Heat therapy has been used all over the world for thousands of years, as a natural remedy and a source of relaxation. Some people develop a personal preference between saunas and steam rooms, but have you ever wondered which one is better for overall health/wellness?
In this blog, I’ll explore the similarities and differences between wet and dry heat therapy, helping you understand how each works. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding to help you make informed choices for your wellness routine.
heat therapy
Heat therapy has a long history, dating back thousands of years, with roots in many cultures around the globe. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all harnessed the power of heat for its therapeutic benefits, using methods like saunas and warm baths to promote relaxation and healing. Today, heat therapy continues to play a significant role in wellness practices.
what's a sauna?
Saunas, often referred to as “dry saunas,” generate heat through hot rocks, reaching temperatures between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels typically ranging from 10% to 60%. This dry heat creates a warm environment that encourages sweating and relaxation.
In contrast, infrared saunas utilize light to produce heat. Rather than warming the surrounding air like traditional saunas, infrared saunas directly heat the body. This method allows for a more intense and penetrating heat experience at lower temperatures, making it appealing for those seeking the benefits of heat therapy without the extreme heat of conventional saunas.
what's a steam room?
Many steam rooms incorporate essential oils like eucalyptus. The combination of heat, humidity, and aromatherapy creates a unique environment.
sauna vs. steam room similarities
Both saunas and steam rooms are heated spaces linked to an array of health benefits. They elevate your heart rate due to their high temperatures, which leads to excessive sweating, promoting detoxification, and invigorating different systems in the body. The blood vessels become dilated, which can aid in transporting oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
On the other hand, it’s important to be mindful of heat exhaustion while using either. Both can lead to dizziness, dehydration, and nausea.
benefits of a sauna
- Promotes relaxation – It may promote feelings of relaxation and joy
- Cell health
- Sweat detox – Promotes sweating, the bodies way of detoxing
- Muscle aches / recovery – Due to the cardiovascular effect triggered from the heat of saunas, the blood vessels dilating can offer relief for sore joints and muscles.
- Circulation support
benefits of a steam room
- Skin care – Steam rooms have yummy, skin-enhancing benefits. The warm steams help to open pores.
- Promotes relaxation
- Alleviates congestion
- Boosted circulation
sauna or steam room?
There are shared benefits with using a sauna or a steam room. And there are also benefits unique to each. So attune your wellness practice to your current needs.
A sauna is best for:
- Inducing a detoxifying sweat
- Longer periods of relaxation
Meanwhile, you might enjoy a steam room more if you want:
- To clear up congestion in the sinuses
- To enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy
- To enhance skin
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