Thermal bathing is becoming more popular than ever. However, with so many different rooms to use, how do you know which ones will offer you the benefits you are looking for?
Follow our series of blogs designed to explain the look, temperature, useage and benefits of each room and discover the range of experiences and rituals available.
Overview:
In general, thermal rooms are traditionally clad in stone, mosaic, ceramic or porcelain tiles or polished plaster. Benches, loungers and massage tables are usually tiled or marble topped and often ergonomically shaped.
Lately the use of Corian for benches has become more popular. This is due to its clean lines and hygienic properties, as there is no grouting to clean. Glass can be used for doors and walls to enhance the feeling of space and light. The addition of LED lighting and fibre optics are used for ambience, relaxation and mood enhancement through chromatherapy. Aromatherapy fragrances can be released into the room via the reservoir on the steam outlet, or through an automatic fragrance dispenser to enhance the mood further.
Steam Room:
Temp Range: 35 – 50⁰C
Percentage Humidity: 95-100%
Luxos Steam Room – Dröm UK
A traditional steam room is a warm room with very high humidity levels. It should ideally have steam as its only source of heat to ensure maximum humidity within the room. Sometimes, however, the floor and benches are also heated for added comfort.
It is important that you shower before bathing to cleanse your skin and remove any impurities.
A steam room should have comfortable, ergonomically shaped seating enabling you to fully relax. Remain seated for as long as you feel comfortable, which can be anything between 5 and 20 minutes. Cool off either with a kneipp hose within the room or with a refreshing shower on exiting.
Add a few drops of essential oil to further enhance your bathing experience. (Please see previous blog post: Complementary Wellbeing: Part 1 Aromatherapy for further details).
Benefits:
The heat produced by the steam helps the blood vessels to dilate increasing circulation throughout the body. This can help provide relief from headaches and also boost your immune system. Toxins in the body are eliminated through sweating leaving the skin clearer and softer (especially if you exfoliate when bathing). Inhaling steam is a great treatment for respiratory complications and is recommended for dealing with the common cold, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and allergies. Dry air passages are moistened, and mucus is loosened by coughing or blowing the nose. The moist air also alleviates difficulty when breathing, throat irritation and inflammation of the airways.
Essential oils work particularly well in steam rooms as the oil is gently infused into the steam, filling the room with your chosen fragrance.
Steam Shower:
Temperature Range: 35-45⁰C
Percentage Humidity: 85-100%
A steam shower is usually found within your own home combining an everyday shower with the benefits of steam.
A home steam room doesn’t take up much more space than many conventional showers. However, you will need to ensure you have enough room to incorporate seating for at least one person.
Place some essential oils if required into the reservoir on the steam outlet. Whilst waiting for the steam to build, shower as usual and wash hair if desired. By the time you have finished the steam should be ready. Sit and relax for 15 minutes or however long feels comfortable and then turn on the shower for a refreshing cool down.
Benefits: The same as for a Traditional Steam Room.
For more information on bathing rituals click here: http://dromuk.com/online/dromology