This article has two sections: the first half is pro-steam room, and the second is pro-sauna.
The Steam Advantage
The following information is excerpted from an article at the UNSW Lifestyle Centre website:
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.
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.
**Excerpt ends here**
Did you notice where the article says that toxin filled perspiration dries on the skin in a sauna?
Well, I wonder about that.
How is that possible if sweating is continuous while you're in the sauna??
After taking a sauna or steam bath, you should either shower right away or wipe down real good with a towel and shower shortly after.
Dr. Lawrence Wilson wrote a book called Sauna Therapy. He's studied various forms of heat therapy and is in favor of using saunas for detoxification.
He made some interesting points:
1. A disadvantage of steam is that the high humidity takes away from the intensity of the sweat.
2. A drawback to repeated use of a steam room is that chemical toxins may be present in the water itself and perhaps from chemicals used to purify the water.
Dr. Wilson says that using steam, you absorb chlorine and possibly hundreds of other volatile organic chemicals present in tap water supplies.
He also said that the humidity in hot tubs and steam rooms support the growth of many infection-causing bacteria, however...
Dr. Wilson didn't say that you shouldn't use a steam room. He highlighted what he sees as a drawback to repeated use.
There you have it – a couple of viewpoints from different angles about saunas vs. steam rooms.
My personal opinion?
I take both sauna and steam baths, but I do like Dr. Wilson's points. I've read a lot of what he has written, and I can't imagine anyone who could have done more observation on the effects of saunas.
In summary…
Taking saunas or steam baths is certainly better than taking none at all. If you have an option to alternate, well - you can have the best of both worlds.
Recommended Reading:
Detoxify Or Die - written by Sherry Rogers, M.D. This book has received an impressive average reader rating of 4.5 of 5 stars. The importance of detoxification is discussed, as well as why/how a sauna should be used.
Sauna Therapy - Dr. Lawrence Wilson writes about the importance of detoxifying, and shows why an infrared lamp sauna is the best method.
- written by Sherry Rogers, M.D. This book has received an impressive average reader rating of 4.5 of 5 stars. The importance of detoxification is discussed, as well as why/how a sauna should be used.
