QuestionHi! Christopher,
Firstly many many and many more thanks for being available on the net to help with answers pertaining to spas and massages and almost anything as far as the 26 alphabets go<smiles>
You r definitely a Godsend blessing to me.
Iwill give a brief introduction about me so that u know y i am asking that particular question.
I started my career in spas say around four years back as Guest relations supervisor then was prmoted t Spa Sales and considered as potential Spa trainer and was trained in Spa Massage techniques, but lot of indepth knowledge behind it and Ys was not told to the detail or say to satisfy my curiosity to understand it and believe in it.
Me as a person if I learn something and am not convinced about its credibility or not understood the core reason for it to be performed then I find myself handicapped to deliver it with conviction.
Currently I am working as a Spa Manager for a day Spa but have many questions.
But today I shall ask simple question with regards to Steam and Sauna and if you allow me further to ask u more questions and not upset u with me asking u so many questions then i shall really ask more related to massage.
With regards to steam sauna-
What is the ideal temp for the two respectively and for how long shud one enjoy each?
Is it advisable to take sauna followed with steam immediately or vice-versa?
We have Steamy Sauna combination where we have to maintain bet 45 degrees C to 65 degrees C and is called therapeutic. It is a Helo company design German & Finland based company.
How does each benefit us in terms of our health, muscle and skin tone?
Does sauna and steam really help us to shed weight?
Shud one apply oil or creams and wet their hair or put a damp napkin on their head while in either of the above?
Does it really enhance carrier oil or essential oil absorption because it opens up the pores?
Since it opens up the pores then is it advisable for one to take cold shower?
What shud be the ideal duration for the oily skin or dry skin to sit in the steam or sauna box and how frequently can one enjoy it in a day or a week?
Is it good for children and of what age and teenagers too?
Is steam use good before facials?
Can men use steam or sauna immediately after or before shave?
Christopher, I shall be grateful if u cud answer these queries to ur best.
I am really looking forward to recv. a reply to the same from you.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK U IN ADVANCE.
Rutu
AnswerGreetings Rutu. I will try to answer all of your questions in the order you asked them. Forgive me if I jump around a bit with the answers, though, as some things just naturally go together.
I am unsure exactly of the temperatures for both saunas and steam rooms (I am sure the manufacturers tell you in the instructions, though). As for the length of time, staying too long can be dangerous, as it leads to decreased blood pressure, and can put you at risk of heat stroke. I think that the manufacturers recommend staying in for no longer than 15 minutes (there is no real difference, that I know of, for dry or oily skin, as it does not change this factor). If one starts to feel lightheaded or dizzy, then it is definately time to get out. Also, they are not for people with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, low blood pressure, and others. If in doubt, ask a doctor. Alchohol must be avoided, as this can make you loose water at an even faster rate. They can be used several times a week; I have done this with no ill effects. It is very important to drink a lot of water to help replace what you sweat out. This will also help keep your internal temperature down. They are also extremely relaxing, although for true muscular therapy, ice is better. It will help relax muscles that are tight, but in a general way, and not for long. Some people think that it does help condition our skin because it opens the pores and helps clean them out. So steam is actually great prior to a facial or shaving.
The main health benefit that I know of is that it helps sweat out toxins that can accumulate in the skin and pores. I used to take a steam after a work out: I would sit in there for about 15 minutes, get nice and warm, then I would go out and take a cold shower. I think that this combination helps wash off the dirt form the pores and skin, and helps cool the body down. I would repeat this cycle two to three times, and would sleep beautifully afterward.
They do not, unfortunately, help you loose weight. Any weight loss is due to water loss through sweating. If they did help you loose excess weight, some people would never leave them! Nor do they, as some people seem to believe, increase your metabolism; some people equate sweating with increased metabolism, and it is not always so. When your body sweats, like when you run, it is done to dump excess heat that is generated by the muscles working hard. In this case, the heat generation is coming from outside the body. This would be like putting a heater in the engine of a car, letting it idle, and saying that it is moving fast because the engine is hot.
It can be a bit dangerous for children and teens to use these, as they can over heat easily. They should definately be watched by an adult, as most kids are not responsible to use them properly.
I hope this was of some help, Rutu. Please feel free to write back with your other questions, or if you need me to clarify anything for you here. I am having a problem with my computer right now, so I am going to go on vacation from AllExperts for a few day until it gets repaired; I don't want to get questions and not be able to reply to them. Please check back at the start of next week, and I will be happy to answer what I can for you. Also feel free to rate me on AllExperts; both positive and constructive feedback help me learn to help others better.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hall
