When it is time to relieve the stress after a hard days work, the sauna and steam room are the perfect places to unwind and relax.

Heat from the steam or sauna causes the muscles to relax, widening the blood vessels, allowing more oxygen to flow to them, releasing their tension. The heat also gives relief to sufferers of arthritis. The heat causes the whole body to relax; this experience melts away stress and soothes the mind and body.

Here are some other benefits to sauna and steam bathing:

• Provides a cardiovascular workout and helps condition the heart: The heart rate increases when the body is exposed to high temperature, which consequently, improves circulation. During a 10-20 minute sauna session, your heart rate increases by 50-75%. This provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise and the increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.
• Soothes and relaxes tired muscles: Sauna bathing can also be beneficial for pre/post workout relaxation, help relieve allergies and sinus congestion, and helps to relieve arthritic pain. Also revives tired and strained muscles after physical exertion.
• Aids in weight loss: When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, sauna bathing can burn as many as 300 calories during each session, which is equal to running 2-3 miles. Spas and other such therapeutic facilities utilize saunas and steam baths in conjunction with massage to loosen fatty tissue and assist in the battle against cellulite.
• Cleanses skin: By opening pores in your skin and flushing unhealthy toxins through sweating, the sauna will cleanse and beautify, offering an overall more youthful appearance.
• Steam is an excellent treatment for respiratory problems, such as chest congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis.

Precautions

You should avoid using the sauna or steam room if you:

• are, or think you might be, pregnant;
• have a history of heart or respiratory problems;
• have problems with your circulation;
• have diabetes or an infection;
• have any other medical condition, or are receiving treatment of any kind;
• have had any alcohol;
• have a fever.

It may also not suit older people or young children.