Sauna and Steam Baths - Discover the Health Benefits

Both saunas and steam baths 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.

There are many claims about the health benefits of saunas. They are supposed to be good for losing weight, cleansing the body of toxins, lowering cholesterol, relieving the symptoms of arthritis and treating respiratory problems like bronchitis and laryngitis. Sounds like a miracle cure, doesn't it? Some of these claims may be exaggerated, but others may have sound scientific foundations. Let's take a closer look at sauna benefits.

The benefits of steam bathing have been known for thousands of years. Hippocrates, the father of medicine believed fever could cure almost any disease, and steam baths and saunas have been used for creating 'artificial' fevers since at least the time of Hippocrates. Let's take a closer look at steam bath benefits.

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

While both saunas and steam baths are therapeutic, the high moisture content of steam bathing is especially useful for respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, and allergies. It is also helpful for cleaning and toning the skin. The large amount of perspiration created by both steam baths and a sauna room makes the skin soft and supple, and leaves the bathers feeling invigorated and refreshed.