Sauna Versus Steam Room - What is the Difference?

Saunas and steam rooms are often referred to in the same context which suggests that they are similar. This is a common, but inaccurate misconception and one that will be remedied here.

Both saunas and steam rooms have many health benefits and these benefits are generally reaped by increasing the temperature of the human body to encourage the opening of pores and the process of sweating. Most medical workers and fitness trainers agree that there can be a health gain when subjecting the human body to this kind of environment for short periods of time.

The potential benefits of this "artificially induced" raising of the body's temperature include, an increase in blood circulation, detoxification of the skin and body, the relieving of muscular tension, cleansing of the skin and a general bodily state of relaxation.

The differences

The main difference between a sauna and a steam room is the way in which the body's temperature is raised.

A sauna generates dry low humidity heat that sees temperatures in excess of 80 degrees centigrade. These temperatures sound incredibly high, but with almost no moisture in the air they are tolerable and cause the body to sweat profusely. This sweating process is encouraged by the lack of humidity which enables the air in the sauna to swallow up any moisture (i.e. sweat) released in to it.

A steam room works in a completely different way and uses much lower temperatures combined with very high humidity to make the body feel hot and sweaty. Steam rooms usually run at about 40 degrees centigrade, but the high humidity (which makes it harder for the body to sweat) makes them feel much hotter.

Put in simple terms, a sauna uses very hot dry air, whilst a steam room uses a combination of heat and moisture to create a very humid environment.

Other big differences between the two systems relate to the ways in which a sauna and steam room are fitted and used.

A sauna sees its users seated on wooden benches and usually taking repeated sauna sessions separated by short periods of "cooling off" time. Saunas can accommodate multiple people depending upon their size and design. The sauna walls are usually lined with seasoned wood and a "stove style" heater provides the energy source. The "dry" heat is generated from "hot" rocks place on top of the stove.

By contrast, steam showers tend to be for single session use and take an individual bather. The cubicle is sealed to make it air and moisture retentive and the shower will be tiled or manufactured from an encapsulated plastic material. A steam generator is used to create the moist and humid atmosphere, although "actual steam" (which would be 100 degree centigrade) is never used.

Which is best?

There is no definitive answer as to whether a steam room or a sauna is superior. Both achieve a similar sensation, but in very different ways.

Saunas certainly encourage a higher level of sweating resulting in greater weight loss (and the need for liquids to be taken). Furthermore, a number of sauna sessions can be taken one after another to intensify the "heat up" and "cool down" experience.

On the downside, a home sauna can be an expensive and "space demanding" luxury, whilst a steam room can be part of a modern multi-purpose shower cubical.

A steam room can also be ready to use in seconds whilst a sauna requires preparation in the form of heat-up time and much higher running costs.

Sauna Bath Or Steam Room Bath?

Each of the sauna bath or the steam bath have its fans, many people would use only one of them in preference of the other. Although it can be very much so a personal choice both have proven benefits and the ideal would be to be used together.

The main benefits of the dry heat sauna baths are the high temperature of the air which in turn induces sweating and improves circulation and raises the heart rate. The body than improves its metabolism, eliminates many toxic substances accumulated inside. Especially beneficial is the sudden change from hot to cold - after taking the sauna bath experts recommend a cold shower or, if you are in the nature, a swim in the nearby river, or simply get outside if it is winter. Sometimes the heat inside of the sauna can be difficult to withstand and people should not be forcing themselves to stay just to get to the desired timing, but instead get out, cool down and get back, that is in fact a better way of sauna utilization.

The steam room bath in its turn does not reach so high temperatures but the room is filled with wet steam. This in its case proves difficult to tolerate by some but very helpful to others, especially people with respiratory problems. The wet air can help loosen up mucus in bronchitis and asthma and helps the skin stay hydrated and moist and prevents the body from loosing excessive amounts of heat. This also leads to detoxification - elimination of the harmful substances within our bodies. The elevated temperature of the body leads to increased metabolism as well and calories burn and weight loss.

There are some precautions that we have to take in order to be safe, always consult a physician if you have heart conditions or are pregnant and make sure that the hygiene of the steam room is good. One of the ways to do that is if you have a steam room at home though a reputable establishment would maintain its premises clean and would disinfect saunas, steam rooms and hydrotherapy equipment on a regular basis.

Steam Rooms Help Your Facial Wrinkles & Skin

These days, we are all looking for ways to healthier skin. This article will explain the positive reactions your skin can have by utilizing steam rooms. Both sauna and steam baths are therapeutic, however the high moisture content in a steam room is especially good for respiratory problems.

For generations, doctors have recommended breathing steam for all kinds of respiratory issues. If you have any respiratory ailments, give steam bathing a try. Steam bathing can help your respiratory problems. I will add my usual disclaimer and say that if you have high blood pressure or other conditions, make sure you consult your doctor before doing so.

While known mostly for benefits to the skin and pores, steam bathing can also be helpful in fighting symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and allergies. Steam can help clear allergens and mucus from your lungs.

Vaporizers do not compare. Why?

One, because a steam room exposes you to a higher concentration of steam, making it more effective for providing relief from breathing problems. Also, breathing passages are soothed because of increased moisture content in your lungs, throat and nose.

Your skin benefits from steam bathing. There is nothing better for your pores then a heavy sweat. Dermatologists acknowledge the value of steam in creating a glowing trend. Did you knwo that heavy sweating cleanses your skin more thoroughly than soap and water? The reason is that it opens your pores and allows deep-seated grime and dead cells to be flushed out. This is one reason steam baths can be helpful for acne treatment and some other skin conditions. Some say that steam bathing is also a good option for those who want to help skin in the aging process, much similar to a wrinkle cream.

Also, the heat causes an increase in blood circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your skin surface. Over time, this can help contribute to a healthy, glowing appearance.

Take the time to evaluate your own personal benefits next time you steam bath. You may just find that it's a healthy alternative to expensive formulas used to fight aging.

Benefits Of Sauna And Steam Room

A sauna is a small room or house designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions. The word "sauna" is also used to describe an unusually hot or humid environment. Saunas can be either Conventional saunas that warm the air or infrared saunas that warm objects. The temperature in a sauna room can be anywhere between 80-100 degrees Celsius.

Sauna is not a new word for us now. People have been taking Sauna Bath for years. Sauna bath whether Wet Sauna or Dry Sauna has multiple benefits. It is the best way you can relax your muscles at home, you dont have to go out in the sun. Taking regular sauna baths also helps to reduce excess fat as you sweat because of the heat. Infrared two people or three people sauna will have your friends and family getting together and having a great time.

I spent 25 years of my life in a hot and humid city. There I used to sweat anyways without doing any activity. When I moved to a city where its usually cold I started gaining weight. I never used to sweat unless I go for a rigorous cardio activity. My muscles also started getting stiff. Then I used Sauna to relax them and SWEAT. The sweat cleanses the body by flushing out the toxins. And this eventually helps to reduce weight. This also keeps you healthy and fit. Some people have said that after using sauna they also felt very fresh. Sauna is a great stress reducer. It can also give relief from common cold, headaches and hangovers. People with sleep disorders such as insomnia and improper sleep condition can be benefited through sauna as it is very effective in inducing a good long relaxing sleep.

Some people may have some health conditions which may prevent them from using sauna. People with skin problems, low blood pressure, diabetics, bad blood circulation and heart disease should consult a physician before using sauna. Also there are some things to be remembered when using sauna, such as drinking plenty of water before and after sauna and using a moisturizer. The main risk of a sauna is staying in too long and fainting from overheating. This may happen with who have been using drugs or alcohol. Children should not use saunas without supervision. It is advised that pregnant women should also not use saunas.

Many individuals suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This is due to the changes in season especially from summer to winter. Their mood is affected by those changes. One of the symptoms of this disorder is depression. Infrared saunas help to crate the environment of the summer with positive effects of sun rays. They do not include the negative effects.

Life today is busier than ever before. We need more work get done yesterday. .What could be a better way than Sauna to get constant energy boost? You can call it a complete mental and physical renovation and get back on top of the things.

Steam Showers A New Spin On The Steam Room

Throughout history almost every major civilization had its own version of the steam room. Finland had its saunas, Europeans had their Turkish baths, and even the Aztecs had their own version called the Tamazcal. The benefits of steam therapy can cure everything from chronic pain to asthma.

Custom steam shower enclosures have become popular in recent years. Companies such as Kohler have come out with spa like shower systems that can be installed in your home shower enclosure. These systems are usually controlled through a touch screen control panel giving you access to such features as; water massage jets, music and entertainment systems as well as a steam generator. These modern shower enclosures can easily cost $25K-$40K. The health benefits that can be achieve with one of these systems is well worth the price but may be out of reach of many middle class Americans.

Fortunately there are several new modular steam showers on the market that cost a fraction of the price of one of these high cost custom shower enclosures. These modular steam showers are easy to install and save thousands on labor costs. They also offer many additional features not found in custom shower enclosures. Such as a built-in telephone, answer the telephone with the push of a button from within your shower. The majority of these models also come with ozone sterilization. This sterilizes and cleans the inside of the shower killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Many models are equipped with chromo therapy lighting, overhead rainfall showers, and hand held shower wands. These Modular showers cost between $2000-and $12,000.

Modular steam showers are perfect for any bathroom design. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to fit any bathroom. There are traditional styles as well as more contemporary showers. These modular steam showers are also easy to install and save thousands in tile work and plumbing. Steam showers are the most economic way to get the health benefits from steam therapy. They also add value to your home. Installing a steam shower not only improves the quality of your bathroom but your quality of life.

Do Saunas Or Steam Rooms Help For Weight Loss?

Saunas and steam rooms are good for the health of an individual for a great many reasons. Many health experts agree that regular use of a sauna can help detoxify the body, improve blood circulation, and improve the energy and mental state of an individual. But the question that many individuals are asking is can saunas or steam rooms really help with weight loss. Many individuals believe that you can lose weight by sitting in a sauna for a set period of time each day while many others believe that this is an urban myth created by individuals who didn't want to exercise. So which individuals are correct? Surprisingly, both are.

Using a sauna for rapid weight loss has been investigated by many different health professionals throughout the years to see whether it is possible. The almost universal opinion is that the use of a sauna does not help an individual lose a great deal of weight rapidly. While it is true that the individual will weigh slightly less when their session in the sauna is over, this minor weight loss is due to the reduction of water weight in the body. When an individual is in a sauna, they are perspiring constantly, which removes a great deal of water from the body in the form of sweat. This loss is temporary, for as soon as the individual eats or drinks anything, the fluids in the body will be replaced and the individual will weigh as much as they did previously.

Using a sauna to help with gradual weight loss is much more effective. By using the sauna in combination with diet and exercise, the individual stands a good chance of losing weight and keeping the weight off. This occurs for several reasons. One reason is that a session in the sauna helps the body sweat and remove toxins from the body. This helps the individual feel healthier and magnifies the results achieved with diet and exercise. The better the individual feels, the more apt they will be to stick with their diet and exercise regiment.

Another way that the sauna helps with weight loss is by relaxing the body after an exercise session. One of the biggest reasons why individuals quit exercising is because muscles can feel tight and uncomfortable after the workout is over. Sitting in a sauna for 30 minute relaxes the muscles and helps keep them flexible after the workout, which will make individuals more inclined to return for another exercise session. The heat from the sauna also improves blood circulation to the muscles, giving them the oxygen and nutrients that they need to repair themselves quickly and make them stronger.

Home Steam Room - Options For Adding a Steam Unit

Are you thinking of installing your very own home steam room?

Well it's now easier than it's ever been to enjoy the benefits of steam bathing in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Basically, you have three choices for installing a home steam bath unit. You can...

o buy and install a ready made, built in steam room
o purchase a portable steam room
o build your own steam room

We'll take a look at the most popular option - built in steam rooms.

Built In, Ready Made Home Steam Rooms

Ready made home steam bath units are available in many shapes and sizes. There are enough residential steam room sizes and designs to fit any home and decor.

With so many choices available, answering two questions can help make your choice easier:

1. how big do you want your steam unit to be, and
2. do you want all the "extras" or just a basic unit?

More on these two choices in a moment, but first...

It will take some planning to install a steam room. Plumbing and ventilation will be required.

In the majority of cases, your warranty will be voided if you don't hire a licensed plumber and an electrician to make the necessary connections.

So please hire the help unless you're a professional handyman!

You might even need assistance from other contractors and possibly an architect.

What size will you need? The right size for you will depend on 3 things:

o your budget
o available space
o the number of people who will use the steam room - will it be 1 or 2 at a time? Or will you take steam baths along with friends and family?

There are steam room enclosures large enough to fit as many as 10+ and small enough for 1 or 2 people.

What features do you want? Again, this is going to depend on your budget and personal preference.

You can choose a basic steam room enclosure, or if it's within your budget you can buy a combination steam room.

Combination steam rooms are state of the art units that merge a steam room, steam shower and whirlpool together. These combo steam units are both stylish and luxurious.

Some extra features you can expect are...

o water massage jets,
o foot massagers,
o fm radio and cd audio input,

And often much more. Some newer models even include water proof LCD screens so you can watch TV.
You can actually spend a few days in one of those things!

Before making your decision, take your time and pick the best option for you. After all, a home steam room is great to have, but it's not exactly a cheap investment!

The Benefits Of Steam Rooms

If you are like most people, you don't like to sweat...but it may be good for you. And you may not even need to exercise work up a sweat. All you have to do is sit back and relax in a steam room. Steam rooms provide a moist heat that is associated with many health benefits including:

Relaxation

Have you ever felt your muscles give up their tension in a hot bath or shower? A steam room acts in much the same way to help relax tense, stiff muscles. Spending time in a steam room can ease tension headaches and make you feel more loose, relaxed and limber. To promote even greater relaxation, steam rooms can be combined with the use of essential oils like lavender.

Detoxification

The steam room will raise your body temperature and cause you to perspire. This, in turn, stimulates your immune system. The increased temperature (hyperthermia) destroys bacteria and toxins, flushing them out of the body through perspiration.

Respiration

Have you ever used a vaporizer when you had nasal or chest congestion? A steam room functions in much the same way. The warm, moist air helps clear and sooth your nasal passages, throat, and lungs, making it easier for you to breathe. As discussed above, the steam room can also help fight any illness underlying the congestion.

Cardiovascular Stimulation

Being in a steam room puts a mild strain on the cardiovascular system, raising your pulse rate by as much as one third to one half. Your blood pressure does not increase, however, as the heat causes blood vessels to expand to accommodate the increased blood flow. The result is that you get a cardio workout without moving a muscle.

As with all health tools, using a steam room requires common sense and a few basic precautions. It is always wise to see your doctor before beginning a new healthcare regimen, and regular use of a steam room is no exception. Be especially sure to consult with your doctor if you are or may be pregnant, if you have a history of heart problems, or if you have any other medical concerns.

Remember that being in a steam room will cause you to perspire and will raise your body temperature, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids both before and after your time in the steam room. Skip the steam room if you are already running a fever.

Finally, remember that you don't need to stay in the steam room a long time to reap the benefits. About fifteen minutes is the perfect time. Pay attention to the signals your body sends. If you're uncomfortable and desperate for cool air, leave the steam room before the fifteen minutes are up. You may need to slowly build up your tolerance.

When used appropriately, steam rooms can offer a wide array of health benefits. Talk to your doctor and consider adding regular time in a steam room to your health routine.

Sauna Steam Room: A Wonderful Place To Relax After A Busy Work

The best way of escaping from daily stresses and strains is by relaxing in a sauna steam room where you will be able to unwind in the presence of relaxing and warm steam. In fact, when you sit in a sauna steam room you will be able to get rid of your fatigue and after an hour inside such a room you will even start feeling energized and will then be ready to face life's tough challenges with greater vigor and confidence.

Design Considerations

The majority of sauna steams are designed in the form of custom showers though they can also be placed wherever steam can be entrapped. An ideal height for your sauna steam room would be approximately seven feet, and you should also ensure that it is designed in the form of a cubicle to provide pure humidity. Usually, the seat in a sauna steam room is placed far from the ceiling to ensure that condensed drops of water do not fall on you.

The room should also have a sauna heater that has to be synchronized to work along with a generator that creates steam and which is controlled with the help of digital control panels. The heater is most often placed within the sauna steam room and it is wise to keep the temperature low so as to get more humidity while the opposite happens when temperatures are allowed to rise.

The control panel is able to switch on the heater to help you dry up following your bathing and ideally it should be set to provide temperatures between one hundred and sixty to one hundred and ninety degrees. You can also construct a sauna steam room by buying it in the form of a kit or it can come completely assembled. Good choice of wood is cedar which is widely used in the construction of most sauna steam room since it feels quite cool to the touch as it heats up slowly and it can easily be washed and will therefore remain clean.

Cedar is also a good wood as far as stain resistance is concerned and it also does not splinter too easily either. If you are truly enthused by taking saunas at home you ought to consider installing a sauna steam shower to get much needed relaxation. Some people even install speakers (waterproof) in their sauna steam room and then enjoy the relaxation while listening to their favorite music. The only other main concern about using your sauna steam room is to ensure that the unit has its own back flush (automatic) as well as has a good means to drain out the steam.