Steam Sauna

 Taking a sauna is a common part of health and relaxation in most parts of Europe, and the popularity of saunas is growing widely in North America as well. Often a part of the decision to install a sauna in the home is whether it should be a steam or dry type. Dry saunas have the advantage of being able to be set at high temperatures--often as high as 70 degrees Celsius-- due to  low humidity levels in the air. 

The intense heat induces the heart rate to rise significantly, and also induces sweating. Metabolic levels, therefore, are sent into high gear, and the detoxification process is the advantageous result. This also helps people trying to lose weight. Dry saunas in some European countries are followed immediately by a quick jump into ice cold water, be it a lake or a cold shower. Dry saunas have their advantages, but not everyone can withstand the extreme heat, which is when steam saunas become the optimal choice, offering lower temperatures. People are usually able to sit in steam saunas for a much longer period of time than in dry saunas.

 Steam baths are a major component of health and fitness in the Middle East, Europe, and a growing number of other regions in the world. A growing number of North American fitness arenas include steam baths, and a growing number of home-owners are annexing their homes with steam baths. The steam bath, or steam room, as it is often referred to in North America, is a relaxing way to detoxify the body and rejuvenate the skin. It is also a useful way to alleviate the pains of respiratory ailments. 

Because of much higher humidity levels than the traditional dry sauna, steam room advocates often compare the beneficial hydration of the skin with the dehydrated skin results from dry saunas, which steam room advocates also say result in broken capillaries. The humidity levels of the steam room immediately coat the skin with moisture, which prevents the body from losing heat through evaporation. This expedites the detoxification process, which accelerates as the body temperature rises.

 Because of all the moisture collected in steam baths, however, the area is always subject to bacteria, which can multiply if the steam baths are not cleaned and disinfected properly. So, too, the spread of germs can occur. Therefore, steam bath users are recommended to shower both before and after using the steam room.