 |
||
 |
|
|
Steam VS SaunaMedicalHippocrates, the founder of modern medicine wrote more than two thousand years ago “Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure any disease”. During a fever the functioning of the immune system is stimulated, whilst the growth of bacteria and virus is forced to slow down. The production of white blood cells, the primary agents of the immune system, is increased, as is the rate of their release into the blood stream. The generation of anti bodies speeds up, as does the production of interferon, an anti viral protein that also has powerful healing properties.So what does this mean in terms of having a steam or sauna bath? Simple, steam and sauna baths produce the desired temperature rise in the body similar to a fever by a process called hyperthermia. However, there is a distinct difference between steam and sauna. The steam, which is condensed vapour formed by heating water, is wet and humid in nature. While the sauna is partially dry, where water is splashed on heated stones to raise the humidity level to as much as 40%. Without that the hot dry air of the sauna can irritate and burn the mucus membranes. Steam bathing whether it be dry (sauna) or wet (steam) has been considered as one of the simplest ways to rid the body of toxins. As the pores in the skin open up millions of sweat glands start to excrete, the body rids itself of metabolic and other waste products. Sweat contains almost the same elements as urine and for this reason, the skin is sometimes called the third kidney. It is estimated that as much as 30% of bodily wastes are eliminated by way of perspiration. The effectiveness of hyperthermia directly correlates with the ability to eliminate heat loss during a steam bath. As the body’s temperature begins to rise, the body’s natural response is to perspire so that the evaporation of the perspiration will cool the body. In a sauna heat, undesirable cooling undermines hyperthermia by the natural evaporation process and allows toxin filled perspiration to dry on the skin. However, in a steam bath, evaporation is not possible and therefore it allows little or no loss of valuable body heat. You still perspire as heavily, it just does not evaporate and dry on the skin. The higher moisture level actually causes condensation on the body to become the primary heat transfer mechanism additionally heating the body. The powerful cleansing and healing process of hyperthermia does not take place until the body reaches 1010 F– 1030 F. This is accomplished quicker and more effectively in a steam bath than a sauna and only requires 10 to 15 minutes. Another benefit of steam bathing is that it has a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. The pulse rate increases from 75 beats per minute (average) to between 100 – 150 beats per minute during a 15 – 20 minute session. This increases blood circulation but not blood pressure, since the heat causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to expand, accommodating the increased blood flow. Steam bathing and thus steam inhalation is an effective treatment in respiratory conditions and is highly recommended for the treatment of the common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies and asthma. 1. Steam relieves inflammation and congestion of the upper respiratory membranes. 2. Steam relieves throat irritation by moistening the air. 3. Steam relieves spasmodic breathing (asthma, croup). 4. Steam loosens secretions and stimulates discharges of mucous from the throat and lungs. 5. Steam relaxes muscles and relieves coughing. 6. Steam keeps the mucous membranes from excessive drying. MaterialsFirstly the steam room makes use of a steam generator which resides outside the room. Its purpose is to heat water, not air, and inject steam into the room. Unlike the sauna which uses a stove housed inside the room and surrounded by rocks. Pouring water onto the rocks regulates the temperature which ranges from 1200 F to 1500 F. The relative humidity levels, which are controlled in this fashion vary between 10% - 30%. The steam room on the other hand has a constant humidity level of over 100% and the temperatures are much lower than those in the sauna, in fact they rarely exceed 1200 F thus reducing the risk of burns. A sauna is constructed of porous material, usually untreated kiln dried wood, and depends on air circulation through intake and outlet vents. Perspiration filled with toxins finds its way into the porous wood which need to be cleaned and maintained regularly with waxes and oils. The steam room on the other hand is completely enclosed and covered with water resistant, no-corrosive surface such as molded acrylic. This allows the steam room enclosure to fill completely with condensed vapour and clouds of steam envelope the bather.PrecautionsBefore entering the steam room there are a few precautions to keep in mind.George Kozis Manager, Asset. References 1. Tyrell, D.; Barrow, I.; and Arthur, J. “Local Hyperthermia Benefits Natural and Experimental Common Colds”. British Medical Journal 298. 2. Craig Horswill, Ph.D. Saunas, Steam Rooms and Other Refreshers. 3. Gard, Z. R., M.D., E.J. “Literature Review And Comparison Studies of Sauna/Hyperthermia in Detoxification.” Updated 30th May 2005
|
||
 |
 |