Steam Room
Steam Room
What are the benefits of going into a steam room?
I go to the gym and after I work out I go into the steam room for 10 minutes. Nobody is ever in there, so I was wondering what is soo great about it.
Thanks!
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, the heart rate increases by 50-75%. The increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.
Blood vessels become more flexible [1] and there is increased circulation to the extremities. During a sauna, blood flow to the skin increases to as high as 50-70% of cardiac output (compared to the standard 5-10%). This is due to the blood vessels in the skin’s surface expanding to accommodate the increased blood flow, a process known as vasodilation. This increased blood flow brings important nutrients to subcutaneous and surface tissue, promoting cellular activity and growth.[citation needed] It is especially beneficial to areas of the skin which normally suffer from poor circulation. Along with nourishing the skin, the high temperatures also cause the skin’s 2 million eccrine glands to excrete sweat to cool down the skin and blood capillaries. Research has shown that sweat is much more effective than water at emulsifying fat located in the skin’s sebaceous glands, and thus at removing the sebum and bacteria lodged in the fat.[citation needed] The vasodilation caused by the high temperatures also allow essential fluids to be transported to the skin’s surface. This enhances the development of collagen, giving the skin a continued elasticity and wrinkle-free complexion.
Steambaths and saunas induce perspiring to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body. 30% of body wastes are passed through the skin.[citation needed] Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body.[citation needed]
When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state, a process known as hyperthermia. Fever is part of the body’s natural healing process. Fever stimulates the immune system, resulting in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti viral protein with cancer fighting capability).[citation needed]
Steam inhalation is an excellent treatment for many respiratory problems. For example, the moist air in saunas can relieve throat irritation. Steam also loosens secretions and can stimulate discharge of mucous from the lungs and throat, giving relief to sufferers of bronchitis. Finally steam can also aid sinusitis by relieving congestion and inflammation of the upper respiratory mucous membranes. An occasional secondary occurrence caused by breathing in the steam– In some cases and with some people, if they have a weak respiratory system, example; the infection of a common cold or sore throat, may be carried into the lungs causing it to spread. This is uncommon but does occur. However, to counter this from happening a small opening for the head in the wall of the sauna at the level of the seat will allow the persons head to be outside the sauna (on a small shelf) and thus the benefit of the 38°C (100.4°F) still takes place without the fear of increasing the infection.
The heat also kills all kinds of bacteria and insects, e.g. lice. This knowledge was used widely during the Winter War and Continuation War when Finnish troops were forced to sauna (although the unclean conditions in the field made it unnecessary to force them). While the men were in their sauna, their equipment was in another. This cleansed both very effectively while Russians had problems with many diseases.[2]
However, it should be noted, people with heart problems may be at risk due to blood pressure unpredictably rising or lowering after using a sauna. People with stable coronary artery disease are generally safe in a sauna, but people with uncontrollable heart problems may be advised to stay away from a Sauna by a doctor in order to avoid possible complications. People with autoimmune disorders may also be at risk.
Build Your Own Steam Room
Aside from the bedroom, everybody wanted to have their own special place in the house. This is the area where they can be seen unwinding and relaxing without anyone bothering them. A steam room is an ideal place where you can have the serenity you have always wanted. If you can’t afford to go to a steam or sauna establishment everyday because of the work piled up in your office or at home, there are now steam rooms that you can easily build in the comfort of your own home. With this, you will now be able experience the luxury that a sauna can bring without sacrificing much of your time, effort, and of course, money.
However, before you do so, there are some things that you need to consider in order for you to build an effective steam room in your home. First on the list is the location. Make sure that you will be placing your steam room in an area where there is enough ventilation. Moreover, be certain that this soon to be hot room will not affect the neighboring areas in your home such as someone’s bedroom, kitchen, or more that will have a higher temperature as well by the time your sauna room is in use.
Then, decide if which method of creating steam you wanted for your own steam room. Of course, you would no longer want the oldest way there is to create steam – by burning wood or charcoal to boil water that would create steam. However, you can still go for the traditional Finnish way of having a steam bath. Hot rocks are placed on top of heaters. Once these rocks are hot enough, water will be poured over to create steam. On the other hand, if you wish to create steam in your room easily, then go for the steam generators instead. There are now also units that can give you a humid steam bath and dry sauna at the same time by purchasing one product alone.
If you are still having a hard time as to which method of creating steam is right for you, steam room manufacturers will be more than willing to lay out all the options for you. They can even help you create a custom-made steam room depending on your preferences, the available amount of space for the room, and your allocated budget. They can even create a plan that will definitely fit your current home situation.
It does not have to be big, luxurious or very expensive to build a steam room at your own place. Because of the popularity of steam bathing and sauna all over the world, there are now many competing products that have lower prices available in the market. It is just your choice as to which product and price would you go for. No matter what you choose, whether you ask the help of the professional builders or purchase the do-it-yourself (DIY) kits for your steam room, there is no doubt that you will have a luxurious spot in your home at a very low price.
B&B Bridge in the steam room part 1 / 1988
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