in Turkey and called the Hamam (Hammam). Interesting fact: the baths in Turkey are still with us today and we know them as - you guessed it - Turkish baths. Steam baths took off like a rocket in Russia where they were dubbed the Banja (Banya). Sauna baths or steam bathing remained options for anyone wanting to sweat bathe.

This method of sweat bathing caught the fancy of Europeans as well and steam baths started popping up there. Their expansion was limited to technical problems regulating the steam. The cost to get one running was prohibitive as well. So, at the time if there was the option to build sauna baths or steam bathing facilities, the sauna was generally chosen.

Now that you know where they came from, what is a steam bath? It does make you sweat, but you are doing it in totally different conditions. To be more precise, you will always be shrouded in mist (it is permanently present) in a steam bath, because the operating temperatures are between 43C (110F) and 46C (116F). A steam generator is used housed in a steam tight cabinet to stop steam from escaping. What are the health benefits of steam bathing? Like a sauna, it does relax you and boosts your energy, but it is also given credit for promoting beauty. The moist heat on the face opens the pores, removes dead skin and impurities and leaves the skin feeling soft, clean and silky smooth.

Has there been any controversy about sauna baths or steam bathing? Oh definitely, much like with anything else that is new or different. However, there is solid scientific research that shows comparisons of the effects of the sauna, steam bath and whirlpool on the human body. In a nutshell, the benefits far outweighed any negative aspects.

Medically speaking, steam baths are not recommended for people with heart problems. Other than that, steam baths are ideal when you need moist heat applied. One other thing you should be aware of is that radiant energy turns to heat when absorbed by cells. This kicks up your autonomic and endocrine systems and can affect your electrolyte balance. Bottom line: stay properly hydrated and monitor the results you obtain from this therapy.

Research also says if you use the correct temperature and length of time, a steam bath provides the same thermal effect on the body as a sauna and is equally beneficial. And the benefits are? The benefits, backed by medical research, show moist heat assists bronchial asthma, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection, coughs, hoarseness, coughing up/spitting out, non-acute rheumatic complaints and restricted or painful movements of the joints.

A steam bath will also aid people suffering from: Sleeping disorders, poor skin circulation, dry, chapped skin, muscular tension, and sensitivity to sudden changes of temperature. As you can see, there are differences between sauna baths or steam bathing, but now that you know - you can decide which would work best for you.

Sauna Bath |