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Why Sauna Purists Prefer Steam Saunas
Wed 06 Feb 2008 - 15:18
Why Sauna Purists Prefer Steam Saunas
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Urban]Kevin Urban
Although far infrared saunas have risen in popularity over steam saunas in recent years, many purists continue to herald the benefits of traditional saunas.
Differences between Infrared and Steam Saunas
Although both are designed to achieve many of the same objectives - the achievement of relaxation and enhanced well-being through the use of therapeutic heat - there are many disparities between steam and infrared saunas:
As a general rule, a steam sauna uses moist heat, while an infrared sauna uses much drier heat.
While modern infrared saunas can be built from molded plastic, steam rooms use natural hardwoods (traditionally pine or cedar) for the ceilings, walls, flooring, and benches.
For their heat source, traditional saunas use piles of stones placed on an electric, wood-burning, or gas heater. When water is poured over the stones, a burst of steam is produced. Far infrared saunas, on the other hand, are powered by infrared heaters.
Benefits of Steam Saunas
Whether you choose a modern infrared sauna or a more traditional sauna is ultimately a matter of personal preference. While both share many of the same benefits, steam enthusiasts maintain that traditional saunas offer a unique set of advantages:
After a long, hard day, a steamy sauna serves as a source of relaxation and stress reduction, similar to that of a warm bath.
Saunas using steam have been shown to open up the pores and provide thorough cleansing of the skin, resulting in a radiant, healthy glow.
Users of steam rooms have reported increased blood circulation, which is crucial for good heart health and an overall enhanced sense of well-being.
The moist heat of steam has been linked to easing muscle tension, joint stiffness, and even arthritis.
By opening up the pores and flushing sweat out through the skin glands, steam saunas help to kick-start the purification process, flushing any toxins out of the body.
High amounts of steam heat have been linked to excess burning of calories and fat cells, promoting faster weight loss.
Steam sauna sessions speed up your heart rate, mimicking the effects of a cardiovascular workout and helping to give your metabolism a boost.
Because sweat doesn't evaporate as it does with infrared saunas, saunas using steam can make it seem as though the user is sweating more profusely, which in turn gives the impression that they're getting more out of the experience. In an infrared sauna, sweat evaporates and dries on the skin, sacrificing body heat.
Steam inhalation is a proven method of relieving such respiratory afflictions as asthma, bronchitis, and sinus blockage. Even those with severe allergies have reported noticeable improvement after regular sauna steam sessions.
Athletes have long enjoyed sauna steam sessions after strenuous workouts as a way of relieving and repairing muscle tissue, promoting quicker recovery, and preparing for more activities. (Fun fact: the Finnish Olympians bring along a portable sauna to all of their games.)
Traditional sauna advocates enjoy the all-natural aroma that comes with water and fresh-cut wood.
Cleaning & Maintenance of a Steam Sauna
To prevent the spread of bacteria and promote a sanitary environment, it's necessary to periodically clean your sauna. We recommend using a ceramic tile cleaner and a soft rag to clean the floor and walls of your sauna at least once a month, preferably once a week, to preserve the quality and freshness of the wood and to ensure that it doesn't mold or rot from the prolonged moisture. If using a steam generator to pipe steam into a steam shower enclosure, be sure to perform regular draining of the generator.
Before Entering a Sauna...
Similar to launching a new exercise regimen, it's a good idea to check with your doctor to ensure that you have no health restrictions that would make a steam sauna session potentially dangerous for you to use.
About the Author:
Kevin Urban is the editor for [http://www.sauna-talk.com/ ]http://www.sauna-talk.com, a comprehensive guide to infrared and [http://www.sauna-talk.com/sauna-vs-steam-room.html ]steam saunas. His articles cover [http://www.sauna-talk.com/commercial-saunas.html ]commercial saunas and he explains how to build your own sauna with an easy-to-assemble kit.
Copyright 2008 Sauna-Talk.com
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Urban http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Sauna-Purists-Prefer-Steam-Saunas&id=968608
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