Health enthusiasts have long claimed that steam saunas have health benefits and are used regularly by many to relax and detox. Recently, the use of ozone in steam saunas has become popular because of ozone's purported additional healing properties.
Steam Sauna Introduction
Saunas typically are well-sealed rooms built entirely out of wood or tile that have an internal heat source like a charcoal fire or an electric heater. Steam may be added to these saunas by exposing the heat source to water. Sauna use has a robust history, and health enthusiasts from many cultures claim the greatest health benefits of sauna use include muscle relaxation from the heat and sweating-induced detoxification, states the Sauna & Steam Bathing website, in "Sauna Vs. Steam Room."
Ozone Introduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website states that ozone is a natural chemical compound, composed of three oxygen molecules, that has been manipulated by infrared radiation in the earth's atmosphere to a highly reactive state. In nature, ozone is important because it blocks the sun's damaging radiation and holds in heat, helping to make the earth inhabitable. Ozone can also be artificially manufactured via machines called ozone generators, which expose oxygen to infrared radiation.
How Ozone Is Used in a Steam Sauna
According to the Arrowhead Health Works website, in "Ozone Sauna Buyer's Guide," a sauna must be specifically designed to be an ozone sauna. Ozone, for use in a sauna environment, is produced by an ozone generator and released into the sauna.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The use of ozone in steam saunas is fast becoming popular among health enthusiasts who tout their increased benefits over a regular steam sauna. The Oxygen Healing Therapies website, in "The Benefits of Steam Sauna and Ozone," claims that ozone saunas enhance the muscle relaxation and detoxification properties of sauna use and increase circulation as well. The greatest known disadvantage of ozone saunas are their increased cost due to the requirement of an ozone generator.
Warning
The Pazazz Body Work website, in "Sauna Caution Conditions," states potential health risks for sauna users. Most of these health risks involve prolonged exposure to extreme heat and the resultant elevated body temperature. Pregnant women and those under the influence of alcohol should not use saunas. People on prescription beta-blockers and diuretics, as well as over-the-counter antihistamines, should only use saunas with a doctor's approval. The elderly and those with cardiovascular conditions should also consult a physician before using a sauna.
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