Steam Bath

NTRODUCTION :

Usually steam bath is available in two types
1.General – in a room
2. Cabinet

Steam bath is very popular among people since a long because –

1.It requires less room than sauna.
2.It requires low electricity.
3.It comapratively less expensive to run and maintain.

• The Only disadvantage of steam bath is only one person can use it at a time .
• Usually the cabinet of steam bath is made up of Fiber glass is use to be of wood or metal in old days.
• Most of the cabinets have one door with a curved apperture for the neck which either opens to side or drops forward with chains.
• The seat inside is adjustable so one can sit comfortably and allow the head to be free from the cabinet.
• Steam is produced by a small electrical heater which heat to the water the container just below the seat.
• A thermostat controlls the heat from the outside.
• There is a Protective wooden block for leg protection which at also allows free circulation of air.
• Depending upon the size of the container water will take 15 to 20 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
• The steam temperature need to be maintained lower than sauna because it can scald as it is wet heat.The treatment time camn be around 20 minutes on a low heat i.e.33 C or 92 F or a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes on a high heat i.e. 48 C or 118 F.

  Effects:

• There is no noticable rise in body temperature or pulse rate.
• Heats the body resulting in increased circulation.
• Promotes sebaceous and sudoriferous gland activity.
• Relaxes and softens the body tissues , relieves minor aches and pains and loosens soft tissues.
• People with Asthma Varicose veins,Psoriasis,Migraine benefit by steam bath (Wet heat).Constrastly , their problem might flare up if they take sauna bath because of dry heat.

  You are not advised to take steam bath if you have following conditions:

• Heart diseases.
• Abnormally high or low blood pressure.
• Venous thrmbosis.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Epilepsy.
• Diseases of the kidney.
• Skin diseases and infections.
• Under the influence of aloholic drinks.
• Less than two hours after a meal.
• Severe exhaustion or dehydration.

  Method of use of steam bath :

• Take off all jewellery or metallic objects you are wearing.
• Seat in with towel wrapped around the body.
• If the temperature gets unbearable inside you can release excess heat by opening the door .That instantly releases the heat and cools off the steam.
• Wipe away excess moisture on eyebrow or tip of your nose because that makes you uncomfortable.
• Neck towel can only be wrapped to cover.
• After steam bath wash with warm water shower to remove the sweat.
• After steam relax atleast for 15 minutes.