For centuries, people have turned to heat as a way to heal, restore, and reconnect. From the ancient Roman bathhouses to the heart of Finnish sauna culture, thermal therapy has long been a ritual of renewal. At Native State, we honour that tradition – with both steam and sauna options available to help you feel clearer, lighter, and more at ease.
But which is right for you – and when? In this article, we explore the difference between a steam room vs sauna, their unique benefits, and how to use both with intention to support your body, mind, and recovery.
From Tradition to Today: How Heat Has Evolved
Steam rooms played a central role in Roman bathhouses, where they provided a space not only for physical cleansing, but for community and ritual. Saunas, meanwhile, are often traced back over 2,000 years to Finland, where they remain a cultural cornerstone – woven into daily routines for their grounding and restorative effects.
While modern wellness continues to evolve, these traditional heat therapies have endured. They offer something timeless: a chance to slow down, to sweat with purpose, and to support the body’s natural rhythms. And that’s exactly why they still hold a place in our routines today – they work.
The Steam Room Experience
A steam room is a warm, enclosed space filled with near 100% humidity and heated to around 43–49°C. Powered by a steam generator, it creates a deeply warming, full-body experience that’s as soothing as it is sweaty.
The warm, moist air is especially beneficial post-workout or when your breathing needs extra support. The benefits of steam are best felt when you give yourself permission to slow down and simply breathe it in – your skin, breath, and muscles all respond in kind.
Here’s how the steam room can support your body:
- Improved Respiratory Health – Helpful for asthma, allergies, or congestion.
- Skin Support – Encourages deep sweating and detox through open pores.
- Muscle Recovery – Increases circulation and releases muscular tension.
Even just a few minutes in the steam room can create a shift – easing tension, calming your breath, and gently reconnecting you with your body.
The Sauna Experience
A sauna is a dry-heat environment, typically heated between 65–90°C, with humidity levels kept low. At Native State, you can choose between a traditional cedar sauna or an infrared option – each designed to help you release, sweat deeply, and restore from within.
The dry heat gently raises your heart rate, encourages circulation, and creates a quiet, supportive space to decompress – whether you’re winding down from movement or simply seeking stillness.
Here’s how time in the sauna can support your body:
- Cardiovascular Support – The high heat mimics moderate exercise, improving circulation and heart health.
- Deeper Detox – Dry heat supports deep sweating and the release of stored toxins.
- Mental Wellbeing – Sauna sessions can ease stress, promote restful sleep, and boost your mood.
Even a short session can feel like a reset – clearing the mind, softening the body, and helping you meet the rest of your day with more calm and clarity.
Comparing Sauna vs Steam Room
Steam Room
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Heat Type: Moist heat
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Humidity: Approximately 100%
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Temperature: 43–49°C
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Best For: Respiratory health, skin hydration, and muscle relaxation
Sauna
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Heat Type: Dry heat
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Humidity: 10–20%
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Temperature: 65–90°C
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Best For: Cardiovascular health, detoxification, and mental clarity
At Native State:
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Our Steam Room is set to 49°C
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Our Traditional Sauna is set to 82°C
Both are available for you to use in your own way – whether that’s a few mindful minutes post-class or part of a longer ritual.
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to heat therapy. The beauty lies in variety – and how you respond.
- Choose the steam room when you want to support your breathing, improve skin clarity, or soothe sore muscles with gentle warmth.
- Opt for the sauna when you’re after a more intense sweat, want to support heart health, or simply need a deep reset for your nervous system.
Or, combine both in a single session – moving between moist and dry heat to create a layered recovery experience.
Integrating Heat Into Your Week
Heat therapy isn’t just a luxury – it’s a tool you can return to again and again to support your body’s natural rhythms. The key is tuning in and finding what fits your lifestyle.
You might:
- Use it post-workout to ease tight muscles, support recovery, and stay mobile between sessions.
- Turn to it during stressful times, when you need a moment to slow down, reconnect, and shift your nervous system into a calmer state.
- Make it part of your weekly ritual, pairing it with practices like breathwork, meditation, or journalling for deeper relaxation.
- Embrace it in cooler seasons, to boost circulation, warm the body, and shake off feelings of sluggishness.
Whatever your approach, consistency is key. Even short sessions can deliver powerful results when used with intention.
The Gentle Gains of Heat Therapy
As you begin to use steam rooms and saunas more regularly, you may notice:
- Looser muscles and reduced soreness after exercise
- Clearer breathing and reduced sinus tension
- Glowing, more balanced skin
- Better sleep and mental clarity
- A deeper sense of calm and clarity
These benefits often compound over time – so the more consistent you are, the more supported your body will feel.
Conclusion: Recovery Looks Different Each Day
In the conversation of steam room vs sauna, there’s no wrong choice – only what serves you best today.
Both offer powerful benefits. Both connect us to ancient traditions of healing. And both have a place in your recovery toolkit.
At Native State, our bathhouse is your space to unwind, restore, and move closer to the version of you that feels most grounded.
Ready to Integrate Heat Into Your Routine?
Experience the full benefits of steam, sauna, and cold plunge in our purpose-built bathhouse. Whether you’re craving a solo reset or a post-workout wind-down, the space is yours to slow down, recover, and reconnect.
Book a casual session for a one-off visit, or explore our membership options to make recovery a regular ritual.
