In today’s world, many of us have sedentary jobs and don't perspire
regularly. Medical studies show that perspiration has incredible health
benefits. Regular use of a sauna or steam bath will provide you the
benefits that come only from a deep sweat.
As you enjoy the heat, your core body temperature will start to rise and blood
vessels will dilate, causing increased circulation. As heat from the
blood migrates toward the skin surfaces and your core temperature rises, the
body’s nervous system sends signals to the millions of perspiration glands
covering the body. As the glands are stimulated they produce
sweat. Sweat production is primarily for the cooling of the body, and is
composed mostly of water. Deep sweating
in a sauna can help reduce levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel and mercury,
which are toxins commonly picked up from our environment. Sweat rinses bacteria
out of the epidermal layer and sweat ducts. Cleansing of the pores
improves the capillary circulation and gives the skin a soft, beautiful
appearance.
SAUNA
What
is the right heat for a sauna?
It mostly depends on personal preference, but is typically between 150 to 175
degrees for traditional saunas and 120 to 130 degrees for infrared. Also it is
not uncommon for users to enjoy cooler or hotter saunas.
How long should I be in the
sauna?
Use common sense.. Typically, people like to stay in the sauna for 10 to 15
minutes, step out to cool off, return to the sauna for another
"round," and repeat. Always remember that if you don't feel comfortable
leave the sauna and cool off.
What should I do after my
sauna?
Take a cool rinse, it will close your pores and leave you feeling refreshed,
but don't forget to moisturize your hair and skin with a quick shampoo and a
lotion rubdown. Also it is important to drink water, mineral water, fruit or
vegetable juice to replace lost fluids.
Can I pour water on the rocks
of Helo traditional heaters?
Yes, absolutely. Not only is it okay, it is an essential part of the
traditional sauna experience. On the infrared side, humidity will be ambient.
How
often can I use the sauna?
There is no right or wrong answer because every person is different. A healthy adult is safe to use a sauna
daily, but should check with a physician for their advice.
What
if I have health concerns?
Remember to consult your physician if you have a history of heart problems,
high blood pressure or other health concerns.
What is the best benefit to my
health?
Hands down it is relaxation, and detoxification.
STEAM
What is the difference between a Steam Bath and a Sauna Bath?
The primary differences
between steam and sauna baths are the temperature, humidity levels
and room construction. Steam is a wet environment with temperatures
usually in a range of 110 to 125 degrees F and relative humidity close to
100%. Sauna is a dry environment with temperatures ranging between 165 to
185 degrees F and low humidity levels of 10 to 20%. Sauna rooms feature
walls and benches made of soft woods such as cedar, hemlock, alder or spruce,
while steam baths require moisture resistant walls such as porcelain tile,
marble, granite, travertine or acrylic material. The choice of one versus
the other is usually because of personal preference.
Are there any health concerns
associated with Steam Bathing?
People who are in good health should have no concerns about
enjoying the benefits of steam. Please consult a physician before
using a steam bath if you are pregnant, elderly, have high blood pressure,
diabetes, suffering from heart disease or not in good health. You should
also avoid steam bathing while intoxicated.
Can Aromatherapy products be used in a Steam Bath?
Yes, steam baths are an excellent environment to enjoy the benefits of
aromatherapy. Fragrance oils enhance the steam bathing experience and
provide additional relief when suffering from a cold or when your respiratory
system is congested. Amerec steam heads feature a reservoir to hold
aromatherapy oils and an optional fragrance pump is available to inject oils
directly into the steam line is available with the Amerec K200i Freedom Control
system. Fragrance oils are not to be used in acrylic or fiberglass
steam rooms, per pump instructions.
How long does it take for my Steam Bath to heat up before it's ready to
be used?
Steam will begin flowing into the room within 4 to 6 minutes after
the system is turned on. Depending on room material and other room
construction variables, it should take an additional 10
to 20 minutes for the ambient room temperature to reach the desired
setting and the steam bath is ready to be enjoyed. Entering the
steam bath before the room heats up to the preset temperature may prevent
the bather from experiencing the healthy benefits of heat therapy.
Can an existing shower be converted into a Steam Bath?
Virtually any shower space can be converted to a steam bath by adding an
airtight door and totally enclosing the space to prevent steam from
escaping. A qualified professional contractor should be consulted before
starting the project.
What
utilities are needed to install a Steam Bath generator?
Installation of a steam bath generator is similar to that
of a residential water heater. A dedicated 240V electrical circuit and
cold water supply line must be run to the space where the generator will
be installed. Amerec recommends a cold water supply to allow the optional
automatic drain cycle to cool water in the tank before flushing. A water
drain line should also be installed so the generator can be drained and flushed
regularly.
Where
should the steam generator be located in my home?
There are several places suitable for installing the steam
generator provided electricity and water are readily available. Common
locations include under a bench inside the steam shower, a closet, a cabinet,
basement or attic, provided the space isn't exposed to freezing
temperatures. The generator should be located as close to the steam
shower as possible, but can be up to 25' away. The generator location
must provide sufficient service access.
