The steam room helps to relax and relieve medical conditions. Steams are best after you’ve trained or after an intense workout session as it relaxes you more.
Start the session small with 5 to 10 minutes and gradually increase to 30 minutes. In this article, you will get a better insight into the benefits of the steam room.
Facts
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Benefits of Steam Room
1. Improves Cardiovascular health
The benefits of a steam room include improving the blood circulation of the body. It also has positive effects on the heart and reduces the risk of heart diseases.
A study conducted in 2012 revealed that the moist heat provided in steam rooms improved the circulation as it dilated the small blood vessels and capillaries. It allows the blood to flow easily and transports oxygen throughout the body(1).
The steam room controls blood pressure and maintains a healthy heart. It also treats broken skin tissues that are caused by ulcers and wounds.
[Read: Benefits of Steam Therapy]
2. Improves Skin Texture
The benefits of the steam room must mention how it helps in improving the texture of the skin. The steam room makes you sweat more than it opens up the skin pores and cleanses the outer skin. The warm condensation helps to rinse the dirt and dead skin that is used for the treatment of acne. The steam room also helps to remove toxins from the skin.
3. Releases Stress
A muscle feels sore after a workout session. Taking steam therapy helps in loosening the joints and increases the flexibility the way a warm-up before a workout does.
A study conducted in 2013 showed that when the heat is applied to a joint, it allows the body to release endorphins that are commonly known as the hormones that make you feel good and reduces the stress felt in the body.
Steam room also reduces cortisol levels, which is a hormone that is released in response to stress. As the levels drop, the person feels more relaxed and in control.
4. Treats Cold & Sinusitis
Steam room benefits in treating sinuses. Many people prefer using steam room for cold as the heat opens up the mucous membranes around the body and makes you breathe deeply. It reduces the congestion in the lungs and sinuses and can be used to treat colds, sinuses while aiding breathing.
[Read: Eucalyptus Oil Benefits for Cold]
5. Burns Calories
Steam room benefits in burning calories. With an ongoing healthy exercise program in the steam room generates heat. This heat, in turn, increases sweating while stimulating the body and improving the wellness of the body.
The steam room makes you lose only water weight, so there is no evidence to prove that the steam room causes weight loss. However, a healthy diet plan and the steam room burn down calories.
6. Boosts Immunity
Steam rooms are like hydrotherapy that boosts immunity. Once the body is exposed to warm water, it stimulates the leukocytes that help in warding off infection. Maintaining a routine of going to steam rooms gives the bloodstream a boost in the immunity that prevents diseases and the common cold.
How to do?
- Always take a shower before entering the steam room.
- Ensure the temperature is set right.
- Do not take a steam session for more than 20 minutes at a time.
- It is advised to wrap a towel around your body while taking steam that works as a barrier between the body and steam room surfaces that others might have touched.
- Steams are considered more beneficial after a workout session.
How much to do?
- Taking a steam bath regularly can cause itchy and flaky skin for sensitive skin.
- Steam baths are considered safe if taken weekly.
- Depending upon your body’s preferences and sensitivity, you can go up to 3 times a week.
Risks
- Avoid drinking alcohol or consuming the food before entering the steam room.
- As the heat can make you feel nauseous, consume a lot of water.
- Overstaying in a steam room for more than 15 minutes can cause dehydration.
- If you have compromised immunity, pregnant, or are recovering from surgery, it is better to avoid the steam room until the doctor gives you a go-ahead.
[Read: Essential Oils for Immunity]
Steam vs. Sauna
The benefits of sauna vs. steam room are worth a mention. The heat emitted in the steam room is more humid and at 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit, as compared to Saunas where the heat is similar to sitting in an oven at 180-195 degrees. People going to saunas four times a week have improved blood circulation and better cardiovascular health. For those with respiratory troubles, the steam room is a better option as it keeps the respiratory tract hydrated.
Steam room and sauna offer the same health benefits because the effects of the heat are just the same, which are improved cardiac health with less stiffness.
Verdict
To decrease recovery time after a workout session, stop by at the steam room. A few minutes of the steam room helps to recover the sore muscles and makes you feel more relaxed and happier.
You can maintain steam room hygiene by wearing flip-flops, sitting on a towel, and taking a shower to get rid of bacteria from the steam room. Utilize the health benefits of the steam room while you relax.
FAQs
1. Can We Take a Steam Bath in Summers?
Yes, it is safe. The steam bath is soothing and not like the oppressive summer heat. Alternating between the cold and warm helps to improve circulation and is refreshing.
2. Does the Steam Bath Reduce Weight?
It is a widespread belief that using steam room for weight loss is useful. Taking a steam bath can help in losing weight. As the temperature is set at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, it makes you sweat and losing water through sweating, which aids weight loss.
