The Advantages of Saunas and Steam Bathing

There are many myths surrounding the health benefits of saunas and steam baths. However, the heat and steam of both of these bathing methods is very useful for a variety of bodily ailments.
By themselves, they are not an effective weight loss programs and they won’t magically banish all diseases known to man. However, they will do many other wonderful things for your body.

Detoxification is an advantage that can be found in both saunas and steam baths. Raising the temperature of your body helps it to kill nasty organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Saunas and steam showers can also reach the smaller nooks and crannies of your body, such as your teeth, bones, and sinuses.

An infrared sauna is even more effective than a regular sauna or steam bath, for the infrared heat delves deeper into the skin to detoxify the body.

In addition, infrared saunas are not as intensely hot as ordinary saunas. Children, elderly, and those who cannot go into an ordinary sauna because they are sensitive to the heat will have a much grater chance of being able to tolerate an infrared sauna.

The heat from saunas and steam baths also help improve the immune system. The body reacts to the sudden increased temperature as it would to a fever. The immune system produces more white blood cells.

Saunas are also beneficial towards blood circulation. Blood circulation is very important in transporting nutrients throughout the body and improving the effectiveness of the heart, liver, and kidney. It helps eliminate toxins as well. This is because as the temperature of your body increases from the sauna, the sweat production must also increase. The heart needs to work harder in order for the body to have enough energy to create the sweat, so it pumps blood faster and in greater quantities. When good blood circulation is maintained for a long amount of time, more nutrients and oxygen is delivered to the surface of the skin, causing it to be brighter and healthier.

Sweating is also very healthy for the skin and body. When the body sweats, it rids itself of unwanted contaminants. It opens its pores, allowing deeply delved grit, grime, and dead cells to be washed out by the sweat. The steam from steam baths is especially effective in this; the higher moisture content in the air helps rinse out dirty pores.

This gives the skin a thorough cleaning and helps treat acne. The higher concentration of steam in a steam bath is much more effective for cleansing the skin than simply sitting in a hot tub. Steam bathing is also extremely effective for stiffness and pain in the muscles and the joints. The steam causes the red blood cells to expand so that more oxygen and nutrients have access to the damaged part of the body. The heat also helps relieve stress by causing the muscles to relax.

The high amount of moisture in steam rooms is also extremely good for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies because it helps to flush allergens and mucus from the lungs.

By Allison Ryan

What’s Difference of Sauna Versus Steam Room?

Saunas and steam rooms are often referred to in the same context which suggests that they are similar. This is a common, but inaccurate misconception and one that will be remedied here.

Both saunas and steam rooms have many health benefits and these benefits are generally reaped by increasing the temperature of the human body to encourage the opening of pores and the process of sweating. Most medical workers and fitness trainers agree that there can be a health gain when subjecting the human body to this kind of environment for short periods of time.

The potential benefits of this “artificially induced” raising of the body’s temperature include, an increase in blood circulation, detoxification of the skin and body, the relieving of muscular tension, cleansing of the skin and a general bodily state of relaxation.

The differences

The main difference between a sauna and a steam room is the way in which the body’s temperature is raised.

A sauna generates dry low humidity heat that sees temperatures in excess of 80 degrees centigrade. These temperatures sound incredibly high, but with almost no moisture in the air they are tolerable and cause the body to sweat profusely. This sweating process is encouraged by the lack of humidity which enables the air in the sauna to swallow up any moisture (i.e. sweat) released in to it.

A  steam room works in a completely different way and uses much lower temperatures combined with very high humidity to make the body feel hot and sweaty. Steam rooms usually run at about 40 degrees centigrade, but the high humidity (which makes it harder for the body to sweat) makes them feel much hotter.

Put in simple terms, a sauna uses very hot dry air, whilst a steam room uses a combination of heat and moisture to create a very humid environment.

Other big differences between the two systems relate to the ways in which a sauna and steam room are fitted and used.
A sauna sees its users seated on wooden benches and usually taking repeated sauna sessions separated by short periods of “cooling off” time. Saunas can accommodate multiple people depending upon their size and design. The sauna walls are usually lined with seasoned wood and a “stove style” heater provides the energy source. The “dry” heat is generated from “hot” rocks place on top of the stove.

By contrast, steam showers tend to be for single session use and take an individual bather. The cubicle is sealed to make it air and moisture retentive and the shower will be tiled or manufactured from an encapsulated plastic material. A steam generator is used to create the moist and humid atmosphere, although “actual steam” (which would be 100 degree centigrade) is never used.

Which is best?

There is no definitive answer as to whether a steam room or a sauna is superior. Both achieve a similar sensation, but in very different ways.

Saunas certainly encourage a higher level of sweating resulting in greater weight loss (and the need for liquids to be taken). Furthermore, a number of sauna sessions can be taken one after another to intensify the “heat up” and “cool down” experience.

On the downside, a home sauna can be an expensive and “space demanding” luxury, whilst a steam room can be part of a modern multi-purpose shower cubical.

A steam room can alos be ready to use in seconds whilst a sauna requires preparation in the form of heat-up time and much higher runing costs.

By Martin Lambert

Choosing The Best Steam Generator for Your Home

The benefits and disadvantages of shower curtains or doors go beyond their outward appearance. While they contribute greatly to the overall look of your bathroom, they will also have an effect on the function. Some of the factors to take into consideration are your personal maintenance preferences, budget, and long term plans.

Shower curtains are affordable and easy to replace. They are available at almost all department stores and many other places. They come in a vast array of colors, textures, and styles. If you are looking to change the theme of your bathroom, the right curtain can definitely contribute to the look that you want. You can even custom make your own curtain to match the style of your bathroom fixtures.

If you want your bathroom to look neater when houseguests visit, the shower curtain can be closed to hide the bath tub or left open to show off the brilliantly gleaming porcelain. Unfortunately, curtains need to be thoroughly maintained in order to prevent mold and mildew from breeding on their surface.

When carelessly left outside of the bathtub, curtains can also drip on the floor and make a mess. They also aren’t considered to be as innovative or as fashionable in a modern bathroom as shower doors.

Studies also show that vinyl curtains that contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) contain chemicals that are extremely detrimental towards human health and the environment. New vinyl curtains release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), DEHP (a suspected carcinogen), and organotins into the air. These toxins can cause headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and damage to the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Developing young children are especially sensitive to these chemicals.

While many major retailers have completely discontinued selling PVC curtains, some still stock them alongside non PVC alternatives. It is best to check the label or ask an employee before purchasing a shower curtain from any store.

Non-PVC curtains can be made out of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) which is healthier, but still made out of polycarbonate based plastic and detrimental towards the environment. Fabric curtains are an even better material. They are machine washable, so maintenance is fairly easy. Hemp is an ideal material for fabric shower curtains, for it is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Glass doors are also a good alternative to PVC curtains.

Though it is not often seen, glass doors can still be used on combination bathtub showers. There are many advantages associated with shower doors. They are usually made out of extremely sturdy glass and don’t need to be replaced for several years.

This makes up for the cost and tedium involved in replacing glass doors. They are also easy to clean and don’t attract as much mold as curtains. When they do get dirty, shower doors can be wiped down with some window cleaner and a rag. While doors aren’t as colorful or as versatile as curtains, there are still different types and style available depending on your needs and tastes.

It is strongly advised that you use a complete enclosure if you have a steam shower instead of an ordinary one, for the heat and moisture from a steam shower can ruin paint jobs and wallpaper.

By Allison Ryan

Shower Stalls Are a Great Way to Protect Your Bathroom

Shower stalls are perfect for protecting your bathroom from unwanted damage. Open showers or simple curtains make it possible for water vapor to escape your shower and deposit itself on your walls or ceilings. This may not seem like a problem, but the truth is that long exposure can lead to mildew growth and this is harmful for your lungs and embeds itself in your wood. The water vapor can also seep into your wood, causing it to weaken or splinter which will eventually lead to you having to replace something or many things!

This is not the only pitfall to having an open shower. Water can also end up all over your floors, causing a big mess or getting under your tiles and floor causing damage that can be costly to fix. That is why shower stalls are a must have for your bathroom. The enclosure will trap the water inside and force the water down the drain. Shower enclosures also open up your shower to many other options that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

Having an enclosure gives your shower the possibility to expand its horizon. With an enclosure, you can also install a jetted shower panel or a rain simulator. The jetted water panels allow your entire body to be massaged while your body is blasted clean. You can even have jets that will massage your feet. You can also install a rain feature that will allow your shower to stimulate rainfall. Shower stalls also make it possible for you to have a steam shower. With a steam shower you are virtually turning your shower into your own personal spa. The steam can fill the enclosure, essentially becoming a sauna. Saunas not only help you lose weight but they also help you detoxify and clear your pores. Having a shower that can transform itself has so many benefits and can fit in the same space as your normal shower.

Now that you know the benefits of having a shower enclosure, hopefully you are inspired to invest in one and improve the conditions of your bathroom. The shower stalls of the past used to be unaffordable, but now they are so mainstream the cost has come down drastically. Finding the right shower for you and your home, and buying your new enclosure been any easier thanks to the internet!

By Jane Worthington

How to Elimate Bathroom Moisture

Did you know that excess moisture is the leading cause of decay in bathrooms? And even worse, most bathroom moisture issues will go undetected for years – until it’s too late and menacing mold develops or structural damage befalls. The following is a list of five steps you can take toward guaranteeing that moisture will not be a problem in your new bathroom.

1 Tubs and showers should be located on interior walls

The idea is to make certain that you are not running supply and drain lines in an exterior wall where they are subject to extreme temperature variations. These fluctuations can produce moisture in the wall around the areas where the plumbing is located and should be avoided if at all possible.

2 Proper ventilation is a must

If you are planning your dream bath with a whirlpool tub or a steam shower you must not forget that these luxury items can create enormous amounts of steam in the bathroom. You should look for a high capacity super quiet bath fan – and don’t be afraid to spend more for a high quality unit. Make certain that the new fan is ducted through an exterior wall by the shortest path possible. Most of all, run the fan. If you have luxury items such as a whirlpool or steam shower, turn the fan on while taking a bath or steam. Afterwards, close the door and leave the fan on for a minimum of 30 additional minutes.

3 Toilet sweat… don’t sweat it

Condensation on toilet tanks is common during the summer months when the water temperature inside the tank can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the air temperature. Air conditioning is the best way to eliminate this problem. Alternatively, you could consider using a toilet insulation kit or installing an anti-sweat valve which operates by adding just enough warm water to the tank to keep the temperature differential to a minimum.

4 Looks vs. leaks

If you are planning a large and costly master bath remodel it’s not likely that you will consider using anything other than tile for your shower. If your goals and means are more modest, then you might consider using a one piece shower unit. By design, these units are seamlessly constructed and when properly installed will provide the ultimate protection against leaking. Of course, tile applications look nicer, but each grout line is an opportunity for water to penetrate.

5 Design a dryer wall

On exterior walls the location of the vapor barrier can play a big roll in determining how much moisture is trapped in the bathroom. This issues is relatively simple to address in a bathroom remodel. The determining factor in proper vapor barrier placement is climate, as moisture typically moves in the direction from warmer areas to colder areas.

Your geographic location will determine proper vapor barrier placement. In Michigan we have a heating climate dictating that vapor barrier is placed on the interior of wood wall and ceiling framing while permeable exterior sheeting is used to allow for any vapor that does get into the wall to escape. In a cooling climate the opposite may be true. Check with a local building expert to design the best system for your location.

By applying these five tips when remodeling of your bathroom, you can help fight the effects of moisture and have a great looking and functioning bathroom for many years to come.

By Gerry Snapke

Jetted Showers Upgrade Your Bathroom

A popular new trend in home improvement is remodeling bathrooms with jetted showers. A jetted shower not only gives you a place to do the everyday bathing task, but will become your new home spa escape to unwind after a hard day. These jetted bathroom showers can also come with optional steam kits, bringing the spa to you. If you go for the jetted shower with steam, you will be upgrading your bathroom to the highest standard of luxury available on the market, and this will also increase the value of your home. However, the jetted shower panel alone with a brilliant new shower enclosure and shower tray is enough to make anyone say “Wow!” after being a guest in your home.

There are a variety of jetted showers you can choose from to create the dream bathroom you’ve always wanted. A jetted shower usually comes as a complete shower package, including a new shower column with adjustable body water jets, a shower tray, and a beautiful glass or acrylic shower enclosure. Of course, there are different options depending on the shower column you choose, but these jetted bathroom showers are a luxurious escape no matter which style you choose. There are jetted shower models with a “rain” showerhead built into the top of the enclosure, a jetted shower panel, a hand held personal showerhead attached to the column, and possible a steam kit to turn your jetted shower into your own steam room.

Jetted showers are the way to go if you are remodeling your bathroom, because if you’re going to invest in a new shower for yourself or you want to upgrade your home for a resale, the jetted shower will pay for itself. A luxurious jetted shower will give you a hundreds, maybe even thousands of hours of ultimate relaxation during its lifetime in your bathroom, and what price can you really place on that? Also, if you are fixing up your home to put it on the market, then these jetted bathroom showers can really increase the value of your home and you’ll get far more in return for this bathroom upgrade than you paid for it. No matter what, a jetted shower panel and a new enclosure is a fantastic luxury upgrade for your home, and you will benefit from taking the time to put in a little nicer jetted shower than the standard one.

So when you are thinking about that all important home improvement project for yourself or for the added value in your home resale, then feel good about splurging on jetted showers for your bathrooms. The bathroom is a room that will give you a high return if you invest on a remodel before selling, or you will get to enjoy the personal spa you create for your dream bathroom yourself. You will get all the luxurious options that come with these top of the line bathroom showers, and the hours of relaxation you will get from your jetted shower panel will be well worth it. Or, the return you will get on this investment in your home sale price, especially if you get a jetted shower with steaming capability will pay for itself and then some.

By Jane Worthington

How Does a Steam Generator For a Steam Bath Work

It goes without saying that without steam there could be no steam bath. But how is the steam created? What generates it, and what is required for efficient production of steam? This article will examine steam generators and everything required to make steam.

Steam generators for residential use are electrical units that can be installed nearly anywhere. They do not have to be close to the steam bath, and can be situated up to 40 feet away. Their basic requirements are a water supply and an electrical connection. Some models also require a drain.

Steam Generator Components

The steam generator unit consists of a tank for holding water, a connection for incoming water, and an outlet for the steam. An electrical element at the bottom of the water tank heats the water, and the size and the electrical rating of this element is a factor in determining how much steam the unit can produce.

The water tank needs to be airtight in order to allow steam pressure to build up. Steam pressure is a formidable force that is strong enough to power locomotives! In order to withstand the pressure of the steam buildup, the water tank needs to be very strong. Welded steel is the most common material for water tanks.

As a safety precaution, the water tank needs to have a pressure release valve in case the steam pressure becomes too high. The safety valve is an absolute necessity. Exploding tanks can cause a great deal of damage and even death.

The incoming water supply can be either hot or cold. Feeding hot water into the steam generator allows the steam to build up more quickly, but many generators use a cold water feed and still provide steam in a reasonable amount of time.

To control the amount of the water in the tank, a water level probe is connected to a valve which turns the water on or off automatically. The valve is powered with electricity and uses a solenoid to control water flow.

Before the water passes through the solenoid valve, it first passes through a master shutoff valve. It is a simple mechanical valve and can be used to cut off the water supply to the steam generator when it needs to be serviced.

As the steam builds up, it passes through the outtake pipe that is connected to the steam bath. The steam passes through the steam heads which are controlled by either an on/off switch or a timer. The on/off switch causes the steam head to protrude from the wall of the steam bath and lets the steam out. Optional timers can be used to limit the amount of time that steam is generated and to turn off the steam generator automatically.

Despite the relative simplicity of the steam generator, it is important to have it professionally installed. If steam pressure unexpectedly builds up and cannot be released through a properly connected release valve, a dangerous situation can result. A licensed plumber can do the work properly and guarantee a safe steam bath.

By Mike Hirn

A Steam Bath Has Many Advantages

It has been said that Hippocrates was the one to discover that a fever could actually cure some diseases and conditions. Since then, steam baths and saunas have been providing “fake” fevers. While a dry sauna has benefits, both a steam bath and steam shower are more beneficial. The steam is better for conditions such as bronchitis, allergies and asthma due to the higher moisture content.

As previously mentioned, the steam bath can offer relief to those who suffer from respiratory ailments; possibly because steam can removed mucus and allergens from your lungs. Many doctors advise patients to breathe steam. By utilizing steam rooms, they can breathe in a much more concentrated amount of steam than they would normally get with a vaporizer, allowing maximum benefits to people with breathing difficulties. This is by no means a cure, yet many people feel such relief that they will go back again and again for the relief it does provide.

Do you need further convincing about the benefits of steam? If so, then consider that sweat is great for healthy skin. Not only does the steam increase blood circulation for a glowing and healthy look, dermatologists believe that sweat does a better job at washing your skin than soap and water. A steam bath helps to clean out the pores, which facilitates the cleansing of deep down grime and dead cells. Pain relief is another important benefit of steam since heat does a great job of soothing muscle pain.

One of the most effective ways of healing your body is through deep sleep; however, not everyone has that luxury. In your life you may have to deal with daily stresses and those stresses tend to build up over time, which may cause someone to have stress related problems, such as hypertension and high blood pressure. Hot tubs saunas, home saunas or perhaps a sauna massage would be a great way to unwind and try to relieve those daily stresses. The heat from the sauna helps to loosen your muscles and the steam actually makes it a more comforting atmosphere in which to calm your mind.

You may discover that taking a steam bath before going to bed is an excellent way to promote a deeper and more restful sleep. Most people come out of the sauna room with a more calm and relaxed state of mind and that is something that everyone can use. So, why not indulge yourself in order to reap the benefits of a relaxing sauna bath, which is having good overall health as well as a peace of mind.

By Mike Selvon

Adding a New Valuable Bathroom in Your Home

If you’re thinking about selling your house, give some thought to your bathrooms before you do. Chances are, there are a few remodeling projects that could potentially add value to your home. If you plan on selling your home with the same old bathroom, you may wind up missing out on some cash. Here are a few bathroom renovations you can do that just might boost your profit margin—and add a touch of luxury to your home while you’re at it.

Install a second bathroom. This will add more value to your house than any of these other tips combined. If your home has only one bathroom, it may have trouble selling—especially to multi-person households. A second bathroom adds significantly to the comfort and lifestyle of a family. If you can find a way to install a bathroom off the major bedroom, even better—parents love to have a private bathroom separate from the ones their children use.

Install a Jacuzzi tub. Add a touch of luxury that potential homeowners will have a hard time resisting. Jacuzzi tubs practically scream luxuriant pampering, long relaxing evenings, and intimate moments away from the kids. It will add that “special something” to your house that often makes the difference—and makes the sale. Jacuzzi tubs can be modest—the size of a regular bathtub, with jets—or they can be elaborate, with room for two or more, beautiful tile work, and more. Whatever your budget, chances are good that you’ll recoup your losses if you spring for a Jacuzzi tub.

Install an impressive shower. If you want your bathroom to impress potential homeowners, go for the “WOW” factor—install a top-of-the-line shower. Glass-door showers are popular, as are two-person showers. Lovely shower enclosures come in unique round shapes, roomy squares, and space-saving quadrant shapes. Add some attractive tiling behind the shower glass, and your potential buyers are sure to get excited when they see your bathrooms.

Retile. This can make your bathroom look years younger. Retile using clean modern finishes or classic antique designs. New tile designs can really make your bathroom stand out and look brand-new—even when it’s not. It’s generally not advisable to pick a color that’s too bright or feminine, or a style that’s too wild. When selling your home, pick colors and designs that appeal to the widest variety of buyers.

Install a double basin. If you share a bathroom with your spouse, you’d probably appreciate his-and-hers basin in the bathroom. A double basin is just another of those little touches that can really make a difference when deciding which home to buy—and could easily work in your favor later on.

Add a steam shower. These are true luxuries—the Jacuzzis of the shower world. A steam shower is like a home sauna, with jets along the walls that expel warm water vapor. They are usually built inside an enclosure similar to a glass shower enclosure, but self-contained so as to prevent the water vapor from getting into the bathroom and harming drywall, wallpaper, or paint. The fancier varieties of steam showers can include radios, Mp3 players, foot massagers, and aromatherapy.

Match your furniture. Give your bathroom a put-together look with coordinated basins, bathtubs, toilets and showers with matching faucets, handles, and light fixtures. Stick with a design with a wide appeal—classic antique or clean contemporary—so as not to risk turning off some buyers. Generally, buyers love bathrooms that look as though some time and thought was put into their design and decoration.

Add a designer radiator or towel rail. Another little touch of luxury your buyers will love. Install a towel rail that keeps your towels warm—even in the dead of winter. Towel rails and radiators can be enormously attractive and classy, depending on the design you buy. There’s nothing better than a warm towel on a chilly day—and your buyers are sure to appreciate it.
Selling a house is a big job—and it can sometimes take a while to accomplish. If you remodel your bathroom or make a few of these changes, chances are your house won’t take as long to sell—and, with some of these luxurious bath amenities, it won’t be an unpleasant wait!

By Ray Dobson

Great Bathroom Ideas For Creating a More Spa Like Experience

If you are looking for some great bathroom design ideas, you might want to consider taking a few steps to create a spa like experience in your bathroom. There are several bathroom remodeling ideas you can implement to help create the spa like experience you are looking for, while also designing a fully functional and attractive bathroom.

Choosing the Right Shower

The shower is one of the most important features to consider when embarking upon a bathroom remodeling project. By adding a steam shower, you can express your individual style while also enjoying the benefits a steam shower has to offer. Some of these benefits include…

* Soothing and relaxing your tense muscles
* Helping you sleep better
* Getting temporary relief from sore joints and arthritis
* Opening the pores in your skin to get rid of toxins
* Healing dry skin

There truly is nothing better than a relaxing steam shower after a long day at work to help you relax for the evening. With so many benefits associated with steam showers, it is no surprise that creating a spa like experience is quickly becoming one of the most popular bathroom ideas among homeowners who are remodeling their bathrooms.

Controlling it All from One Central Point

In addition to installing a steam shower that compliments your personal style and taste, you will also want to include a control panel in your shower. By doing so, you will be able to adjust the temperature of your steam shower and obtain the perfect environment for relaxation.

Most control panels allow the user to adjust the steam shower from 90 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, control panels allow you to set up a steam session for a variety of durations, with most allowing for up to 60 minute steam sessions. By setting up your steam shower with one of these control panels, you don’t have to worry about making adjustments as you steam - just sit back and relax!

Making Installation Easy

One of the best parts about including a steam shower in your bathroom remodeling plans is the fact that they are easy to install and do not take up more space than a conventional shower.

In addition, when you decide to create a spa like experience in your bathroom, it opens up other possible bathroom ideas that can be explored. For example, you might want to include a multi-head shower with the ability to provide you with a full back massage. Or, you may include a whirlpool bath. You can even choose to equip your shower with a radio or a telephone.

The possibilities are truly endless!

By James J.Mahoney