Contrary to popular belief, steam room benefits are not just limited to relaxation and skin cleansing.
It’s pretty well known that a visit to the steam room is a great way to “take a load off”, but few people realize that regular steam bathing just might have a strong impact on your health.
Steam bathing can be a very effective aid for…
- Relieving sinus congestion
- Relieving tension and stress
- Improving skin look and feel
- Easing muscle and joint pain and stiffness
Steam baths and saunas are both therapeutic, but the high moisture content in a steam room is especially beneficial for respiratory problems.
The above benefits are great, but…
Three of the most important reported steam room benefits are:
1. Immune system strengthening
2. Blood circulation improvement
3. Lymph detoxification
Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s line of defense against millions of bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to take over your body. It’s proper function is of the utmost importance.
The heat in a steam room benefits your immune system by inducing an artificial fever. No, this doesn’t mean that you get sick! An artificially induced fever actually causes an increase in the production of white blood cells.
Also, because of the activation of your immune system during a fever, the growth of bacteria and viruses is forced to slow down.
Taking regular steam baths is a way to help keep your immune system in tip top condition.
Blood Circulation
Your circulatory system includes your heart, blood vessels and blood. It works around the clock delivering nutrients and oxygen to every part of your body, and it also carries away waste materials.
Poor blood circulation has been linked to a number of health problems.
So how can steam baths assist your circulatory system?
As your body increases sweat production to keep cool inside a steam room, your heart works harder pumping more blood at an accelerated rate. This is how saunas and steam rooms can help improve circulation with regular use.
An important point to be made is that blood circulation is increased, but not blood pressure. The heat causes blood vessels to expand, and this accommodates the increased blood flow, however…
If you do have high blood pressure or any other conditions, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor first before starting a regular steam bathing routine.
Lymph Detoxification
Two body fluids carry waste material away from your body’s cells: blood and lymph.
The lymphatic system – which is part of your immune system, affects every organ and cell in your body.
Steam baths help enhance lymph system cleansing. Good lymphatic system function is very important because lymph acts to remove bacteria from your tissues and transport fat from your small intestine.
There you have it. These are three of the most important benefits of a steam room. If done regularly, you can see how steam bathing may enhance your overall health and well being.