Category Archives: Sauna & Steam

For hundreds of years humans have used the power of steam and water to cure aches and pains and stimulate wellness. Cultures all over the world have understood how valuable warmth and steam can be when it comes to health and wellbeing. But what does the history of the steam room look like and how does this benefit modern users?

Who got there first?

It’s difficult to pinpoint with total accuracy which civilisation was responsible for the first ever steam room. There is a clear line of descent between the saunas that we know and love today and the Finnish sauna or American Indian sweat lodge. However, when it comes to the use of humid heat there are two clear leaders in the field: the Romans and the Turks.

Roman Thermae

The Romans are renowned for their love of a bathhouse, whether large and public (Thermae) or small and private (Balneae). For this ancient civilisation, bathhouses were not just somewhere to get clean but a place to do business, to socialise and to follow regimented wellness routines that they believed would help prolong health and long life.

Sweat bathing was an important part of this and the Romans were responsible for pioneering the architecture to enable this, including using a furnace and hollow walls. Like many of the modern spas we know and love today, traditional Roman bathhouses would also have massage and treatment rooms, as well as the contrast of an ice cold Frigidarium.

Turkish Hammam

The Turkish Hammam was originally designed to be part of a mosque. However, as the popularity of these bathhouses increased, they became standalone destinations that were frequented both for practical purposes and also so that people could meet and chat. The first Turkish bath opened in the UK in 1850, using the process of sweat bathing to give patrons the opportunity to enjoy a range of health and wellness benefits.

The modern steam room

Thanks to the early pioneers of steam and sweat bathing, today there is no need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy an experience worthy of the best Thermae or Hammam. The benefits of steam treatments are now well established, from helping to soothe sinus issues through to the relief that can be provided from aches and pains.

Both the Turks and the Romans understood well the detoxifying effect of steam and sweat on the body, as well as the improvement in circulation that can be delivered as a result of time in a steamy environment. In the modern steam room these benefits are easy to enjoy at home whether your motivation for doing so is to improve health or feel better.

Steam rooms and treatments have a long and rich history when it comes to making humans feel better. From therapeutic muscle relief to improving mood and lowering stress levels, the use of steam can significantly improve wellbeing.

If you’d like to find your perfect home steam room experience contact the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company team today.

If you’ve ever wondered why saunas are always found in ski resorts it’s because there are many benefits to this kind of dry heat in the snow or the cold. A sauna at home is not just a luxury, it can also have a very positive impact on health and wellness – and help to support a more positive lifestyle this year.

Aiding relaxation and sleep

If you feel tired all the time then it may be that the quality of your sleep is poor. This is often the result of tension and stress that you don’t quite manage to let go of at the end of the day. Spending time in your sauna is a great way to relax in the evening and to make sure that you’re getting good quality sleep. A more relaxed body means better rest and a stronger immune system too.

Soothing the nervous system

Whether it is the stress of sore muscles or the emotional stress of a day job, an exhausted nervous system is just not good for our bodies. There are lots of ways to help manage stress and the warm, dry environment of a sauna is one of the most effective. The impact of the heat enables the body to physically relax and release tension, and the benefits of that essential alone time can help to develop a calmer and more mindful approach to life’s challenges.

Sweat it out

Saunas help to support a healthier body and immune system by enabling better relaxation and also through detoxification. Sweat is one of the primary ways that the human body rids itself of toxins and in a sauna you will do plenty of that. Whether you’re detoxifying the effects of lots of eating and drinking during December, or the germs of coughs and sneezes, spending some time sweating in a sauna is an easy way to do it.

Better heart health

You might be surprised to learn that studies from Japan and Finland have established that regularly spending time in a sauna can be very beneficial for the health of your heart. The heat of a sauna helps to improve circulation, boost the immune system and can minimise or control heart problems. In fact, it can be as effective as regular exercise. So, if you’re struggling to do good things for your heart during the winter, regular sauna time is the ideal place to start.

Mood boosting

There are many ways in which spending time in a sauna during winter can help to improve your mood. From soothing away stress and increasing endorphin release to helping you to stay calm, there are lots of positive benefits. Saunas can also be incredible social spaces, bringing more people into your life and ensuring you connect regularly with family and friends. The more connections we have, and maintain, the happier humans we tend to be.

If you’re keen to find a sauna that perfectly fits your lifestyle contact a member of our team.

Sometimes the best way to test whether something is good for you is just to try it. If you’ve ever tried sinking into the warmth of a sauna after a hard day at work you’ll know just how wonderful and relaxing it feels. However, the effect of a sauna isn’t just that pure bliss feeling – it can also have an impact in a number of other ways that have more of a scientific basis.

Detoxifying and cleansing

You won’t feel this happening but the process of detoxifying and cleansing the body and system is something that saunas are very effective at. What you will feel is sweat – this is the body’s primary method for ridding itself of impurities and sweating is amplified significantly when you spend some time in a sauna. Not only will this help you to feel healthier and more energetic but it can also improve the appearance of your skin, for example clearing out blocked pores and removing surface layer dirt.

Bronchial relief

Whether you are a regular sufferer of bronchitis or you’re coming down with a seasonal cold, the science of a sauna can have a very positive impact on your respiratory system. Warm steam acts as a decongestant, reducing blockages and easing breathing. Spending time in a sauna on a regular basis can provide relief from the symptoms of bronchitis and other similar conditions. There’s also significant evidence to suggest that you can reduce your risk of catching a cold by half if you have at least two sauna sessions a week.

Lower blood pressure and better circulation

Heat has a very positive impact on the body, causing blood vessels to dilate and helping to improve circulation. An increase in blood flow around the body can help to deliver nutrients and remove metabolic waste. It also means that the body is more effectively using oxygen, which is distributed via the blood. This can help to steady the pulse and lower the heart rate, reducing stress and aiding relaxation. The overall impact on heart health is very positive, bringing down blood pressure and helping to relieve the discomfort – and reduce the risks – of conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Reducing pain and inflammation

Heat is a natural form of pain relief and often applied to specific areas of injury by professional athletes. Spending time in a sauna can have the same beneficial effects, especially if you’re suffering from widespread pain and inflammation, for example as a result of conditions such as arthritis. The scientific impact of heat is twofold: firstly, it can help the body to release endorphins that feel good and secondly it can trigger the release of anti inflammatories, such as cortisol and growth hormones. The overall effect is that short-term pain, such as from injury, is reduced and regular sauna sessions can provide a natural way to manage the impact of chronic conditions.

Your sauna is so much more than just somewhere to kick back and relax. As the science shows, it has some real wellness, health and lifestyle benefits too. Get in touch with our expert team or take a look at our full range of saunas on our website today.

Both saunas and steam rooms have a number of health benefits and can provide a relaxing experience, whether you’ve just completed a workout or you’re looking to switch off after a hard day. In terms of installation, experience and positive lifestyle impact, there are advantages to either option so which one is the best for your individual requirements?

A steam room – wet heat

The primary difference between a steam room and a sauna is the type of heat involved. A steam room is wet heat and that can have a number of advantages, including when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of a range of conditions. This type of heat will open and thin the body’s mucous membranes. As a result, it can be used to relieve sinus congestion and is especially beneficial for those suffering from conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Other benefits of a steam room include:

Weight loss

The average human body is made up of at least 60% water and sweating in a steam room means that some of that water is expelled. As a result, spending some time in a steam room can help to reduce weight and water related bloating.

Detoxifying benefits

Sweating is one of the most effective ways that the human body can eliminate toxins. Whether you’re looking to recover during the Christmas party season or keen to have a regular detox built into your beauty regime, spending time sweating in a steam room is a highly effective way to do it.

A sauna – dry heat

You will also sweat in a sauna but may initially feel less moisture on the skin because the heat inside is dry. The dry warmth of a sauna is known for being incredibly relaxing and soothes aching muscles and over stimulated nerve endings. If you often get migraines, headaches or arthritis (or other joint conditions) regular sauna sessions can help. Saunas can also be beneficial with respect to:

Problems sleeping and insomnia

The impact of sauna heat is to release feel-good endorphins, which also help to reduce stress in the body. When you step out of the sauna heat your body begins to release melatonin, which is a crucial ingredient for a good night’s sleep.

Lowering blood pressure

High blood pressure can be uncomfortable and, ultimately, fatal if not properly managed. Saunas are particularly well known for helping to bring blood pressure down and encourage a healthier heart.

The choice is yours

In addition to all of the above advantages, both steam rooms and saunas will:

• Encourage better skin quality. Pores are opened and blood and lymphatic circulation increased.
• Reduce skin issues. Both steam rooms and saunas can help to reduce the impact of conditions like acne and skin problems such as blackheads.
• Help to manage chronic pain. Heat has a therapeutic effect on the body and both dry and wet heat can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Lengthen life expectancy. Studies have shown that regular time in a sauna or steam room can improve life expectancy in both women and men.

The choice of sauna or steam room is a matter of personal preference. Both have major benefits and offer lifestyle improvements. If you’d like to discuss your options we can help – contact us to find out more.

Light becomes an important issue in the winter months. In the UK we dropped from an average of 6.6 daily sun hours in June 2017 to just 1.7 in December of the same year and these figures are fairly standard. 20% of us now suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a kind of depression that occurs only during the winter months. It’s thought that a lack of sunlight can contribute to this annual malaise – and that light therapy, such as chromotherapy, can help to fight it.

What is chromotherapy?

Chromotherapy uses colours to help create balance and harmony in the body, fighting conditions like SAD and helping to ensure we remain healthy throughout the year. It’s something that is easily integrated into your sauna to boost its positive impact and improve mental and physical health.

Chromotherapy is based on the idea that we need the sun’s light for our survival – and that the light from the sun can be broken down into a seven-colour spectrum. Chromotherapy looks to top up each of the seven colours that make up the light from the sun and which can cause mental and physical issues where one is lacking. Each of the seven colours has an impact on a different area of physical and/or mental health.

The colours of chromotherapy

Yellow

A body strengthener, especially the digestive and nervous systems. Is particularly useful where there are glandular conditions and in supporting a more effective metabolism.

Red

Improves circulation and supports nervous system.

Pink

Strengthens veins and arteries, detoxifies the blood.

Green

Green light works to improve harmony in the body, to stimulate regeneration and fight infection.

Purple

Calming and soothing, especially with respect to the digestive system and muscles. Purple light is thought to have strong meditative qualities.

Orange

A fat burner. Plus, this colour can help with conditions such as asthma.

Blue

Often associated with pain relief, for example from muscle cramps or migraines. Blue light has impressive tranquilising properties and can help with a wide range of pain relief.

Why use chromotherapy in your sauna?

It’s widely known that a sauna can have significant positive impact on the body during the winter months. From warming muscles to enable a safe workout, to increasing circulation and boosting the metabolism there are lots of ways in which spending time in a sauna in the winter can make the season more enjoyable.

Adding chromotherapy to your sauna is a great way to optimise the experience. It can help to alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression and may be a useful tool for dealing with medical conditions, as well as the aches and pains that tend to be exacerbated by the cold at this time of year. Chromotherapy will help to give every day a boost and enable you to address anything that might be lacking in your body.

If you’re looking for the perfect sauna – or to improve or upgrade an existing model – we can help. Contact us to find out more.

Everyone knows that a sauna is a great way to enjoy essential relaxation. The warmth, the quiet… if you’re in need of a blissful few moments of peace then a sauna at home is the way to get it. However, as well as providing a totally chilled relaxation experience, saunas might actually also be good for your health.

Where do the health benefits come from?

A recent study entitled “Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence” found that spending regular time in a sauna is not only great for relaxation but could also have some serious health benefits too. The study was compiled by Finnish researchers who, incidentally, come from a country with more than 10,000 years’ of experience with saunas. The Finns compiled their study by spending a month reviewing all the available evidence on the health benefits of a sauna. This included mostly people who spent anywhere between five and 20 minutes in their sauna every day.

What did the study say?

The Finnish study found that regular sauna use could be significant with respect to cardiovascular health and a range of other benefits.

Better circulation

The study established that time spent in a sauna can have the same impact on the human body as moderate exercise. Circulation was significantly improved, as the effect of the sauna was to increase the heart rate to 120 beats to 150 beats per minute.

Improved skin

Saunas are fantastic for sweating, which is one of the primary methods used by the human body to remove toxins from the system. When we sweat those toxins are pushed out through pores in the skin and can then be scraped or showered away. The sauna also increases blood flow to the skin, making it look plumper, more nourished and younger.

Reducing the risk of heart disease

What might be surprising to many people is how much simply sitting in a sauna can help to reduce key cardiovascular risks. The researchers in Finland found that there was a key correlation between people spending time in a sauna and a reduction in heart problems. People who were in a sauna four to seven times a week had 60% lower rates of stroke and heart disease than people who visited a sauna just once a week. The impact was so significant that the researchers leading the study identified sauna use as a third factor in cardiovascular health, in addition to diet and exercise.

How to best enjoy your home sauna

• Make sure you use it regularly – four to seven times a week to get the health benefits
• Drink plenty of water when you’re in the sauna and also afterwards so that you can replace the liquids lost through sweat
• Avoid alcohol when in the sauna as this can lead to dehydration
• Start slowly – spend a few minutes in your sauna each day when it first arrives and then gradually build up from there.

Alongside diet and exercise, a home sauna is a great way to improve your health and get fitter. If you’d like to find the ideal home sauna for you please get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

Heat can be wonderfully beneficial for the body, from improving skin aesthetics to helping to soothe aches and pains. Both saunas and steam rooms can provide a great heated environment but what’s the difference between the two and what kind of benefits can you expect from a steam room?

What is a steam room?

It’s very similar to a sauna except that the heat is not dry. Saunas are hot and dry while steam rooms tend to be hot and wet. Steam rooms normally maintain a temperature of around 110°F and, as the name suggests, are filled with steam as the temperature rises and the air is heavy with moisture produced by a generator filled with boiling water. While in a sauna you might be sitting on wooden benches in a clear room, with a steam room the surface is normally tiled or stone and the air is cloudy with mist.

What are the benefits of a steam room?

Lowering blood pressure

One of the benefits of spending time in a steam room is the release of a hormone called aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating blood pressure. The aldosterone release can help to bring blood pressure down and make the occupant of a steam room feel more relaxed.

Boosting circulation

Heat and steam have been shown in various studies to help improve circulation, which leads to better overall cardiovascular health. Moist heat is particularly helpful when it comes to boosting circulation to extremities such as hands and feet, especially in older people.

Improving immune response

When our bodies are exposed to water this stimulates the leukocytes cells, which contribute to fighting infection. Although a steam room may not provide a cure, regular use can help to boost the immune system so that you get sick less often.

Reducing painful congestion

Whether you suffer from sinus issues or you just have winter colds, steam rooms are ideal for helping to shift congestion without the scalding dangers of steam inhalation or steam therapy.

Helping to relieve stress

Spending time in a steam room regularly can help to bring down the levels of cortisol in the body, resulting in calmer feelings and better-managed stress levels.

Nurturing beautiful skin

Steam is well known for the positive cleansing and plumping impact that it can have on skin. In particular, the steam will open the pores, helping to detoxify and remove impurities that can cause issues such as blackheads and acne.

Muscle recovery

Whether you’re a professional athlete or starting a new exercise regime, you’ll need to find a way to recover from sore muscles after exercise or training. Many studies have shown that heat is a very effective way to do this and that moist heat is more effective than dry heat.

Potential for weight loss

You can actually burn calories in a steam room thanks to the increase in heart rate from the heat. That’s especially so if you enter a steam room with your heart rate already raised from an aerobic workout.

Combating joint pain and stiffness

Applying heat to joints not only helps to reduce pain but also increases flexibility and can even help to reduce injury before a workout.

These are just some of the reasons why a steam room is a fantastic investment – contact our team to find out more on 0208 309 0600.

We tend to associate saunas with cold climates and cooler seasons. However, while people in Scandinavian countries almost always have a sauna that they use when the temperatures drop, they will also have one at a summerhouse. So, the most sauna-loving nations in the world are using theirs all year round. Why? Because Scandinavians know that sauna use can be beneficial even in hot summer weather.

Helping your body to handle the heat

If you struggle in the summer heat then the idea of getting into a sauna might seem like madness. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that spending time in a sauna can actually help your body to acclimatize to the heat. In 2014, the Italian football team used exactly this tactic before heading to Brazil to play in The World Cup. So, if you’re looking for a way to help your body handle the higher temperatures during the summer, a sauna could be an essential tool.

Improving cardiovascular function

Whether you use your sauna in the winter or the summer months you can still enjoy the positive impact that it has on cardiovascular function. Studies have shown that time in a sauna can actually help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart function is improved, as the sauna raises your heart rate and boosts circulation so that more blood is being pumped around your body. Even during the hotter months of the year your heart can still benefit from sauna time.

Flushing out toxins

We sweat more during the summer months but never as much as when sitting in a sauna. Sweat is the body’s natural method of ridding itself of toxins, and sweating it out in a sauna can help detoxify your body and have a very positive impact on skin. This can be even more important in the summer when we might be drinking a bit more, eating foods such as ice cream more often or regularly covering skin in sunscreen.

Stress relief

Although sunshine is good for the human body, there are plenty of things about summer that can make it a stressful time. Holidays and garden parties, as well as having children at home all day, every day can send stress levels shooting up. Saunas are renowned for their stress relieving qualities, helping your body to be calm and your mind to quiet. If your sauna is a kid-free zone then it may also be a place for essential downtime during these busy months.

Soothing muscles

Summer is often the time that we undertake grueling exercise regimes to help prepare for an annual holiday or just to look better in shorts. Spending time in a sauna can help to relieve aching muscles and sooth joint pain from exercise so that you can wind down after a workout and be ready for the next one.

Come rain or shine, summer or winter, saunas are always useful – you can enjoy the benefits all year round. To find out more about how to find the perfect home sauna, get in touch today on 0208 300 4003 to speak to one of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s experts.