Comparing Saunas and Steam Baths

Saunas and steam baths are often considered synonymous. In actuality the two are separate means of sweating for the purpose of health or relaxation. When you think of steam baths you probably imagine someone sitting on a bench in a steam-filled room. This is exactly what takes place in a steam bath. Saunas have a similar scenario, but the method by which the heat is created is different. In a wet and dry sauna, a user can choose the humidity level depending on how much water is poured over the rocks on top of the stove.

To enjoy a dry sauna you either invest in an infrared sauna or neglect to pour water over the wood burning sauna room heater. In these sessions the humidity level will be very low and though you will sweat the same volume, it will quickly evaporate in the absence of extra moisture. To convert the dry sauna into a wet steam bath sauna you simply take the ladle and dip water from a nearby bucket and gently pour the water over the volcanic rocks that generate the heat.

You do not have such a convenience in a wet, humid steam bath. The only modification that you can make is to the temperature. You adjust the temperature gauge according to the amount of steam you want to generate during your bathing session. Steam baths are also community conveniences so that multiple people are using the bath at one time. Adjusting the temperature can be inconvenient since there is the chance that people will have different tolerance levels for heat. Wet or dry heat home saunas can be enjoyed on a personal basis and you can control the temperature as you choose to do so. In addition, steam is the desired result in a steam bath, whereas in a dry sauna you want to generate as much heat as possible; the higher the heat the more beneficial the sauna.

Return from Saunas and Steam Baths to the Home Saunas Home Page