Steam baths were widely used by the Romans and the Greeks during ancient times. Many Roman citizens used public baths whatever be their socioeconomic standing. Primarily, they used the steam from natural springs of hot water that came from underneath the ground. In many parts of the world, natural steam baths are still around. Water and steam from underneath the ground are directed to man-made pools that have additional heaters to maintain constant warm temperatures. Steam room benefits are being realized by millions of people worldwide to this day.

Differences Between a Steam Room and a Sauna

Having a bath in either a sauna or a steam room allow you to break into a healthy sweat, but in completely different ways. A steam room is an enclosed space that has a number of heads that release steam into the room. Whereas a steam room is moist and has a near 100% humidity, a sauna room heat is totally dry. The temperature in a steam room is typically 120 degrees. A sauna can be hotter. A steam room uses a steam generator to produce the heat. The sauna is heated using a dry source such as coals. A traditional sauna has a humidity of 10 to 30 percent. A sauna can be any one of the two types, conventional saunas that warm the air and infrared saunas that warm objects. They use material like charcoal and active carbon fibers for the purpose of heating. More information on the differences between a steam room and sauna are on this page.

What are Steam Showers

Steam showers have also evolved from steam baths of the ancient times. It is just a steam room that offers all the effects of a shower. A humid stream of steam is dispersed around the person’s body in an enclosed space. Steam showers can be installed in residences with limited space. There are steam showers that can enclose more than one person.

Steam Room Benefits

But both serve to increase circulation to the skin and cause it to break into a sweat. There are therapeutic health benefits from having a bath in either, but listed below are some unique benefits of a steam bath:

• Having a steam bath is an exhilarating experience, sometimes almost spiritual. Steam baths alleviate stress and tension and promote healing. It is known to reduce the problem of sleeplessness.
• Thorough detoxification is one of the steam room benefits. The body excretes toxins through the millions of sweat glands that are present. Perspiration caused by a steam bath helps to eliminate up to 30% of the toxins that have built up in the body.
• A steam bath causes all the blood vessels to expand, increases circulation oxygenation, and enables efficient cellular nutrient uptake.
• A steam bath relieves respiratory complaints. The humidity in the air makes it easier to breathe. Phlegm and allergens are dislodged from the nasal and throat passages. It reduces asthma and its recurring symptoms. Bronchitis, hoarseness of the throat, and coughs are known to get better after a steam bath. Inflammation of the mucus membranes of the upper respiratory tract is reduced.
• Many steam baths are known to include aromatherapy to increase the therapeutic effects. They evaporate eucalyptus oil along with the steam. This is known to clear nasal passages and provide a relaxing and soothing effect. Other oils are sometimes added to alter the moods and bring in a feeling of relaxation.
• Steam room benefits also include weight loss. There is a good amount of water weight that is lost during a steam bath. It is possible that you can lose up to 600 calories by spending 30 minutes in a steam bath.
• A steam bath relieves people who suffer from the bad effects of sinusitis.
• A steam bath effectively moisturizes the skin. It opens up the pores on the skin and flushes away the impurities. The skin quality and radiance improve. People with skin disorders like eczema, acne, and dry and chapped skin experience positive benefits.
• The increased blood circulation improves achy muscles and joints.
• It works to strengthen the immune system of the individual. Steam bath sessions purportedly increase the production of white blood cells. This consequently increases the number of phagocytes that ingest bacteria, old red blood cells, and other microorganisms, and leukocytes that destroy invading organisms.
• After a workout, a steam bath allows for faster recovery of the torn and injured muscles due to increased blood flow. You can hit the gym the next day morning with increased vigor.

Steam Room Safety Tips

Steam room benefits are optimized and a steam bath is a pleasant experience when you keep the following tips in mind:

• Drink plenty of water before a steam bath to avoid dehydration.
• A time limit of 15 minutes is ideal for a steam bath session.
• In case you feel lightheaded or dizzy, it is time to get out of the steam bath.

There are safety issues risks that you need to be aware of before you rush off to a steam room. If you have a medical condition such as acute rheumatoid arthritis, you are pregnant, you have heart problems or you have a severe infection, it is a good idea to consult a medical specialist before you opt for a steam bath. Steam rooms increase heart rates. You need to be careful about the amount of time you can spend in the steam bath if you are hypertensive.Steam bath sessions cannot be for too long as the body does not have the opportunity to cool itself. The body sweats but the sweat does not evaporate in the humid atmosphere. This causes the body temperature to rise quickly and is a risk factor.

Keep Steam Rooms Clean

Steam room benefits are most evident when the steam bath is maintained regularly. The steam bath is usually cleaned with a ceramic cleaner once a week. The steam room is a breeding room for various types of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. They should be sanitized often and kept clean for maximum benefits and an enjoyable experience.

Steam rooms are affordable and if you are someone who has realized steam room benefits, it is a good idea to have one installed in your house.