Which best suits your requirements - a sauna or steam room?

Both saunas and steam rooms have a number of health benefits and can provide a relaxing experience, whether you’ve just completed a workout or you’re looking to switch off after a hard day. In terms of installation, experience and positive lifestyle impact, there are advantages to either option so which one is the best for your individual requirements?

A steam room – wet heat

The primary difference between a steam room and a sauna is the type of heat involved. A steam room is wet heat and that can have a number of advantages, including when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of a range of conditions. This type of heat will open and thin the body’s mucous membranes. As a result, it can be used to relieve sinus congestion and is especially beneficial for those suffering from conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Other benefits of a steam room include:

Weight loss

The average human body is made up of at least 60% water and sweating in a steam room means that some of that water is expelled. As a result, spending some time in a steam room can help to reduce weight and water related bloating.

Detoxifying benefits

Sweating is one of the most effective ways that the human body can eliminate toxins. Whether you’re looking to recover during the Christmas party season or keen to have a regular detox built into your beauty regime, spending time sweating in a steam room is a highly effective way to do it.

A sauna – dry heat

You will also sweat in a sauna but may initially feel less moisture on the skin because the heat inside is dry. The dry warmth of a sauna is known for being incredibly relaxing and soothes aching muscles and over stimulated nerve endings. If you often get migraines, headaches or arthritis (or other joint conditions) regular sauna sessions can help. Saunas can also be beneficial with respect to:

Problems sleeping and insomnia

The impact of sauna heat is to release feel-good endorphins, which also help to reduce stress in the body. When you step out of the sauna heat your body begins to release melatonin, which is a crucial ingredient for a good night’s sleep.

Lowering blood pressure

High blood pressure can be uncomfortable and, ultimately, fatal if not properly managed. Saunas are particularly well known for helping to bring blood pressure down and encourage a healthier heart.

The choice is yours

In addition to all of the above advantages, both steam rooms and saunas will:

• Encourage better skin quality. Pores are opened and blood and lymphatic circulation increased.
• Reduce skin issues. Both steam rooms and saunas can help to reduce the impact of conditions like acne and skin problems such as blackheads.
• Help to manage chronic pain. Heat has a therapeutic effect on the body and both dry and wet heat can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Lengthen life expectancy. Studies have shown that regular time in a sauna or steam room can improve life expectancy in both women and men.

The choice of sauna or steam room is a matter of personal preference. Both have major benefits and offer lifestyle improvements. If you’d like to discuss your options we can help – contact us to find out more.