Frequently Asked Questions: What is a steam bath compared to an Infrared Sauna?
Even in ancient Greece and Rome, the steam bath and its positive influence on health were appreciated. The steam bath is also known as a steam sauna or mist bath. In contrast to a sauna, the temperatures in a steam bath, as well as in an Infrared Sauna, are lower and the relative humidity is higher. The average temperature is approximately 40 to 55 degrees. The steam bath is particularly suitable for people who cannot visit a sauna due to circulatory problems. Seniors and children also prefer a steam sauna because it puts less strain on the circulatory system. To alleviate illnesses or various complaints, various herbal additives such as eucalyptus or lemon balm are often used in a steam bath.
There are different forms of the steam bath such as the Roman caldarium, the Russian banya, the Turkish hammam, or the bio-steam bath. In modern steam baths, the steam is generated with the help of a steam generator. Special steam bath models are made for the wellness area in one's own four walls, which take up less space. The positive effect of the steam bath is that due to the heat and humidity, toxins in the body are drained. In addition, breathing is improved and even stubborn mucus in chronic respiratory diseases is loosened with the help of water vapor. In the case of hay fever, inflammation of the maxillary, frontal and paranasal sinuses, the steam sauna also has a soothing and relieving effect. Furthermore, the muscles are relaxed, as the blood circulation and metabolism of the body are positively stimulated.
For people with skin problems, a regular visit to a steam bath improves the complexion. The steam opens the pores of the skin and helps to flush out impurities in a gentle and efficient way. For people suffering from stress and burnout syndromes, the use of a steam sauna can also be helpful. Rheumatism patients also benefit from visiting a steam sauna, as the joints are positively influenced and toxins are released. Before visiting a steam sauna, one should take a shower and then dry off well. In addition, it is important to make sure not to go into a steam bath with a full stomach. Depending on your physical condition, a bathing session can last 10 to 15 minutes, a maximum of 20 minutes.
More effort with a steam bath
The disadvantages of a steam bath compared to an Infrared Sauna are the difficulty of installation on the one hand and the more limited application possibilities compared to the Infrared Sauna on the other. For example, a steam sauna requires a permanent fresh water connection, a drain at the lowest point (which often leads to difficulties, especially in basements), and increased care and maintenance, as germs can form with the high humidity and elevated temperature. With regular use, furniture in the same rooms can also be affected by the high humidity. Due to the specific emitter elements, body parts can be treated in a targeted manner with heat radiation in an Infrared Sauna; in a steam bath, the heat always emanates from the central steam generator. The ideal would therefore be a combination of both, infrared and steam, but this is not feasible in most households.
