We all love a little R&R, and if we can also get health benefits from that time, all the better. Heat baths are relaxing and luxurious, the perfect place to get a reset for your mind and for your body. Depending on your style, you will either prefer the dry heat or the moist. Which is your go-to? Perhaps contrasting the benefits associated with each will make you consider a little change-up.
Firstly, both have similar benefits when it comes to heating the body. The high temperatures will cause extreme sweating, flushing the skin of toxins. Your pores will open up and be cleansed of the dead skin, product residue, and oils. This improves the overall appearance of your skin.
Along with detoxifying, the heat relaxes the muscles and is therapeutic for aches and pains in the muscles and joints. This deep relaxation also de-stresses the mind. This can carry over into better, deeper sleep, having positive benefits especially for insomniacs.
The heat also stimulates blood circulation. When heat is at 110 degrees or higher, your capillaries dilate and blood flow increases by up to 30 percent. This causes oxygen and nutrients to be sent to the outer layers of the skin, making it refreshed, luminous, and healthy.
Dry Sauna
Ah, the dry sauna! Who doesn’t enjoy that sweet, woodsy smell, the comforting hiss of the rocks, and the pervading heat that warms to the bone. Falling into a meditative reverie is the natural state in this little wooded haven. Turns out, your body is smiling on the inside as well as on the outside. Running hotter than a steam room, it truly sweats the skin out and soothes the nerve endings.
Steam Room
The steam room is perhaps more mysterious as it is shrouded in mists. At 100% humidity, it does much for replacing hydration to the skin. Be sure to cover the skin with a serum or cream topically within a minute after leaving for this hydration to be absorbed. Something the steam room improves that a dry sauna does not is the respiratory system. All the steam will clear the lungs and sinus pathways, alleviating congestion and improving breathing.
Both experiences have almost equal benefits, it just comes down to preference. Try both out and see what you like better. Do keep in mind that since you will be sweating out so much, you will need to hydrate yourself before and after. And don’t stay longer than is comfortable. Usually 15-20 minutes will do fine. Happy relaxing!
