Home Steam Room - Options For Adding a Steam Unit

Are you thinking of installing your very own home steam room?

Well it's now easier than it's ever been to enjoy the benefits of steam bathing in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Basically, you have three choices for installing a home steam bath unit. You can...

o buy and install a ready made, built in steam room
o purchase a portable steam room
o build your own steam room

We'll take a look at the most popular option - built in steam rooms.

Built In, Ready Made Home Steam Rooms

Ready made home steam bath units are available in many shapes and sizes. There are enough residential steam room sizes and designs to fit any home and decor.

With so many choices available, answering two questions can help make your choice easier:

1. how big do you want your steam unit to be, and
2. do you want all the "extras" or just a basic unit?

More on these two choices in a moment, but first...

It will take some planning to install a steam room. Plumbing and ventilation will be required.

In the majority of cases, your warranty will be voided if you don't hire a licensed plumber and an electrician to make the necessary connections.

So please hire the help unless you're a professional handyman!

You might even need assistance from other contractors and possibly an architect.

What size will you need? The right size for you will depend on 3 things:

o your budget
o available space
o the number of people who will use the steam room - will it be 1 or 2 at a time? Or will you take steam baths along with friends and family?

There are steam room enclosures large enough to fit as many as 10+ and small enough for 1 or 2 people.

What features do you want? Again, this is going to depend on your budget and personal preference.

You can choose a basic steam room enclosure, or if it's within your budget you can buy a combination steam room.

Combination steam rooms are state of the art units that merge a steam room, steam shower and whirlpool together. These combo steam units are both stylish and luxurious.

Some extra features you can expect are...

o water massage jets,
o foot massagers,
o fm radio and cd audio input,

And often much more. Some newer models even include water proof LCD screens so you can watch TV.
You can actually spend a few days in one of those things!

Before making your decision, take your time and pick the best option for you. After all, a home steam room is great to have, but it's not exactly a cheap investment!

Read more about home steam rooms and steam showers

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Steam Bath Vs Sauna - What are The Differences?

For sure you read or heard a friend commenting that steam baths are better than sauna and another friend claiming the exact opposite. Well, they are telling the truth, at least to some extent. Either one is superior or less effective compared to the other. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Steam Bath

A steam generator is used to produce the steam inside the room. The temperature is maintained generally at 40°C. Most Steam rooms have skewed ceiling to avoid the buildup of steam dripping onto the bathers. Ceramic tiles are usually used to hold the moisture produced by the steam.

For people suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, steam rooms are recommended. You can breathe easier in a steam room. It is believed to improve health conditions of those who have sinusitis and bronchitis because the mucous and chest muscles are loosened. Another good thing about steam baths is that your skin remains hydrated and supple due to the maintained level of humidity.

One downside of steam rooms is the risk of bacteria proliferation due to the warm and wet conditions. Just make sure that the steam rooms you are using are maintained and cleaned regularly. Also, make it a habit to take a shower before and after your steam session.

Sauna

Saunas have higher temperature because of the extremely low humidity inside the room. It normally falls between 75°C to 100°C. This is definitely safe compare to a steam bath that can injure your skin with that temperature. Sauna rooms use electric, wood-burning, or far infrared (FIR) heaters. It is typically made of wood and wood benches. It is suggested that sauna floor should be cleaned at least once a week to avoid or lessen rotting. Saunas are very common and a favorite leisure in Scandinavian countries.

There are people claiming that a 25-minute sitting in a sauna can burn you up to 300 calories. Due to extreme sweating, it promotes body detoxification and better blood circulation resulting to improved metabolism.

A lot of people find the intense heat in saunas excessively too much and thus prefer lower temperatures which are common to steam rooms. Extreme heat may aggravate any nose or lungs ailments.

There you go. I hope you have a clearer understanding when it is good to take a steam bath or sauna. If your health permits I suggest you try both once in a while. Isn't it marvelous to have the best of both worlds? GP

Jason Case writes articles for http://www.steam-bath.net/
If you are looking for information on steam baths stop and in and check us out, for all the latest information on steam baths and steam shower sauna for your home.

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A Steam Bath Has Many Advantages

It has been said that Hippocrates was the one to discover that a fever could actually cure some diseases and conditions. Since then, steam baths and saunas have been providing "fake" fevers. While a dry sauna has benefits, both a steam bath and steam shower are more beneficial. The steam is better for conditions such as bronchitis, allergies and asthma due to the higher moisture content.

As previously mentioned, the steam bath can offer relief to those who suffer from respiratory ailments; possibly because steam can removed mucus and allergens from your lungs. Many doctors advise patients to breathe steam. By utilizing steam rooms, they can breathe in a much more concentrated amount of steam than they would normally get with a vaporizer, allowing maximum benefits to people with breathing difficulties. This is by no means a cure, yet many people feel such relief that they will go back again and again for the relief it does provide.

Do you need further convincing about the benefits of steam? If so, then consider that sweat is great for healthy skin. Not only does the steam increase blood circulation for a glowing and healthy look, dermatologists believe that sweat does a better job at washing your skin than soap and water. A steam bath helps to clean out the pores, which facilitates the cleansing of deep down grime and dead cells. Pain relief is another important benefit of steam since heat does a great job of soothing muscle pain.

One of the most effective ways of healing your body is through deep sleep; however, not everyone has that luxury. In your life you may have to deal with daily stresses and those stresses tend to build up over time, which may cause someone to have stress related problems, such as hypertension and high blood pressure. Hot tubs saunas, home saunas or perhaps a sauna massage would be a great way to unwind and try to relieve those daily stresses. The heat from the sauna helps to loosen your muscles and the steam actually makes it a more comforting atmosphere in which to calm your mind.

You may discover that taking a steam bath before going to bed is an excellent way to promote a deeper and more restful sleep. Most people come out of the sauna room with a more calm and relaxed state of mind and that is something that everyone can use. So, why not indulge yourself in order to reap the benefits of a relaxing sauna bath, which is having good overall health as well as a peace of mind.

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The Therapeutic Benefits of the Sauna and the Steam Room

The use of hydrotherapy through spa baths and steam rooms has been in use in some form or another for over 2,000 years.

It is apparent that the sauna is one of the oldest forms of enjoyment still in use today. It is estimated that the first saunas were created somewhere between the fifth and eighth century. The terminology actually stems from the "Finish" word from smoke known as "savu" and funnily enough is the only Finnish word that is found within the English dictionary.

The steam bath is another ancient practice that we still enjoy today. Dating back to the Greek and Roman periods this form of therapy was utilised by all society as a means of socialising and helping people live a healthier lifestyle. In Turkey the ritual of "steaming" is still very alive today and is known as "hammam."

One of the more reputable pioneers in the field of integrative medicine, Dr Andrew Weil has credited saunas with the ability of actually increasing the overall circulation within the skin. "Go Ask Alice", a service of Columbia University's Health Services, also includes steam rooms in this benefit.

There are a couple of main differences between the steam room and the sauna. Basically the sauna offers dry heat, whereas the steam room utilises a moist and wet heat. Temperature also differs greatly between the two. The sauna will normally operate between 160 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit alongside a humidity range of between 5% and 30%. Steam rooms on the other hand operate at 100% humidity but with temperatures between 110 and 114 degrees.

The body has unique effects when introduced to these extreme temperatures. The skin temperature will increase to about 104 degrees which has an additional effect where the pulse also increases by around 30% this in turn enables the heart to pump to twice its normal rate. As a protective measure against the internal organs the body then sends the majority of the heated blood cells to the skin allowing it to dissipate. Whilst this is taking place the flow of blood is increased combined with the circulation sending oxygen rich blood and nutrients to the skins surface which then helps the overall appearance and functionality.

The sauna and steam room both have similar properties with the body and this is to help the body to sweat and perspire. It is estimated that on average, the body will sweat around a pint of fluid within a matter of only minutes of entering the sauna or steam room.

Although common perception believes that sweating will remove toxins within the body, it is not true. Our liver and kidney are purpose built for this procedure. However sweating is able to eliminate dirt and grime within our pores, this is through the perspiration pushy its way through the skin bringing with it any excess dirt and grime.

There are many other benefits to our bodies through the use of the sauna and steam room. Pain can be relieved through loosening tense muscles and on the other hand after a tense workout can alleviate muscle cramp; relief can be aided to people who suffer rheumatic pains alongside much, much more.

If you are interested in investing in one of the latest steam showers, steam shower baths or shower cabins then check out the extensive range of offer at Platinum Taps & Bathrooms.

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Differences Between a Sauna and a Steam Bath

Today, millions of people are looking for unique and alternative ways not only to relax, but also to improve their health and well being. Two such alternative ways of getting fit and healthy is to use a Sauna or Steam Bath. Both saunas and steam baths are popular ways to alleviate stress and tension and benefit from other health promoting effects. When deciding whether to have a sauna or a steam bath, it is important to know the differences between each one and how they work.

The main difference between a sauna and a steam bath is that a sauna makes use of dry heat and a steam bath utilizes moist heat. Conventional saunas can use either wood, electric, or gas-fired heaters. Generally, saunas are rooms that are wood paneled. The heat generated is provided by heated rocks. One will heat the room by putting a bit of water over the rocks to produce steam which will heat up the room. The temperature of a sauna can range from 140 to 200 F. Saunas are effective at promoting weight loss as they cause one to lose water through perspiration. One can burn up to 600 calories per session. The sauna itself can be at risk of getting mold so it is necessary to clean the wood panels and benches with water and mild soap to prevent mold growth. The more modern saunas are known as infrared saunas. The infrared sauna uses infrared heaters that dispense radiant heat which heats the body instead of the air.

Steam rooms are rooms that are sporadically heated using a steam generator. Steam is sent into a nearly airtight room where it accumulates and creates a high humidity level. Because the steam rooms are nearly airtight, they will hold the moisture that is created by the steam. In most instances, steam rooms are constructed with a ceiling that is slanted so moisture does not drip all over the people sitting in the room having a steam. As well, the material used is similar to tile which makes it easy to clean. This humid vapor heat has a temperature that can from 110 to 120 F. Steam baths are effective at alleviating sore throats and breaking up congestion in the lungs and sinuses. They also help alleviate respiratory conditions causing breathing difficulties. One disadvantage of a steam room is that they are more prone to mold and bacteria growth because of the high humidity. One who has a steam bath will have to regularly clean and disinfect it to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Sauna and steam baths both have therapeutic benefits that include: alleviating muscle tension, improving blood circulation, detoxifying the body, allowing one to relax and reduce stress, restoring and rejuvenating damaged skin, fighting off colds and the flu, relieving allergies and bronchitis. The one you choose is a matter of personal choice. Usually one can sit longer in a sauna as it is not as steamy. Whether you choose a sauna or steam bath, you will definitely love the experience and benefit from an improvement in your health and well being.

Gain health benefits and improve your home with a sauna. Professionally-built infrared saunas make a great addition to your home and add convenience to your life.

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Sauna Bath Or Steam Room Bath?

Each of the sauna bath or the steam bath have its fans, many people would use only one of them in preference of the other. Although it can be very much so a personal choice both have proven benefits and the ideal would be to be used together.

The main benefits of the dry heat sauna baths are the high temperature of the air which in turn induces sweating and improves circulation and raises the heart rate. The body than improves its metabolism, eliminates many toxic substances accumulated inside. Especially beneficial is the sudden change from hot to cold - after taking the sauna bath experts recommend a cold shower or, if you are in the nature, a swim in the nearby river, or simply get outside if it is winter. Sometimes the heat inside of the sauna can be difficult to withstand and people should not be forcing themselves to stay just to get to the desired timing, but instead get out, cool down and get back, that is in fact a better way of sauna utilization.

The steam room bath in its turn does not reach so high temperatures but the room is filled with wet steam. This in its case proves difficult to tolerate by some but very helpful to others, especially people with respiratory problems. The wet air can help loosen up mucus in bronchitis and asthma and helps the skin stay hydrated and moist and prevents the body from losing excessive amounts of heat. This also leads to detoxification - elimination of the harmful substances within our bodies. The elevated temperature of the body leads to increased metabolism as well and calories burn and weight loss.

There are some precautions that we have to take in order to be safe, always consult a physician if you have heart conditions or are pregnant and make sure that the hygiene of the steam room is good. One of the ways to do that is if you have a steam room at home though a reputable establishment would maintain its premises clean and would disinfect saunas, steam rooms and hydrotherapy equipment on a regular basis.

Boris Nikolov MD, Spa consultant, [http://www.tmssauna.com]

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