About the Benefits of Sitting in a Steam Room

Since the ancient times in Greece, steam baths have been used to promote healing and general well-being. Benefits range from increased circulation to glowing skin. How exactly is this accomplished and what are the risk factors?

Benefits

Sitting in a steam bath has a number of health and beauty benefits, ranging from muscle relaxation to skin purification. These are the benefits of using a steam bath: relief from muscle tension and stiff joints; improved immune system functioning; lymph detoxification; improved blood circulation; relief from sinus congestion; reduced stress; raised metabolism; improved complexion; alleviate sports injury pain; ease cold symptoms; and purify and detoxify the skin and body for a smooth hydrating effect

Expert Insight

Research on the effects of steam bathing were conducted by the Institute of Medical Balneology & Climatology at the University of Munich and concluded that sitting in moist heat can improve the following ailments: bronchial asthma; bronchitis; catarrh of the upper respiratory tract; coughs; hoarseness; expectoration; and restricted painful movements of the joints.

Function

How exactly does a steam bath initiate all these wonderful benefits? It works with a process called hyperthermia, which induces a fever in the body. When the body's temperature reaches 101 to 103 degrees F, the immune system gets alerted and creates an artificial fever. Pathogens and toxins cannot stand high temperatures and start to exit the body. During this time, the body's pulse rate increases resulting in a rise in blood circulation. However, blood pressure remains stable on account of heat causing blood vessels to expand. Heat also widens air passageways of the lungs, which aid in breathing.

The Facts

Believe it or not, there is a right way to take a steam bath. First, drink a glass of water before entering. This will help keep you hydrated during the excessive sweating that will take place. Make sure you take a warm shower before entering, this will promote faster sweating. Do not exceed 15 to 20 minutes per session, and make sure you completely cool off before starting another session. Neglecting to completely cool down could create a taxing demand on your circulation system.

Risk Factors

Since the temperatures in steam baths are generally between 110 and 116 degrees F with 100 percent humidity, caution should be exercised when using these rooms. Most importantly, do not use a steam bath without a doctor's consent if you suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems. Steam baths are not recommended for pregnant women, small children or the elderly.

Misconceptions

There's a misconception that you can lose weight sitting in a steam bath. The truth is any weight loss that appears to be a result of a steam bath is actually fluid loss from excessive sweating. Once you replenish those fluids, the weight will come back.

Resources

• Steam Bath Healthy Re-vitalizing Steam
• The Therapeutic Health Benefits of an Aroma Steam Bath