Heat therapy has been used for thousands of years as a form of relaxation and as a way to promote health. Nowadays, steam rooms and saunas are found in gyms, hotels, spas and retreats all over the world. While their use is advantageous, it is important to follow precautions to ensure your safety during your time sitting in a steam room or sauna.
History
Saunas and steam rooms have a long history through many cultures. They date to the Roman Empire, where many bath houses were built for therapeutic purposes. Their influence spread to Turkey, where steam baths were created that lasted for hundreds of years. The term "Turkish bath" remains in use. Then, Russia and Europe began building steam baths, which have remained popular up through today.
Types
A steam room uses water to create 100 percent humidity and a temperature between 110 to 114 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Columbia University. This induces a lot of sweating. A sauna uses dry heat created by a stove that heats rocks. Saunas become hotter than steam rooms, ranging from 160 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the humidity level is much lower in a sauna, ranging from 5 percent to 25 percent.
Benefits
According to Steam-sauna-benefits.com, both saunas and steam rooms offer therapeutic benefits. A steam room promotes excessive sweating, which helps detoxify your body, rejuvenate skin, open up the skin's pores and clear breathing passages. A sauna causes your body's ambient temperature to rise, which strengthens your immune system. Both help promote better circulation and stress relief.
Time Frame
Because of the high temperatures in steam rooms and saunas, don't spend too long in them. Those who are just starting out should spend a maximum of 15 minutes inside. Even those who are experienced should not spend longer than half an hour.
Warning
The elderly and people with diabetes, hypertension, low blood pressure and heart conditions should consult their doctor before using either a sauna or steam room. Consume plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and leave immediately if you feel lightheaded. The warm environment and low lighting combine to create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Practice external safety as well by always wearing shoes and sitting on a clean towel in saunas and steam rooms.
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