The history of saunas and steam rooms dates back thousands of years.
Saunas are often traced to Finland, where they have been central to Finnish life for more than 2,000 years. In ancient Rome, public bathhouses, or “thermae,” featured steam rooms as key elements of Roman bathing culture.
Even as the wellness industry continues to expand, we’re still turning to traditional therapies like sauna and steam for improved health and wellbeing. While both offer numerous benefits, they have distinct differences.
At Native State, we have a steam room and two saunas (Traditional Cedar & Infrared). In this article, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and differences between steam rooms and saunas.
What is a Steam Room?
Design and Function
A steam room is an enclosed space filled with high humidity and moist heat. The temperature in a steam room typically ranges from 43°C to 49°C with humidity levels close to 100%. The heat source for a steam room usually comes from a steam generator, which produces steam from boiling water.
Benefits of Steam Rooms
Improved Respiratory Health
One of the most notable benefits of a steam room is its positive impact on respiratory health. The moist air can help open up airways, making it easier to breathe. It can also help alleviate symptoms of asthma, allergies, and bronchitis.
Skin Health
The high humidity in a steam room can open up pores, allowing the skin to sweat out toxins and impurities. This can lead to clearer skin and a more radiant complexion.
Muscle Relaxation and Recovery
Steam rooms can help relax muscles and improve circulation. This makes them an excellent option for post-workout recovery, easing muscle tension, and reducing soreness.
What is a Sauna?
Design and Function
A sauna is a small room designed to be heated to high temperatures with low humidity. The temperature in a sauna can range from 65°C to 90°C with humidity levels typically between 10% and 20%. Saunas use a heat source like a wood-burning stove, electric heater, or infrared panels to generate heat.
Benefits of Saunas
Cardiovascular Health
The high heat in a sauna can induce sweating and increase heart rate, mimicking the effects of moderate exercise. This can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation and reducing blood pressure.
Detoxification
Like steam rooms, saunas promote sweating, which helps the body eliminate toxins. However, the dry heat of a sauna can penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially offering more effective detoxification.
Mental Health
Saunas can have a calming effect on the mind. The heat promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Regular sauna use has been linked to reduced stress, improved sleep, and even decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Key Differences Between Steam Rooms and Saunas
Heat Type
Steam Room: Uses moist heat with high humidity.
Traditional Sauna: Uses dry heat with low humidity.
Temperature Range
Steam Room: 43°C to 49°C (Native State Steam Room is heated to 49°C)
Traditional Sauna: 65°C to 90°C (Native State Sauna is heated to 82°C)
Primary Benefits
Steam Room: Respiratory health, skin benefits, muscle relaxation.
Traditional Sauna: Cardiovascular health, detoxification, mental health.
Personal Preference and Tolerance
Steam Room: Might feel more intense due to the high humidity. It can be beneficial for those needing respiratory relief.
Sauna: Generally offers a more tolerable experience for those who prefer dry heat and want the cardiovascular and detox benefits.
Did you know: Sauna and steam room sessions can be enhanced with particular breathwork sequences, massage and other techniques?
Join us in our next Bathhouse Masterclass and discover how to supercharge your bathhouse experience for relaxation and recovery. Click here for more information.
Use a Steam Room to:
- Improve respiratory issues and clear your airways.
- Improve the appearance and health of your skin.
- Relax your muscles after a workout.
Use a Sauna to:
- Focus on improving your cardiovascular health.
- Detoxify your body more deeply.
- Improve your mental wellbeing and reduce stress.
Incorporating both steam rooms and saunas into your wellness routine can provide significant health benefits and contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing.
