Steam baths

The history of steam baths goes back to very ancient times. They were used as early as the period if ancient Greeks, then the tradition of steam baths was taken over by the Romans and it quickly spread in those areas which had been conquered by them.
Ritual washing is part of Islamic traditions, too, it is a duty of a true believer. In Islamic towns a very signigficant bathing culture emerged. It is also an interesting fact from the history of steam baths, that on the American continent some Native Americans used so-called sweating ’tents’.

In these formarly mentioned cultures body washing was an important part of everyday life, from as early as childhood. Public baths represented those few public places which were allowed to be visited by women as well, of course, in times when men were not around.

Effects: Steam baths have a very beneficial effect on health. Due to relative high humidity and high temperature of the air steam baths are beneficial for patients with bronchitis, pulmonary asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory system, coarseness, sore throat, rheumatic symptoms and arthritis. In addition, steam baths help to improve the blood supply of the skin and they have a beneficial effect on very dry skin. Depending on the humidity and temperature of the steam bath, on the bather’s intensity of perspiration and the time spent in the steam bath itself, bodily temperature may rise to 37.6-40 C. The optimal temperature of the air is 40-60 C.

Usage: Before using a steam bath one has to take a shower. On one occasion nobody is supposed to spend more than 15-20 minutes in it. After having a steam bath the body needs to be cooled down with cold water or cold air. It is not recommended to take steam baths on more than 2 or 3 occasions at one go.

Contraindications: Having a steam bath is not recommended for those who suffer from circulation or breathing problems, or, who have high blood pressure. It is because in a team bath bathers begin to sweat and, due to the high humidity content of the air, the bather begins to sweat intensively and the perspiration cannot evaporate. This condition can be heavy for the heart and the circulation.