Who doesn’t love reaping the benefits of a good steam sauna session? Everybody, I hope. Especially in places like here in Canada where it seems to be winter 6 months of the year. I love Canada for many things, but the weather is definitely not one of them.
Anyways, this really shouldn’t have blown my mind (even though it did) when I found out 99% of Finns take at least one sauna session per week. Finland really is the Holy Land of sauna culture and it’s high up on our list as a must visit.
What is a steam sauna?
Before we get into the benefits, let’s first define what a steam sauna even is.
A steam sauna heats water to create pressurized steam that is released into an enclosed sauna room, typically made of wood. The experience of using these types of saunas is considerably different, and they also come with different set-up, cost, and maintenance issues.
Steam saunas are the original have been used for centuries, especially in places like Turkey (think Turkish bath) for their therapeutic and relaxation benefits. A steam sauna can provide a range of health benefits for both the mind and body.
Now that we know what a steam sauna is, and why it’s used, here are a few are just a few of the benefits of steam saunas.
6 crucial steam sauna health benefits
- Improved cardiovascular health — Steam saunas can improve circulation and help lower blood pressure. The heat and humidity of a steam sauna can also help to relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. This can be especially beneficial for those with conditions such as high blood pressure or arthritis.
- Improved respiratory health — The moist heat of a steam sauna can help to loosen congestion and clear out the respiratory system. This can be especially helpful for those with conditions such as asthma or allergies.
- Relaxation — Steam saunas can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. The heat and humidity can help to calm the mind and soothe muscle tension.
- Improved skin health — The heat and humidity of a steam sauna can help to open up the pores, allowing for the release of toxins and impurities from the skin. This can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
- Detoxification — The heat and sweat produced in a steam sauna can help to flush toxins out of the body. This can be especially beneficial for those with skin conditions, as sweat can help to clear pores and improve skin health.
- Weight loss — While steam saunas are not a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise, the heat and sweat produced during a sauna session can help to boost the metabolism and potentially aid in weight loss.
Which is better: steam or infrared sauna?
Both steam and infrared saunas have their own unique benefits. Steam saunas use heat and humidity to create a steamy environment and are known for their ability to improve cardiovascular health, detoxify the body, and provide respiratory benefits.
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to produce heat, which is absorbed by the body directly. They are known for their ability to help with pain relief, improve skin health and weight loss. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and specific needs.
Sauna health considerations
It is important to note that steam saunas can be intense and may not be suitable for everyone. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before using a steam sauna, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, steam saunas can offer a variety of benefits to the body and mind. As a sauna blogger and avid sauna user, I highly recommend getting your steam on as often as you can. It is important to be mindful of any risk factors you may have and consult a physician if you’re unsure of whether you should be using steam saunas or not.
If you’re curious about how long your next sauna session should be, you should check out our sauna session calculator. If you liked this article, connect with us on Instagram and say hi @thesaunasquad.
We recently wrote if you’re curious about the benefits of infrared saunas, you can check our article out here.