Steam bath
Steam bath - Great for your circulation, respiratory system and much more
What is a steam bath?
A steam bath is also known as a mist bath. The temperature in a steam bath is less than that of a sauna, so the humidity is somewhat greater - with a level of 100%. This is great for your skin; the damp heat promotes circulation, cleanses pores and invigorates the skin, without any sensation of being overwhelmed by the heat. The temperature in a steam bath is around 45-60 degrees, so it is easy on the circulation, ensuring a pleasant sense of well-being. A steam bath can also be complemented by light therapy and the addition of essential oils.
A steam bath can be subdivided into:
- Roman steam bath, the Caladrium (30-50°C, humidity less than 60%)
- Turkish steam bath, Hamam (40-50°C, 100% humidity)
- Russian steam bath, Banja (40-50°C)
- Contemporary steam bath (around 50°C, lots of steam created by a steam generator)
- Soft steam bath (40-55°C, around 50% steam created by an evaporator)
- Irish steam bath (around 50°C, not much steam due to the input of fresh air)
A steam bath alleviates and helps:
- rheumatic ailments
- moistens the respiratory tract and has an expectorant effect
- has a beneficial effect for colds with coughs and hoarseness
- and also for hay fever, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, maxilliary and frontal sinuses
Beneficial scents such as eucalyptus, lemon balm and spices prevent colds. A visit to a steam bath not only increases your sense of well-being, it also has a positive effect on your health. Your muscles are relaxed and tensions are soothed.
Background/History of steam baths
Indigenous peoples and early cultures bathed in rivers, lakes and in the sea. At the time of Homer, the Greeks already had baths and nurtured a bathing culture, for which they, just like the Romans, established bathhouses. These were important places for social exchange. The remains of a clay bath were discovered in a bathhouse at the Burg von Tiryn, dating from 1400 B.C. This text is purely intended for information and is not meant as a diagnosis or treatment instructions. For queries regarding your own health status, please consult your therapist, naturopath or doctor. No liability can be assumed for damage of any kind, which results from the direct, or indirect, use of this information.