Although sauna and hammam are two traditional applications used for relaxation and health, they have significant differences from each other. These two applications differ in terms of both mechanisms of action and usage methods, and it is necessary to know the differences between them in order to make the right choice. Understanding the advantages of sauna and hammam over each other and in which cases they should be preferred can provide you with the most suitable relaxation experience.

What is Sauna?

Sauna is a heat therapy that allows the body to sweat with the effect of high temperature and dry steam. In sauna sessions, which are usually held in wooden rooms, the ambient temperature can reach up to 70-100°C, but the humidity is low. There are different types of saunas, such as traditional Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, and each of them has different mechanisms of action. The main purpose of the sauna is to increase the body temperature and remove toxins through sweating, accelerate blood circulation and relax the muscles. Regular sauna use strengthens the immune system, reduces stress levels and contributes to skin health.

What is Hammam?

Hammam is an application that allows the body to sweat and relax with the effect of steam in a hot and humid environment. The most prominent feature of the bath is that the environment has a high humidity. In the traditional Turkish bath, the temperature is lower, but the humidity is quite high. Hammam rooms have marble partitions and a steamy atmosphere created by evaporating hot water. The benefits of the hammam include deep cleansing of the skin, improving blood circulation and relieving muscle aches. Traditional practices such as scrubs and soap massages enhance the effect of the hammam and help remove dead skin from the body.

Differences Between Sauna and Hammam

1. Temperature and Humidity:
   • Sauna: Characterised by high temperature (70-100°C) and low humidity. Dry heat is used in the sauna, which leads to accelerated sweating.
   • Hammam: Characterised by a lower temperature (usually 40-50°C) and high humidity (close to 100%). The intensity of the steam provides deep cleansing of the skin and relaxes the respiratory tract.
2. Areas of Use and Environment:
   • Sauna: In small rooms with a wooden structure, often used for direct sweating and heat therapy. Wooden materials are resistant to the heat of the environment and offer a natural relaxation environment.
   • Hammam: In large rooms covered with marble, it provides a more comprehensive cleansing and relaxation with the effect of hot steam and water. The marble used in the hammam retains heat and facilitates the spread of steam.
3. Mechanism of Action:
   • Sauna: It raises body temperature with dry heat, accelerates blood circulation and allows toxins to be removed through sweating. Fluids lost during sweating should be balanced by drinking water.
   • Hammam: Moist steam provides a deep cleaning by opening the skin pores. In addition, the relaxing effect of steam on the respiratory tract is one of the biggest advantages of the bath.
4. Ritualsand Application Methods:
   • Sauna: It is usually done in short (15-20 minutes) sessions. A cold shower is taken between sessions to balance the body’s temperature.
   • Hammam: Traditionally includes rituals such as scrubbing, soap massage and foam massage. These practices remove dead skin accumulated in the body and renew the skin.
5. Effects on Health:
   • Sauna: Contributes to heart health by accelerating blood circulation. It relieves muscle aches, reduces stress and strengthens the immune system.
   • Hamam: It supports skin health, provides detox effect and helps to open the respiratory tract. It also contributes to the reduction of mental stress with its relaxing effect.