SAUNA AND STEAM BATHS
A sauna is a device belonging to the group of the so-called total immersion heat baths (the whole body is subject to the action of the heat) where the organism is exposed to a temperature higher than normal to bring about thermo-regulatory mechanisms that are principally: the vasodilatation of the cardiovascular peripheral system and perspiration.
A sauna is physically formed by a room built from a special type of wood where there are benches on which people sit or lie to take the heat bath. The level of humidity descends automatically to between 5 and 20%, which allows withstanding, without too much difficulty, temperatures between 70 and 90ºC that can be programmed and where suitable electrical equipment takes charge of maintaining the values programmed.
The sauna acts beneficially on the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervously, dermal and glandular systems of our organism and provides deep nourishment, cleaning and toning that eliminates many of the tensions and harmful effects caused by the lifestyle of today.
It is ideal for those who are subject to intense physical or mental efforts because of the great relaxation produced both physically and mentally.
Steam baths , also known as Turkish baths or Hamman, are heat baths that differ from the sauna in that the atmosphere in them is of 42-48ºC and 100% of relative humidity, while in the sauna the temperature usually rises to 80-100ºC and the level of humidity drops to 5 to 15%.
The steam bath is not as harsh as the sauna and so is more bearable for those starting out in heat baths. The air introduced into the lungs is humid, and therefore very similar to the pulmonary environment, the air inhaled does not dry out the mucous, the temperature is relatively low, it offers a component that is psychologically favourable as you seemingly sweat with great ease, though it is really a question of steam condensed on your skin. All these considerations favour the installation of steam baths.
