The benefits of steam bathing and sauna have been recognized for thousands of years.
Today, they are considered an integral method for purifying and detoxifying the skin and body, increasing circulation, stimulating the immune system and encouraging complete physical and mental well-being.

Benefits of steam and sauna

• Soothes mind & body to relieve stress & relax muscles
• Increases body metabolism
• Deep cleanses - hydrates skin
• Helps eliminate toxins
• Boosts your immune system
• Relieves discomforts of asthma, allergies and arthritis
• Lymph detoxification
• Stimulates circulation
• Alleviates sinus congestion due to colds
• Alleviates menstruation cramps
• Keeps skin youthful
• Helps with the treatment of cellulite
• Promotes restful sleep

Sauna

The sauna is an integral part of Finnish and Swedish culture. The heat experienced in saunas can have great health benefits - arthritic and rheumatic patients will feel less pain and experience greater joint mobility (whilst in the sauna) and you can benefit from a sauna before working out because the heat causes the joints and muscles to be more flexible.

Probably the biggest health benefit of saunas is the relaxation they induce. Our lives are filled with stress and the accumulated affects of this can induce many health problems. Saunas are relaxing and calming and provide a great way to unwind at the end of the day. A sauna before bed promotes deep sleep – necessary for the body to rejuvenate and recuperate.

Steam Room

Steam rooms have a constant humidity level of around 100% and are kept about 40 degrees Celsius. Many people prefer steam rooms to saunas because the high humidity makes it easier to breathe and there are beneficial effects on the respiratory system.
Steam rooms are good for your skin as the blood flow to the skin increases and sweating occurs. Adults sweat approximately 2 lbs of water per hour while in the steam room. A good sweat removes dirt and grime from pores and gives the skin a healthy glow. The loss in water weight is temporary as the body's physiological mechanisms will quickly restore proper volumes.

Which one is best for me?

Both saunas and steam have therapeutic benefits. They are good for blood circulation and can cleanse and rejuvenate the skin through heavy perspiration. They are good for easing muscle tension and promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being.

Some people find the dry heat of the sauna to be uncomfortable to breathe. Those with respiratory problems like sinus congestion and asthma may prefer the moist heat of the steam room. Steam inhalation is often used for treating bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies so people with these conditions.

Benefits for pregnancy, menstruation and menopause

The steam bath and sauna have special significance for women.

During menstruation the sauna or steam bath can alleviate some of the cramp pain by relaxation and removal of excessive water caused by sodium retention.

For the same reasons, steam and sauna is generally beneficial for healthy pregnant women. However, during cases of toxemia or complicated pregnancy a physician should be consulted before using these facilities.

Steam and sauna after childbirth relieves aching muscles, cleanses the body and gives the new mother needed privacy. Until you have recuperated from childbirth, the steam room and sauna should be kept at low temperatures.

Menopause is another special concern of women that steam / sauna can ease. Primarily, they help by stimulating the autonomic nervous system, the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands and the ovaries. But some medical people consider menopause an elimination crisis which makes steam and sauna even more useful. The theory is that menstruation is more than just an elimination for the uterine lining; it is an eliminative cycle for the entire body. Upon cessation of the woman's reproductive cycle, the body must find other ways of ridding itself of toxic accumulations. While this adjustment is going on, uncomfortable menopause symptoms are felt. Steam and sauna, acting as general toxic eliminators, reduces some of these distresses.

How long should I stay in the steam and sauna for?

Don't stay too long, especially if you are new to it.  10 or 15 minutes is good for one session. After each session take a cold shower or quick swim and relax for a while before going back in.

The cycle of sauna / steam and cooling off can be repeated as many times as you like.  Most sessions last about 30 minutes to 1 hour with about 2 or 3 cycles of heating up and cooling off, but if you have the time and the inclination you can continue it for hours.