Both fire therapy and steam therapy are forms of heat therapy. Faced with these two similar methods of health therapy, many people are very confused about the differences between them and which one is better.
Different Definitions
Fire therapy is a type of external treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a method of health preservation and nourishment that combines the effects of Chinese herbal medicine and massage with the use of heat based on the principles of meridians and acupoints. It is widely used in daily life.
Steam therapy is a type of health preservation and nourishment in energy valley heat therapy. It has a long history and is popular among the public. It is a major feature of South Korea. In recent years, with the popularity of Korean dramas in our country, steam therapy has gradually appeared in people's lives. Steam therapy is mainly used for dispelling wind, dispelling cold, warming the body and promoting blood circulation, and improving skin beauty.
Different Practices
Fire therapy involves placing a rope soaked in Chinese herbal medicine on the area to be treated and covering it with plastic wrap. Then, the heat generated by burning alcohol and the massage and manipulation of the operator are used to deliver the medicinal properties to the affected area.
Steam therapy involves heating yellow mud or stones and maintaining a temperature of 38-42 degrees Celsius. A person either sits or lies on it for about an hour, sweating profusely before coming out.
Different Effects
Effects of Fire Therapy
1.Promotes blood circulation. Fire therapy provides warm stimulation, which can accelerate the circulation of Qi and blood in the body, and promote blood circulation and dispel blood stasis.
2.Warms the meridians and disperses cold. Fire therapy gradually warms up through the burning of alcohol, allowing heat to reach the body. After applying the Fire Dragon Liquid and massaging, the medicinal properties reach the affected area, warming and opening up the meridians, and dispelling cold and dampness.
3.Warms and strengthens the Yang Qi, tonifies the middle, and nourishes Qi. Fire therapy can promote the circulation of Qi and blood, guide the upward movement of Qi and blood, warm and assist in their movement, and tonify the middle and nourish Qi.
4.Health preservation and prevention. Fire therapy can stimulate the body's vitality, improve resistance to diseases, and strengthen the body.
Effects of Steam Therapy
1. Beauty. Steam therapy can improve skin texture, enhance skin elasticity, and delay aging.
2. Weight loss. Steam therapy can lower blood lipids and cholesterol, promote fat burning, and help with weight loss and body shaping.
3. Detoxification. Steam therapy can accelerate blood circulation, dilate pores, and speed up the elimination of toxins from the body.
4. Enhances immune function. It activates dormant cells in the body, enhances lymphatic circulation, and strengthens the immune system.
5. Reduces stress. During steam therapy, people can fully relax their bodies, reduce mental stress, and relieve tension in the body.
Different Suitable Populations
Suitable Populations for Fire Therapy
1. Sub-healthy individuals. Fire therapy can regulate the overall Qi and blood circulation, promote meridian dredging, and enhance the body's vitality.
2. Rheumatic pain sufferers. Fire therapy can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, dispel wind, and relieve pain. It can be used for diseases caused by rheumatism, such as frozen shoulder, cervical spondylosis, and lower back and leg pain.
3. People with Yang deficiency constitution. Fire therapy can warm and assist Yang Qi, tonify the middle, and nourish Qi. It can be used for symptoms caused by Yang deficiency, such as cold and painful menstruation.
Suitable Populations for Steam Therapy
1. Sub-healthy individuals. Steam therapy can enhance immune function, regulate endocrine, and adjust the autonomic nervous system.
2. Rehabilitation population. Post-illness rehabilitation and postpartum rehabilitation can promote metabolism and eliminate toxins through steam therapy.
3. Beauty-conscious women. Steam therapy can enhance skin elasticity, help with weight loss and body shaping, and improve skin whitening and beauty.
4. Normal individuals. Even normal individuals can use steam therapy to improve blood circulation, prevent diseases, and maintain health.
Which is Better: Fire Therapy or Steam Therapy?
Both fire therapy and steam therapy have their own advantages. For individuals with weak constitution, it is recommended to use fire therapy. Steam therapy can cause a large amount of sweating, which consumes the body's Yang Qi. People with weak constitution may not be able to tolerate it, and forcibly undergoing steam therapy may further weaken their bodies. Fire therapy, on the other hand, is gentler. However, it is not suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency as it may harm Yin and assist Yang.
