I was told today by an acupuncturist that had/has Lyme, to stay OUT of the steam room because of harmful bacteria?
Instead, she suggests going in the sauna.
Me personally, I feel GREAT after the steam room. The sauna is a bit drying.
What do you all think?
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I liked the steam room at my health club better than the sauna.
I liked my FIR sauna that I have at home infinitely better than either of those!!!! The FIR really helps you detox whereas the steamroom and normal sauna just make you hot.
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
The FarInfrarRed saunas (dry sauna) is way better at getting toxins out of your body.
You can buy a personal sauna on EBay very cheap.
I've had mine for almost 3 years and I've almost worn it out I'm using it so much. Really makes a difference in how I feel.
Posted by hoot (Member # 19281) on :
I like my FIR sauna. I can't stand the wet heat of a steam sauna. Also, I wonder if the steam ones can have a mold problem.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- The sauna - but NOT hot. We are not supposed to get too hot. Put a wet towel over your head, go in when others are gone and keep the door open a little bit so you don't get too hot. Don't stay too long. Have a friend with you.
If you could find low heat infrared sauna, those are best.
An alternate: a warm bath in Epson Salts for 20 minutes. -
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
Nice! Going to look into the FIR saunas. Thanks guys.
And yea...I can see how the steam ones could get funky if they aren't cleaned properly or regularly.
Good info here.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
I only have access to a steam room and I love it...
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
Your acupuncturist is correct. You run the risk of being exposed to germs in a public sauna.
FIR sauna is the way to go. It has so many healing and detoxing properties that the steam room does not have. It's far superior than steam.
Posted by anthropisces (Member # 15672) on :
Why are we not supposed to get too hot?
I've tried some Bikram Yoga recently. Other than my neck issues, I like it pretty much.
What is the problem with heat?
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
I know of many Lyme Dr's that recommend the infra red saunas at medium or high heat - whatever we can tolerate.
I go 40 to 45 min at up to 140 degrees. I am dripping when I get out and I feel good immediately and much better for a day afterwards.
the arficial fever helps heal and the release of toxins helps us feel better.
You have to start very slow though or you can get very ill.
Posted by psano2 (Member # 11711) on :
mojo, I can't believe you could survive 140 degrees for that period of time. I think that would kill me.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
Mojo, that's a long time 40-45 min's at 140.
I can only do about 20-25 in the steam room...
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
I had to work up to that - and the last ten minutes are tough because I hate to be hot - but I distract myself by going online, etc. and it's totally worth it afterwards.
I took four saunas last week (40 to 45 min) and was able to enjoy my niece's wedding on Sunday. I've been pretty sick this fall so I consider that a major accomplishment!
The first few minutes are usually in the high 120's but it heats up pretty fast. I've had my sauna for almost three years now. Best thing I ever bought.
Oh, and I can't go into a steam room at all because I can't breath the hot air and steam. The sauna I have doesnt' require me to breathe hot air (my head sticks out) yet my entire head still sweats like crazy.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
I get great benefits from the steamroom. I agree that the regular sauna is too drying.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
After doing a lot of reading, I took the plunge and bought a Sunlighten Solo System. Will report back with any improvements. With winter coming it just seems like a good idea to take driving in the cold to the gym for the steam room out of the equation.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
I've been using the FIR sauna for a couple weeks now. I like it alot. I've noticed though when I lay down i have quite frequent heart palps or skips and hard thumping. Anyone else having those problems with or without the sauna? Mostly occurs when I lay on my back...
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Yes which is partly why we should be very careful with heat. Blood pressure can drop a lot too.
In the book "Detox or Die", Doctor Sherry Rogers has a protocol to make using the sauna safer. I don't remember the whole thing but I drink water before going in, water during the sauna and water after the sauna. She recommends adding minerals to replace electrolytes as well.
Terry
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
I skimmed though and didn't see the question answered. Yes, the steam room can expose you to harmful bacteria.
Infared sauna is the best but a regular sauna is better than a steam room if that is your only option.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
Thank you Terry and abxnomore. I did the water thing but i think ur right with the electrolytes. going to check into your info. I though coconut water would be a good thing to have before and after but it also has sugar. Hard to know what the cut off mark for low sugar diet is?