A Turkish hamam and a steam bath have many similarities. So many that many do not see the difference. However, these are different structures. It is curious that the difference between them is not climatic, but rather cultural and historical.
Steam bath
The predecessor of the steam bath is the Roman caldarium. Roman builders designed it as the hottest and wettest room in Roman baths. For this, a room with a giant cauldron was built under the caldarium. The slaves constantly boiled water in a cauldron. Heat and steam rose and warmed the caldarium.
The modern steam bath is unique with 100% humidity. Outwardly, this is expressed in a constantly hanging steam mist. Unlike saunas, steam bath benches are placed in one row because the temperature is much more evenly distributed.
A visit to the steam room relaxes and removes harmful substances from the body. The body gets a sauna-like effect with less heat stress.
The compact version of a steam bath is a steam shower cabin. This is a small box with a shower module and a steam generator. It fits easily into a medium sized bathroom.
Turkish hamam
The Turkish word "hamam" is translated as a bathroom. Like steam baths, the distant ancestor of the hamam was the caldarium. Caldariums and other advances in science were attached as a bonus to the Roman conquests. Centuries passed, the Roman Empire collapsed long ago, but the terms with caldariums remained. The Turks developed the ideas of the Romans and added national flavor to the hamam.
The Muslim religion says that the body and soul must be clean. So a chebek appeared in the hamam - a large round warm stone. On the chebek, visitors to the hamam were washed and massaged. For ablution, kurnas were placed around the walls - vessels with water. The hamam has also become a place of communication, so the builders have significantly expanded the benches. An important architectural feature of the Turkish hamam is the dome, which prevents moisture condensation on the ceiling.
Unlike a steam bath, the humidity in the hamam is not 100% but about 80%.
What is the result
The steam bath hardly differs from the hamam in temperature, but it is more humid. If the hamam is historically a place for communication and washing, then a modern steam bath is rather a place for preventive procedures. A steam bath can fit into a compact steam shower box, and a canonical hamam requires a dome, chebek and kurnas.
Ten minutes is enough to take a bath, but if you feel sick from the hot air, then just stop the procedure.
The content of the site is for informational purposes only, and not recommendatory. If possible, consult a doctor, do not self-medicate.
How to make a water bath
Making a water bath is easy. You need to put a saucepan on the stove. Pour water into a saucepan and place another saucepan or cup on it, into which the product for cooking in a water bath will be placed in the future. The water should touch the bottom of the top-mounted container.
There is another option - to use a deep frying pan with water as a "base". And put a saucepan or ladle of a smaller diameter directly into it.
In these "structures" water is an intermediate heat carrier, and the cooking temperature of the product is approximately degrees. Puddings, omelets, egg-butter sauces, cream are often cooked in a water bath, and chocolate is also melted.
When and where is the water bath used
Procedure attachment
At first glance, it seems that there is nothing in common between a bath in the generally accepted sense of the word and the concept of "steam bath". But it's worth thinking about what happens to a person in a sauna and what effect is achieved. In a water bath, a mixture is slowly heated, while the gentle effect of the flame does not allow the product to burn. So a person in a sauna takes on an ever higher air temperature with each new entry into the steam room. However, his condition is such that it does not harm the body.
Ordinary people most often associate the concept of "steam bath" with cooking. But this is not entirely true, because this principle of heating is also used in production. Moreover, the scope of the steam bath is quite wide. These are the following industries:
It is clear that devices of different sizes are used to achieve different goals. It's one thing in the kitchen to prepare a cream for culinary masterpieces, it's another to isolate a substance in a production environment. In the latter case, special laboratory devices are required, they must be made in factories.
Laboratory devices are the basis of experiments
After inhalation, the cold will recede
To maintain a certain temperature of the liquid according to GOST, a laboratory water bath is needed. Thanks to it, it is possible to carry out thermostatic heating, distillation, evaporation, drying or enrichment of substances. Almost any liquid product must comply with GOST. This can be achieved by sampling. Then, special laboratory manipulations are performed with these samples, the results of which show how the tested substance complies with the approved standard.
When carrying out such procedures, you cannot replace a steam bath with anything. To isolate fat from milk and its products, the laboratory must have a set of necessary instruments. The water bath maintains the temperature in degrees, creating conditions for testing. Thus, the conformity of the food industry products is confirmed.
The water temperature in the steam bath should not exceed 100 degrees. If, for research purposes, it needs to be raised a little higher, ordinary table salt is added to the water. Without such laboratory equipment, it is impossible to carry out many experiments, especially if later you have to pass the test for compliance with GOST.
Water baths, designed in special factories, serve various production purposes.
Such equipment can be very different both in volume and in the principle of operation. Laboratory-type water baths can be very different. One specialist or several can work with them. Moreover, the equipment of such equipment is different. For example, a laboratory bath in which the extracting agent that is part of polyethylene is determined has six workplaces. Some containers have space for multiple flasks and other laboratory glassware. This makes the verification process much faster.
Bath for beauty treatments
Water vapor effectively cleanses the skin
A water bath is an invaluable aid if you want to make your skin look better and healthier. She has a lot of merits. By steaming the skin, it opens pores, dissolves fat in them. At the same time, humid air saturates the epithelium with water, gives it tone. The steam makes the skin firm and soft. Thanks to the moist warm air, more blood enters the epidermis, as evidenced by the blush on the face.
By expanding, the pores get rid of dirt. And if, when conducting a water bath, you use cosmetic compositions, for example, run a cleansing solution over your face, you can easily get rid of such scourges as black spots on the nose and chin. It is an excellent preventive remedy for acne. However, there are some limitations in its application. This effect is contraindicated for sensitive skin. But it works great on other types of skin:
However, it should be remembered that dry epithelium and some areas of combination skin must be treated with a fat cream before using a water bath. So the epithelium will not undergo premature aging. You can replace some of the water in the steam bath with decoctions useful for the face. For example, parsley will help in whitening the skin, and oak bark will slightly tighten the pores of the oily epithelium.
A water bath is an excellent face cleanser. Moreover, it is easy to prepare it at home, and the addition of medicinal herbs will make the procedure more effective.
The modern market offers a large set of factory-made water baths. For example, an inhaler that can be used as a medical and cosmetic device. In the first case, it relieves colds, in the second - heals and cleanses the skin of the face. The frequency of the cosmetic procedure depends on the type of skin: for oily cleaning, you can do it once a week, for dry - once every two weeks. But still more often housewives use a home version of a water bath.
How to make a steam bath at home?
Many women know how to make a water bath at home. You will need a small enamel pot, into which you should pour 1 liter of water and add a little baking soda. When the water in the pan boils, it must be removed from the heat and placed on the table. The baking soda must be completely dissolved.
Consumables for the procedure
After the water has cooled down a little, you need to sit on a chair in front of the pan and tilt your head so that steam envelops your face. It is important not to overdo it and not burn your face. To enhance the effect, throw a towel or diaper over your head. In the first few minutes, it may seem that the steam is unbearable. You can throw back the towel a little so that the air cools the water a little.
It takes about 10 minutes to take a steam bath for the face. But if you feel unwell, you should immediately stop the procedure. To enhance the healing effect, you can make herbal mixtures, which are added to the water at the boiling stage. For example, chamomile and linden flowers have excellent properties.
Choose herbs based on your skin type. So, oily skin will be grateful for a steam bath with rosemary, oak bark, sage, birch and willow leaves. But for dry, mint, birch buds, yarrow and linden blossom are more suitable. Aging skin can be supported by the addition of dry wormwood, yarrow and horsetail. The steam bath perfectly relieves stress, normalizes the state of the nervous system. To enhance this effect, you can use lemon oil, hop cones.
Contraindications for the use of a steam bath are:
In other cases, this method of exposure to the skin of the face helps to get rid of many problems. And most importantly - to become beautiful and young. A woman with radiant, healthy skin always attracts attention.
What kind of steam bath can be made at home - execution options
Usually the word "bath" evokes in people a visual image of the room, where visitors first warm up under the influence of water vapor, cool down by bathing in pools or showers, and then spend leisure hours in cozy lounges. The article will focus on such a procedure as a steam bath for the face, and the features of its reception.
Applicability of the steam bath in various fields
It is worth considering a procedure such as a steam bath, comparing it to a regular sauna, which is popular with a large number of people. The steam (water) bath differs in that the mixture poured into a certain container is evenly heated over the fire, but at the same time it does not burn out and does not lose its useful qualities.
At the same time, the sauna operates on a similar principle: with each new stage of the procedure, the visitor warms up at a higher steam temperature, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of his body.
Someone associates the concept of "steam bath" with the method of steaming food, but in fact the same procedure for heating various elements is used in the industrial field.
The "steam bath" method is used in the following industries:
In each individual case, the procedure differs only in that containers of different volumes are used. Industrial applications most often require the use of specialized laboratory devices that are manufactured in factories.
A quality laboratory device is the key to a successful experiment
It is possible to maintain a certain temperature regime of the liquid only with the help of a special water bath, made in strict accordance with the technology. According to the rules, such containers must comply with GOSTs, as well as the liquid studied with their help.
In industrial plants, samples of a certain mixture are taken, which can only be tested using a laboratory water bath. The device allows you to determine a number of parameters of the mixture and compare them with generally accepted standards.
Quite often, it is impossible to replace a laboratory water bath to conduct a certain study (when checking a substance for compliance with GOSTs).
Such an installation copes with the following tasks:
With its help, more specific tasks are also solved, such as, for example, the separation of fat from dairy products. As a standard, the temperature in the water bath is maintained in the range of 65 to 75 degrees Celsius. Usually, it is under such temperature conditions that food products are checked for compliance with GOSTs.
In fact, a steam bath is like a kettle, in which the water temperature does not exceed 100 degrees Celsius, but if necessary (for research purposes) it is increased by adding ordinary kitchen salt. It is simply impossible to carry out a huge number of laboratory experiments without this equipment. As mentioned above, an industrial steam bath will help in solving a variety of tasks.
This equipment may vary in capacity or operation. Installations can exist, both operated by one operator, and several. The functionality of such steam baths also varies greatly. For example, a laboratory setup for the composition of polyethylene is operated by six operators.
Some containers work on the principle of a chemical centrifuge, when a large number of flasks and other utensils can be placed in special compartments.
Effective and cheap cosmetic procedure
Undoubtedly, a steam bath for a face at home is the simplest cosmetic product that allows you to tone and improve the skin of the face in order to look beautiful not only in the photo, but also when meeting in person with friends, relatives and acquaintances.
The essence of her work is quite simple:
- when steaming, the pores of the skin open, which allows you to destroy the fat cells accumulated in them;
- water vapor saturates the epithelial tissue with moisture, giving it tone;
- the elasticity of the skin increases, but at the same time it becomes softer;
- also warm water vapor causes a rush of blood into the epidermis, which is expressed by a blush.
It is important not only to understand how to make a steam bath yourself, but also to take into account a number of nuances during the procedure.
We are talking about the following features of the steam bath reception:
- when steaming, the skin of the face can be treated with various cleansing solutions, creams and gels;
- steaming is an excellent prophylaxis in the treatment of acne;
- practically no restrictions on use, with the exception of increased sensitivity of the skin and some diseases;
- maximum efficiency when treating oily, dry or combination skin types.
Experts always remind that dry or combination skin should be treated with oily creams before taking bath procedures, so as not to cause the effect of early aging of the skin. Also, the effectiveness of the procedures increases when various herbs are added to the water, which have a beneficial effect on the skin.
If we are talking about how to make a steam bath at home, then you should first familiarize yourself with the effects of certain herbs and substances used.
The modern market for cosmetic products offers customers a wide selection of industrial steam baths. For example, inhalers are used either to treat respiratory problems or to cleanse the skin of the face.
The frequency of the procedures depends on the individual characteristics of the patient's skin. The period between two procedures can be from 3-4 to 7 days.
Creating a steam bath at home
Every woman knows that a water bath for the face is very useful, but it is not always possible to use this procedure for a fee. In this regard, it becomes necessary to carry out the procedure at home using improvised means.
The main container for the procedure can be a small enamel saucepan (from 2 liters). Pour a liter of water into it and add a little baking soda there. Then the water is brought to a boil, and the pan is placed on a comfortable surface, where a person can simply put his face under the steam.
The resulting solution must be allowed to cool slightly so that the steam temperature is high, but does not burn the face. Then you should sit by the pan so that the steam envelops your face. For maximum effectiveness of the procedure, a piece of cloth is placed over the head, which will not allow the liquid to cool quickly.
In time, the entire procedure should take about 10 minutes. In case of a feeling of any negative manifestations, you should immediately stop receiving the procedures. If the beneficial effect on the body needs to be enhanced or some specific effect created, then various plants can be added to the water: chamomile, linden, parsley, etc.
Herbs are selected taking into account the characteristics of the skin:
- oily skin loves rosemary, oak bark, sage, birch and willow leaves;
- on dry, the most favorable effect will be: mint, birch buds, yarrow, linden flowers;
- you can moisten the skin with the help of dried wormwood, field horsetail;
- the work of the nervous system can be normalized with lemon oil or hop cones.
The steam bath is not allowed to be used by those people who have:
- high blood pressure;
- metabolic dysfunction;
- high sensitivity of the skin;
- individual intolerance (allergy) to any of the listed herbs.
The article describes in detail the procedure for taking a steam bath, its features, as well as the main advantages and disadvantages. If you follow the instructions, the procedure will be effective, and the result will be healthy skin that looks beautiful not only in edited photos, but also in real life. Of course, you can entrust your face to the workers of the beauty salon, but at home you won't have to pay practically anything.
Steam bath for hair
Every day our hair is subjected to an endless number of tests: sun, wind, frost, styling, blow-drying, stress. It's no wonder they don't look like the curls of a girl on the cover of a fashion magazine. Increased fragility and dryness, lack of volume and shine, constant loss and very slow growth - make us constantly worry about the state of our hair.
Adding to the unfavorable factors is the inability to eat in a balanced way, because no matter how you monitor your diet, work and household chores constantly knock down plans, forcing you to quickly snack on fast food. Add to this lack of proper rest and lack of time to groom - voila - your wig is ready. Dull, weakened hair, prone to dandruff or excessive oiliness, quickly becomes unkempt after washing and does not hold its shape.
But do not despair, there is a solution for any problem. Professional salons offer many procedures that allow you to return a healthy look to curls in a short time. One of the most popular things to do is steam hair bath. To make it, hairdressers use a special device - a vaporizer, in shape it resembles a cap, undoubtedly, you have often met such in salons. This device exposes the strands with heated ionized air or hot steam. Preliminarily, cosmetics are applied to the hair, intended exclusively for this procedure. They contain nutrients and moisturizing ingredients that, thanks to the temperature, are able to penetrate deeply into the hair structure, effectively restoring it from the inside.
The salon steam bath has only one significant disadvantage - its price. Although this is not a problem. After all, it is possible to carry out the procedure at home, practically without spending money and effort. Specialized products from the ALERANA line, for example, a mask for intensive nutrition, will be a good help here. It nourishes and heals follicles, stimulates hair growth, strengthens weakened curls.
How to tell if your hair needs a steam bath
A steam bath can be done for both health and preventive purposes. This simple and effective procedure will be primarily useful for those who have the following problems:
- hair is dry and damaged, often after a perm or strong lightening;
- tips split;
- curls have lost their shine, look dull and lifeless;
- hair has become brittle;
- there are signs of seborrhea;
- excessive hair loss;
The steam bath has almost no contraindications, but still, before doing it, make sure that the nutritional composition (mask) does not cause you allergic reactions. You should also be careful for people who have scalp diseases, burns, scrapes or cuts. In this case, you must first consult with a specialist.
How to make a steam bath for hair
To carry out the procedure, you will need the following things:
- thick non-woven gloves;
- shower cap;
- two terry towels;
- cosmetic oil or nourishing mask;
- hot water (80-90 C);
When everything you need is collected and at hand, you can proceed to immediate action. The procedure is carried out in stages:
- Wash your hair with a shampoo that suits your hair type. Then blot them with a towel and apply a nourishing mask or slightly warmed oil (olive, burdock, coconut, almond or any other base oil is suitable for this). The composition should be distributed evenly, starting from the root zone.
If necessary, run steam baths once or twice a month. For even more noticeable results, pay more attention to nutrition and rest, as well as daily hair care.
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Nmedicine »Interesting» What is a water bath at home and how best to make it?
What is a water bath at home and how best to make it?
Young housewives, meeting the phrase "water bath" in the descriptions of various recipes, are at a loss to guess what it is!
And yet this is a completely simple thing, without any wisdom under it.
From this article, dear hostesses, you will learn what a “water bath” is and how best to make it at home.
What is a water bath?
A water bath is one way to heat food or ingredients used in all kinds of recipes. This heating method is usually used for kindling foods that are sensitive to high temperatures. In some cases, a water bath is used to prevent the cookware from burning and sticking food or any other substance to its walls.
When is a water bath used?
A water bath is used, for example, to melt chocolate or butter, or to make a soap base for soap making at home. In a water bath, the required ingredients are heated to a certain, usually relatively low (50-70 degrees) temperature.
This technology is necessary for the preparation of masks for the face or hair: natural essential oils used in cosmetology do not withstand high temperatures, but when heated they are absorbed much better and produce a more intense effect. The same applies to honey: with strong heating, honey loses its medicinal properties, therefore, if necessary (for example, when making a honey cake to warm the nose with sinusitis or chest with bronchitis), honey is heated in a water bath - this way all its properties are preserved and at the same time the required temperature is reached.
Various herbal infusions and decoctions are prepared according to the same principle: it is impossible to boil the herb over an open fire - it becomes useless, but you can and should sweat in a water bath. And some foods, such as gelatin and egg yolk, change their structure when heated, and to prevent this from happening, they can also be heated only in a water bath.
How to make a water bath?
The action is very simple, but it also has its own rules and subtleties. A water bath is a structure of two containers inserted into one another. Usually these are two pots or two bowls, one of which is smaller and the other larger. A smaller saucepan (bowl) is placed in a large one, in which water is already poured and boiling.
Pay attention to the fact that the lower saucepan should have a thick bottom and thick walls so that the boil is not so violent, and drops of water during boiling would not get into the upper bowl with the ingredients. The bottom of the lower vessel must be covered with a napkin - linen or cotton, this is necessary so that the boil is even more moderate. The bottom of the upper pan should only touch the water boiling in the lower pan, while the walls should remain open and not touch the walls of the lower pan. It turns out the following: the upper vessel is treated with hot steam, and the water practically does not touch it.
You should also pay attention to the fact that it is necessary to lower the upper bowl into the lower one only after boiling water in the latter, so as not to disrupt the desired heating process and not spoil the result. Place a lid on top of a saucepan or bowl.
Pay attention to such a trifle: if the upper dishes barely fit into the lower ones, it will be inconvenient to pull it out when it gets very hot. Maybe you should hang it over the second pan or come up with some kind of handles, that is, think over this moment in advance. In any case, after a while you will definitely adapt, and there will be no problems and difficulties.
Sometimes, after reading a recipe in a cookbook, one gets the impression that he read some strange encryption for the special agents. Blanch, simmer a little with butter, cook until sample "soft ball" - and these are not all the terms used by chefs. But, perhaps, the most popular among them is the "water bath". How to make it, many do not know, and therefore refuse such recipes. And completely in vain. It is easy to make, and dishes cooked in a water or steam bath are tasty and healthy.
It is used when delicate cooking and heating of the dish is needed no more than up to 100 degrees. The easiest way to make a water bath is to put water in one pot and put a smaller one in it. This is where the foods that need to be cooked are put. Typically used for melting butter and chocolate, as well as making custards and hot biscuits. Homemade cottage cheese is also made on a similar
Another option for how to make a water bath is an impromptu double boiler. To do this, you need to pull gauze on a pot of water at a height of 3-4 centimeters from the last. This way you can cook steamed dishes - vegetables, fish and even meat. In fact, electric steamers work according to this principle, which today can be bought in any home appliance store. Before their appearance, they used special pans with a double bottom. This method of cooking is considered the most dietary and healthy.
Many, however, believe that the steam menu is only suitable for children or for those on a strict diet. In fact, you can steam many original and delicious dishes. It can be a variety of soufflés, omelets and even muffins. Cooking in a water bath saturates them with additional moisture and makes them juicy, while retaining all the benefits of the food. So the steam menu can be very varied and not only dietary.
But this does not exhaust all the cases when you need to know how to make a water bath. To make a cheesecake, cake, or soufflé in the oven, this method is often used. This is due to the fact that for delicate baking, you need to soften the heat of the oven and prevent the top from cracking. To do this, pour water into a deep baking sheet so that it reaches the middle of the baking dish. If a split form is used, it must be wrapped in foil to prevent moisture from entering. It is advisable to wrap in several layers and overlap and, of course, do not rush.
Knowing how to make a water bath at home, you can diversify your menu not only with dietary dishes. The preparation of many cakes, soufflés and cheesecakes will become very common thanks to her. This means that you can arrange small holidays for your family every day. And steamed cutlets, fish and vegetables often look much more attractive than fried or stewed ones. And most importantly, they combine a delicate taste and benefit, as they are prepared without adding oil.
We all want our skin to be clean and delicate, it is for these purposes that a steam bath is used for the face, it washes and dissolves fats in the pores, nourishes the skin with moisture, tones and makes it more tender. The vessels dilate and the skin receives more blood, this can be seen by the blush that appears on the cheeks. With the expansion of the pores, the face is deeply cleansed and the absorption of beneficial and nutrients is better. After a steam bath for the face, you will immediately feel that the skin is cleansed and easier to cleanse from blackheads and.
If you have problematic or oily skin, then cleaning your face is simply necessary. But even for dry skin, this procedure is very useful, it can just be done less often, once every four weeks is enough, do not forget that the procedure for dry skin is done with a greasy cream applied to the face.
After applying this method, the skin becomes smoother, easier to cleanse or remove blackheads.
How to make a steam bath for your face at home?
Everything is very simple, you can make a steam bath by following only 3 simple steps:1 ... Put a saucepan on the fire and pour one liter of water into it, the pan should be enameled. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to the water.
2 ... When the water starts to boil, turn off the stove and place the pan on the table, you can put a board. Wait for the water to cool slightly.
3 ... Sit at a table (its height should be such that it is comfortable for you), tilt your head so that the steam gets on your face, but not too low so as not to burn yourself, and put on a terry towel.
If it gets too hot or too hot, just open a little towel. Ten minutes is enough to take a bath, but if you feel sick from the hot air, then just stop the procedure.
After the procedure is over, wash yourself with cold water - this will narrow the pores, you can still use a simple egg white, it tightens the pores and dries out oily skin. After all these procedures, you should not go out into the cold air for at least 1-2 hours.
We figured out the cleaning of the skin, but what about the nutrients. Everything is very simple - in order to improve the effect of the bath, you just need to add some medicinal herbs and aromatic oil to the water. It is enough to throw a tablespoon of the herbal mixture into the pan and drop a drop of oil with your favorite aroma.
1 . Herbs for oily skin: Take in equal parts: chamomile, mint, rosemary, sage, lime blossom, birch and willow leaves.
2 . Herbs for dry skin: we need chamomile, flax seed, mint, birch buds and yarrow.
3 . For aging skin field horsetail, wormwood and yarrow are suitable.
If there is a rash of nervous origin on the skin, then add chamomile and hop cones to the face bath, in this case, use lemon or grapefruit oil as an oil, they work great not only on the skin, but also on the entire nervous system as a whole.
A steam bath for the face not only helps to look beautiful, but also fights against colds and runny nose, for this add oil or eucalyptus leaves to it. If you have high blood pressure, heart and blood circulation diseases, problems with the thyroid gland and simply very sensitive skin, then you should refuse to take a bath.
The history of the steam bath
The history of the steam bath begins in the distant past. Popular with the ancient Greeks, the steam bath was later adopted by the Romans as a steam room, which, during the influence of the Roman Empire, became almost an integral part of the Roman baths. In Turkey, the steam bath or “Hamam” has existed for thousands of years, and now we call it the term “Turkish bath”. The use of the steam bath was also widespread in Russia, where it was known as "Bath". At the same time, steam baths were being built in Europe, but it is likely that their distribution was limited, first of all, by technical problems (mainly due to the regulation of the steam temperature) and high costs. However, nowadays, thanks to new developments in the field of steam technology, it has become possible to install steam baths almost everywhere at quite reasonable prices.
What is a steam bath?
Just like a sauna, a steam bath leads to perspiration, but under completely different atmospheric conditions. The steam bath not only has a relaxing and revitalizing effect on you, but also maintains your health and beauty. It is most effective in temperatures between 43C (110F) and 46C (116F) and 100% relative humidity. Steam (or, scientifically speaking, fog) is an integral part of the steam bath. In order to prevent steam from escaping and in order to avoid damage to the surrounding premises, an efficient steam generator, a clear steam control system and a steam-tight cabin are needed.
Scientific research
Between 1983 and 1986, a full set of comparative tests was carried out at the Munich Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology to determine the effect of a sauna, steam bath and massage bath on the human body. These tests took into account the uncertainty that previously existed around the steam bath. The steam bath should not be recommended or prescribed to patients with heart disease. A steam bath is recommended when a general application of moist heat is required.
Physical factors interact directly with physical effects; that is, the radiation energy is converted into heat when absorbed by living cells. In addition, physical factors can affect the autonomic and endocrine systems as well as electrolyte balance. The biological response to the “kick” of physical stimulation of the autonomic hormonal system is an adapted stress response that affects the adrenal cortex and increases blood steroids. In fact, the relationship between adrenal and blood steroids may play a large role in the variable success of this type of hydrotherapy. If so, the intensity (or proportion) of physical stimulation will determine the value of this hydrotherapy program.
Temperature plays an important role
Physiological action
The body tries to increase heat production by all available means, mainly through the skin and lungs. If the ambient temperature is higher than the body temperature, then the only way to generate heat is by sweating. The body cannot maintain a constant temperature if the ambient temperature is as high as in a steam bath or sauna, which is why the body temperature starts to rise. As the cutaneous circulation increases, the body more readily accepts heat from the environment. A decrease in cutaneous blood circulation would lead to less rise in body temperature, but this is not possible. Basically, the increase in body temperature depends on (a) the temperature and humidity in the steam bath, (b) the possibility of perspiration of the human body while in the bath and (c) the time of bathing. Body temperature is believed to range from 37.6 C (99.6F) to 40 C (104F). Thus, the physiological changes that occur during bathing should slightly increase body temperature and, to some extent, affect the reflexes of the hormonal and nervous systems, which contribute to increased heat loss.
The results of the study showed that with the right temperature and duration, steam baths have the same thermal effect on the body as a sauna and are equally beneficial. This is because the humidity level in the steam bath is clearly compensated by the temperature, which is lower than in the sauna. Thus, the pleasure and benefits of a steam bath depend on a properly set and constantly maintained temperature. In a steam bath, the optimum temperature is between 43-46C (110F-116F). This temperature is not only considered the most pleasant for humans, it also has the most healing properties. If the maximum temperature is at least 2-3C higher, then you will feel that the room is too hot. A suitable steam bath control system prevents this temperature rise and most reliably maintains optimal conditions by automatically regulating temperature, steam supply and density, fresh air intake and used air extraction.
Steam bath actions
In addition to its health benefits, the steam bath is also very enjoyable. Due to its high steam content and the general benefits of damp heat, the steam bath, as an active bath, is especially recommended for the relief of the diseases listed below. The list is confirmed by research carried out by the Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology at the University of Munich: bronchial asthma, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract catarrh, cough, hoarseness, coughing (especially with essential oils), no acute complaints of rheumatism and limited joint movement or joint pain.
In addition, steam bath is again useful as a preventive measure for people suffering from:
sleep disturbances, mainly due to excessive activity
poor cutaneous circulation
dry, chapped skin
muscle tension
muscle weakness in the subcutaneous blood vessels
sensitivity to sudden changes in temperature
A significant advantage of the steam bath is its beneficial effect on the skin, a property that women mainly appreciate. The moist heat stimulates subcutaneous blood flow and intensely cleanses the skin by opening pores, removing old skin layers and impurities, and leaving the skin soft, clean and smooth.
How to take a steam bath properly
The method, which has proved to be successful for the sauna, applies to the steam bath too, and in order to recommend this mode to your customers, you must first apply it yourself:
Shower before every session
The time spent in the steam bath depends on your individual sensitivity
The time spent in the steam bath should not exceed 15-20 minutes
It is necessary to cool the body with cool fresh air and cool water, which do not cause shock and avoid tremors.
Make a warm foot bath if your feet are cold all the time, and do not go through more than 2-3 sessions in a steam bath
In the case of combined equipment for a sauna and a steam bath, you can change the steam supply mode.
However, the most important thing is that after each session, you should completely cool your body. Never start cooling procedures while your body is still warm (or worse, if it is hot) and never switch from one type of bath to another until you have completely cooled down. In order not to overload the blood circulation. If after a steam bath the body has not completely cooled down, then even swimming in a warm pool can be harmful, as well as after a sauna.
Have fun right, a steam bath will help you overcome daily stress, relax, recuperate and rejuvenate, as well as improve your overall physical and mental well-being. Plus, steam baths can be very fun.
START STEAM ...
