Steam bath is a unique form of bathing. A steam generator outside of the steam room produces thick clouds of cool steam for bathing. Bathing temperature is around 40–45°C, which is comfortable for most people. Sauna room temperatures are normally around 80 degrees C with a sauna heater. Humidity levels rise by pouring water over the sauna heater to form steam. These levels decide whether a sauna as wet or dry. High humidity levels in a wet sauna are the same as a steam bath.

It is appropriate to wear a bathing suit or towel during wet sauna or steam bath. Shower prior to entering the spa, place a small towel on the upper bench and allow the heat to enter the body and open the pores. Intermittently adjust the steam by throwing water on stones of heater. For comfort, you may wish to cool off by taking showers between. When finished, shower thoroughly to wash away the sweat. Allow the body to cool and dry before clothing. Re-hydrate as soon as possible with a cool drink.

Sauna baths reach high temperatures of approximately 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels around 25%. This produces perspiration all over body thereby opening pores and deep cleaning them. High heat and humidity levels make it difficult for people to sustain even short sauna sessions. Infrared sessions are comfortable for most people due to low temperature and lower humidity levels. Humidity levels in dry saunas are very low at just 5 to 10% as there is no need to pour water on stones to increase steam levels. Bathing temperatures can be as high as 90°C. Wet saunas have temperatures of 75–85°C with humidity levels of 15–30%. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure proper levels of heat and humidity throughout the sauna bath by pouring water into built-in humidifier in sauna heater. 

Respiratory health benefits of steam baths

Steam baths are beneficial for treating various ailments of the respiratory tract such as bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, allergies and the common cold. When the body temperature rises above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, this condition is called hyperthermia. Various harmful organisms found in the body tissues cannot sustain temperatures higher than body temperatures and die before doing any harm to body tissues. Rhinivirus is mainly responsible for respiratory infections. Many more bacteria and microorganisms cause gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis. Hyperthermia therapy can be used for conditions that affect only a particular part of the body or the whole body.  Infections of the respiratory tract find steam inhalation or application of diathermy to be beneficial. For general infections, induced hyperthermia through steam baths and full-immersion baths is essential. 

Hot immersion baths raise the body temperature and heart rate. Although this treatment can initially worsen the situation, the sufferer will soon find relief from the flu, common cold, stress and fatigue. Inhalation of steam relieves throat irritations, congestion and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, relieves coughing by relaxing muscles of throat, stimulates mucous discharge from the lungs and throat and prevents further drying of the mucous membranes. 

Steam baths are helpful for increasing circulation, improving the immune system, detoxifying and purifying the whole body and skin and ensuring overall well-being and relaxation of both body and mind. Aestheticians use steam to increase sweating, which cleans the skin and burns excess fat in body. Ayurvedic treatments use steam baths to free the body of toxins. Fitness users use steam baths to enhance cardiovascular activities.

The pleasing scents essential oils create soothing effects on body and mind. Oils from common flowers like Chamomile, Rosemary, Lavender and Geranium offer great relief from pains, colds, depression, influenza, bronchitis, panic and insomnia. The benefits of essential oils can be experienced when added to the steam bath.  Massage and bath oils of almonds, apricot kernels, castor, olive, palm are good for maintaining your skin, they also help the essential oils absorb into the skin for an increased therapeutic effect. As with all therapies, it is suggested that you first speak with your physician.

Reference

Hydrotherapy-Simple Treatments for Common Ailments by Clarence Dail, M.D./Charles Thomas, Ph. D