Functional and temperature differences This characteristic makes the hammam particularly effective for moisturizing the skin and decongesting the respiratory tract , while the sauna has more therapeutic virtues, acting on the muscles and nervous system.
Ultimately, both support weight loss in different ways. Choose the one that fits your goals. For example, use dry saunas to loosen up before a workout or steam rooms after a workout to break a sweat and burn additional calories. Still, weight loss requires more than sweating.
The steam and hot water can get you sweating, which helps your body eliminate toxins and improve circulation. Plus, hammam sessions often include massages, which can further boost blood flow and ease muscle tension, both contributing to a happy heart.
Dehydration can result from fluid loss while sweating. People with certain conditions, such as kidney disease, may be at a higher risk of dehydration. The increased temperatures can also lead to dizziness and nausea in some people.
Though similar in their effects, saunas and Turkish baths adopt subtly different methods of detoxification. Where saunas use high temperatures, dry heat and low humidity to make your body shed its toxins, Turkish baths offer higher humidity and lower temperatures for a more languid purifying experience.
Boost Metabolism: Steamroom vs. Sauna - Which is Better? - Thomas DeLauer
Is hammam or sauna better?
Functional and temperature differences
This characteristic makes the hammam particularly effective for moisturizing the skin and decongesting the respiratory tract , while the sauna has more therapeutic virtues, acting on the muscles and nervous system.
The American Journal of Physiology study highlights that hot tubs offer the greatest thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and immune benefits, making them ideal for heart health, pain relief, and immune support. Saunas, especially traditional ones, are better for detoxification and skincare due to their dry heat.
For example, it's been suggested that sitting in a sauna may help by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, improving blood vessel function and beneficially activating different parts of the nervous system. These aren't the only suggested benefits of regular sauna use, by the way.
Dr Mark Harper, a consultant anaesthetist at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, says there are multiple health benefits from saunas. "Studies have shown improvements in cardiovascular health. There are also suggestions that they are beneficial for mental health," he explains.
Allow yourself time to rest and relax after the treatment. Avoid strenuous activities immediately afterward to fully enjoy the benefits of the spa experience. Avoid Sun Exposure: It's advisable to avoid prolonged sun exposure after the treatment, as your skin may be more sensitive.
The intense dry heat can stimulate a deep sweat, helping to flush out toxins and cleanse the skin. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to improve skin health or detoxify the body.
Respiratory system health: The hot, humid environment of the hammams can open the respiratory tract and cleanse the lungs. This can be especially beneficial for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
While spot reduction is not possible through exercise alone, saunas can play a supportive role in reducing overall body fat percentage, including belly fat. The increased metabolic rate and calorie burn induced by sauna therapy can contribute to a calorie deficit, which is essential for fat loss.
How many calories are burned in a sauna for 30 minutes?
A 30-minute sauna session can burn between 300-500 calories. However, this should not be your main goal for weight loss. The sauna experience works best as a complement to your regular exercise routine and can enhance your body's metabolic efficiency.
Respiratory Effects: Wet saunas are particularly beneficial for respiratory issues, such as congestion and asthma, due to the high moisture content. Experience: The sensation of heat in a dry sauna is more intense and may feel hotter, while the moist heat in a wet sauna can feel more gentle on the skin.
High blood cholesterol — a waxy substance in your cells — is a major risk factor for heart disease. Lowering your total blood cholesterol by 10% can decrease your risk of heart disease by 30%. The good news is that sweating can raise your good cholesterol levels (HDL) to improve your total cholesterol.
Studies show that sauna therapy may help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol.In terms of weight management, sauna use showed promise in reducing body fat and improving body composition, particularly when combined with other lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise.
While both infrared and traditional saunas provide numerous health benefits, infrared saunas may be a healthier option. Infrared saunas raise core body temperature more effectively, leading to deeper detox and muscle relaxation.
To enjoy the benefits of a hammam, stay there for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 1 hour, rest and lie on the floor or on the benches. During this time, a Kessala (name of the women practicing the scrubs in the hammams), can apply natural moroccan black soap on your whole body.
Saunas, with their dry heat, are renowned for improving circulation, promoting detoxification through sweat, and inducing muscle relaxation. On the other hand, steam rooms excel in respiratory benefits, providing relief for conditions like asthma and sinus congestion due to the moist, steam-filled air.
On the other hand, if you are regular to the hammam, you can go there 1 time per week, or even a little more. The more heat and humidity you can tolerate, the more often you can go. In the end, there is no no ideal frequency to go to the hammam, it's mostly okay depend of different factors: Your skin type.
If you have asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), research shows that regular sauna use may help with your lung function. “Wet sauna use likely hydrates the respiratory tract, improving the ability to move mucus from the respiratory tract more easily with coughing,” says Dr.
Before entering, it is best to drink a glass of water or herbal tea to avoid dehydration; then, you can proceed with a lukewarm shower in which you wash yourself thoroughly with soap, then dry yourself well. A footbath is also recommended to warm the extremities.
The scorching temperatures can take your breath away (literally!), and the dry air might irritate your airways, especially if you have sensitive lungs. The dry air can also be quite irritating, leading to coughing, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
