Sauna Steam Bath Comparison

Often people wonder which is better for them, the sauna or steam bath? In this article we are going to examine both and compare them. Firstly they both use heat. Heat raises your heart rate dilating the blood vessels hence improving your blood circulation. Both make you sweat and as a result open your pores and clean your skin. However the degrees of heat vary from a steam bath to a sauna. This is where they begin to differ.

In a steam bath you have a moist heat resulting in more water in the air; the steam can be relaxing and stress relieving, even releasing toxins and free radicals that may allow for better overall health. Both saunas and steam baths relieve tension and relax the muscles.

If in the event you have respiratory problems the steam bath would be a better option for you. The moist heat helps to clear clogged sinuses and a stuffy nose. This can also benefit those with allergies. Because the steam bath does not get as hot, you may find it easier to breathe in.

The sauna on the other hand is in general a dry heat. This environment can get very hot. The sauna room has been known to reach temperatures of 175 degrees. This can be too hot for some and as a result make it difficult to breath.

In a sauna you will perspire heavily. A sauna provides a cardiovascular workout, it increases the metabolic rate and it also promotes healing by releasing natural pain killers, both provide you with health benefits, the difference between the two is the kind of heat and the level of heat. Your choice will depend on your own personal health and fitness goals and your level of comfort with either one.

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Sauna Or Steam Bath Which Is Healthier?

A Sauna is a Finnish hot air bath. The word sauna is derived from the Finnish word for dry heat bath. The terms steam bath, steam shower and steam sauna often get confused with one another, yet they do not mean the same thing. The first difference begins with how they are heated.

The traditional sauna uses electric, wood or gas-fired heaters. The second type of sauna is the infrared sauna. The infrared sauna uses radiant heat which heats the occupants rather than the air. In the traditional sauna the air is heated but it is a dry heat. This is why the sauna is also called a dry hot-air bath.

In a steam bath it is moist heat. The steam bath uses a steam generator. The sauna has very low humidity, whereas the steam bath has high humidity. In a steam bath the steam builds up to create a humidity level of around 100%. Because of the humidity factor the heat in the sauna is far higher than that of the steam bath. The difference in temperature can be anywhere from 40°C to 60°C.

The health benefits of either depend upon what you want. Both steam baths and sauna are good to unwind and relax. They both help to cleanse by sweating. They are both good for blood circulation.

The dry heat of the sauna can make it uncomfortable for some people to breathe. Those with respiratory problems may prefer the moist heat of the steam bath. The inhalation of steam is often used for treating bronchitis and allergies. Therefore those who wish to treat respiratory problems will benefit more from steam baths.

A sauna detoxifies but it also refreshes and revitalizes your body. In general saunas are easier to build and require less material and labor than a steam bath. Both can be affordable and may add monetary value to your home.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of All-About-Saunas.com your guide to Saunas [http://all-about-saunas.com].

Learn more about the difference between Steam Bath or Sauna [http://www.all-about-saunas.com/Steam+Bath+or+Sauna.html]. Read more about the infrared sauna [http://www.all-about-saunas.com/Infrared+Saunas.html].

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