Sauna

The history of the steam bath can be traced far back into the mists of time. Popular with the ancient Greeks, the steam bath was subsequently adopted by the Romans as the"Sudatorium" which almost invariably formed part of the Roman baths of the period throughout the entire sphere of influence of the Roman Empire. While steam baths were also built in Europe, their expansion was probably limited in the first instance by technical problems (chiefly in regulating the steam temperature) and because of the high investment costs involved. Not unlike a sauna in that it induces sweating, but with entirely different atmospheric conditions, the steam bath not only relaxes you and renews your energy, but also promotes your health and beauty as well.

The body cannot maintain a constant temperature when the environmental temperature is as high as that reached in a steam bath or sauna, and so the body temperature begins to rise. The rise in body temperature depends mainly on:

(a) The temperature and humidity content of the steam bath,
(b) The sweating capability of the bather, and
(c) The bathing time.

Sauna

A steam bath uses a lower temperature around 40 to 45 degrees Celsius combined with high humidity were as a sauna uses a high temperature 80 C with low humidity. Simple, steam and sauna baths produce the desired temperature rise in the body similar to a fever by a process called hyperthermia. However, there is a distinct difference between steam and sauna. While the sauna is partially dry, where water is splashed on heated stones to raise the humidity level to as much as 40%. Without that the hot dry air of the sauna can irritate and burn the mucus membranes. Steam bathing whether it is dry (sauna) or wet (steam) has been considered as one of the simplest ways to rid the body of toxins. In a sauna heat, undesirable cooling undermines hyperthermia by the natural evaporation process and allows toxin filled perspiration to dry on the skin.

This is accomplished quicker and more effectively in a steam bath than a sauna and only requires 10 to 15 minutes. Unlike the sauna which uses a stove housed inside the room and surrounded by rocks. The steam room on the other hand has a constant humidity level of over 100% and the temperatures are much lower than those in the sauna, in fact they rarely exceed 1200 F thus reducing the risk of burns. A sauna is constructed of porous material, usually untreated kiln dried wood, and depends on air circulation through intake and outlet vents. Cooling time should equal time spent in sauna.

Today though, new developments in steam generating technology have made it possible to install steam baths almost anywhere at reasonable cost.

Michelle Hilton is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.SaunaSpecialists.com She provides more information about sauna and sauna issues that you can research in your pajamas on her website.