Hot and steamy
More and more urban homeowners are evolving their homes into sanctuaries of rejuvenation and relaxation as a refuge from the stresses of everyday life. As such, saunas and steam rooms are becoming an increasingly desirable luxury to have in your home, and unlike in the past, today they are in the financial reach for many more people.
Although they both work on the same principle of heat, they are also pretty different in a number of ways. For instance, saunas use dry heat, while steam rooms use moist heat. Saunas have very low humidity, which means they can get much hotter than any steam room – usually operating at a temperature that varies between 80°C and 100°C. A steam room on the other hand, usually runs at about 40°C, as if it was any hotter, the steam would scald your skin.
Traditional saunas are heated with stones that are placed on a heater (usually an electric or wood-burning heater, but there are gas alternatives too). Steam is produced by pouring water over the stones, which raises the temperature in the sauna by several degrees, but the steam quickly dissipates. Steam rooms are heated with a steam generator – steam is fed into an almost airtight room, where it builds up to create a humidity level of 100%. Saunas are usually made of wood and include benches to sit on, while steam rooms are manufactured from materials that can contain the moisture in the room – usually plastic or ceramic. Also, unlike saunas, steam rooms are created with a slanted ceiling to prevent the steam building up and dripping on the bathers.
So which is the better option? The truth of the matter is that both have their advantages and disadvantage, and the final deciding factor is ultimately determined by personal preference. The main advantage to dry saunas lies in the fact that it can operate at such high temperatures. This extreme heat induces sweating and causes heart rates to rise substantially. This is believed to send metabolic levels into overdrive, thereby promoting both detoxification and weight loss. However, many people simply find the extreme heat of dry saunas too much to bear and prefer the lower temperatures typical of steam rooms. Steam rooms are also believed to be more beneficial to those suffering from respiratory ailments, while the intense heat of a dry sauna may irritate the membranes of the nose and lungs, a short steam room session by comparison will aid in the loosening of chest muscles and mucous, thereby alleviating symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
The greatest advantage of steam rooms lies in the fact that the humidity levels in the air ensure that skin remains supple and hydrated throughout the steam session. In addition, beads of moisture coat the skin almost instantaneously and prevent the body from losing heat through the process of evaporation. This is thought to accelerate the detoxification and healing processes which takes place within the body when body temperature rises. On the down side, however, the typical steam room environment provides the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria which thrive in the warm, moist conditions. If the steam room is thoroughly and regularly cleaned and disinfected however, this needn’t be a problem. For this reason, it is highly recommended to shower before and after entering a steam room. You can also place essential oils in the steam generators, which in addition to adding a pleasant odour to the air and aiding in decongestion, they can also serve as an antiseptic, making the whole steaming process a more hygienic experience.
Aside from their differences, both saunas and steam rooms have definite therapeutic benefits, which include:
- Improving blood circulation
- Cleaning and rejuvenating the skin
- Easing muscle tension
- Promoting feelings of relaxation and wellbeing
- Enhancing any detoxification processes
- Promotes distressing and relaxation
Today, you can customise your sauna or steam room with a number of pleasurable luxuries. Some customised steam shower units for example, come complete with moulded seats, multiple showerheads, massage options, multimedia hookups, mood lighting, and more. However, if you do opt to retrofit you steam room, bear in mind that a vapor barrier on the ceiling and wall framing is vital for keeping moisture from damaging studs and joists. Saunas too, can come with any number of high-tech additives, but it is important to keep in mind that because your sauna will be so tightly sealed, the most important technology involved in a sauna is to ensure optimum ventilation so that you have plenty of air to breathe.
There are a plethora of various options available to homeowners who want to reap the rewards of owning a sauna or steam bath in their homes. With regards to saunas, depending on the space available and your budget, you can choose from modular, portable, outdoor or custom-designed saunas or you can build your own. Steam rooms too, come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes – they can be amalgamated with your shower room, or you can buy a pre-built or portable steam unit, or you can have it custom-built. Whichever one you choose though – it will guarantee you hours of repose and a number of health benefits too – who said that sitting around, doing nothing is not good for you, in a sauna or steam room it most certainly is! – Antonella Desi
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