Wet steam saunas do far more than warm the body and produce perspiration. Wet steam saunas rely on heated water vapor to create a hydrotherapeutic environment. Steam sauna generators produce temperatures between 90 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels of near 100 percent. These conditions provide a number of health benefits. Pregnant women, older people and those with chronic illnesses should consult a physician before beginning any sauna regimen.
Muscle and Joint Relief
Sitting in a heated steam sauna increases blood flow to muscles and joints, which in turn eases tightness and stiffness. Health clubs often feature wet steam saunas to allow members an opportunity to relax their muscles after a strenuous workout. Wet steam therapy also reportedly relieves pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Respiratory Relief
Wet steam saunas ease congestion caused by sinus and allergy conditions. The warm, moist heat soothes infection and helps clear nasal passages. Steam provides fast relief from sinus pain and pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, warm moist steam calms chronic coughs and helps break up the accumulation of mucus in the lungs.
Relaxation
The Day Spa Association advises using steam saunas to provide insomnia relief. Elevated core temperatures not only relax the body and relieve stress, they may also serve to regulate circadian rhythms allowing for a full night of sleep.
Pore Cleansing
Another benefit of wet steam saunas involves pore cleansing achieved through perspiration. The heat and steam temporarily opens pores and helps clear sebum, bacteria, cosmetic product buildup and environmental surface contaminates. Be aware however, that simply washing and exfoliating the skin cleans pores more effectively than using a steam sauna for 30 minutes.
Circulatory Improvement
Exposure to wet steam energizes the body’s cardiovascular system. Moist heat dilates capillary vessels thus improving blood circulation. Similar in nature to aerobic exercise, wet steam saunas increase the pulse rate causing the heart to move blood through the body at a higher rate. Consider the circulatory benefits of saunas as a supplement, not a replacement for aerobic exercise.
Perceived Benefits
After using a wet steam sauna, you may actually lose a couple of pounds. Before you abandon your diet, understand this type of weight loss directly correlates to fluid depletion. Exposure to heated steam results in increased perspiration, leading to mild dehydration and occasionally a physically weak state. Many mistakenly confuse the water loss with fat loss. Unfortunately, once fluid consumption resumes, the lost weight reappears.
Contrary to reports, wet steam saunas possess minimal detoxifying benefits. According to Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University’s Internet Q&A Service, sweating opens pores, but use of wet steam does little to remove toxins from inside the body.
In a recent LA Times article, Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a professor of dermatology at St. Louis University explains that sweat cools the body down, but flushes few toxins from the body. She says excessive sweating may actually harm the body’s natural detox capabilities. The liver and kidneys, not sweat glands, filter most toxins from the blood.
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