Steam Sauna
What's A Steam Sauna?
The steam sauna, also known as a steam bath is a little different than some
saunas you may be familiar with. When you go to the gym, the saunas they have
there are actually traditional Swedish ‘dry’ saunas. There may be steam in the
air but this is simply to prevent respiratory problems.
The Steam sauna is actually a Finnish creation, and is often known as a wet
sauna. While the temperature in a wet sauna is lower than that of a dry one,
the heat is transpired more effectively by the moisture in the air, thus making
it making it feel super hot. We’ve all heard the expression, "it’s not the heat,
it’s the humidity."
Benefits of Steam Bathing
Why steam bathe you ask? Well here are some great reasons:
- Steam bathing provides a cardiovascular workout without stress or strain
on your joints. You heart rate will speed up 50-75% in a 20-minute steam bath.
This goes a long way to speeding up your metabolism, thus helping you burn
fat. It is about the same as going for a long walk. Some people are under
the conception that steam baths raise your blood pressure. While this is true,
it also expands your blood vessels to compensate.
- A steam bath will also relax your tense and aching muscles. If you have
had a long day (or month) at work, toxins can build up in your muscle tissue,
causing you pain and discomfort. A steam sauna can force your muscles to relax,
almost instantly releasing these harmful toxins. It is also great after a
workout. The extra blood flow will speed up the repair of your muscle tissue,
thus allowing you to exercise again sooner. Don’t take my word for it. The
Finnish Olympic team takes a portable steam sauna to all competitions.
- Steam saunas can also help you lose weight. Sitting in a steam bath for
a half an hour can burn as many as 300 calories. Combine this with a healthy
diet and exercise and you’ll be thinner in no time. The steam sauna can also
tighten your skin, in that battle against cellulite.
- The steam sauna also cleanses your skin. The sweat opens your pores, thus
flushing out unhealthy toxins and grime.
- The steam sauna also has distinct healing qualities. By taking your internal
body temperature to 104 degrees it brings you to an artificial fever state.
As you know a fever’s purpose is to kill viruses in you body. So even if you
don’t feel sick, it will make sure that you don’t anytime soon.
|
