Since the time of the Greek and Roman empires, doctors have advocated for the benefits of inhaling steam for medicinal purposes. The ancients believed that disease occurred due to the accumulation of toxins in the body and that steam baths could eliminate these toxins. Similar to saunas, steam rooms induce sweating for benefits to your health and wellness.
Common Cold Relief
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), steam inhalation alleviates the symptoms of cold and nasal congestion. The study was conducted at the Common Cold Unit at Harvard Hospital and published in the "British Medical Journal" in 1989. It tested patients with and without the common cold and found that steam can "improve the course of a common cold and also give immediate relief of symptoms." Additionally, steam inhalation showed positive results for patients with bronchitis, sinusitis and allergic responses.
Physiological Purification
Herbalized steam baths are a form of alternative medicine that helps to purify the body. This type of steam bath purifies the body by eliminating waste products and toxins that have accumulated over time through diet, poor digestion and stress. This is accomplished through a rise in your body temperature which results in sweat that eliminates the toxins from your body.
Medicinal Benefits
According to the Day Spa Association, steam baths help alleviate a number of illnesses. Research published on the Day Spa Association's website and carried out by the Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology at the University of Munich list asthma, bronchitis, painful joints, sleeping disorders, poor circulation and dry skin as illnesses that benefit from the use of steam rooms.
Healthy Skin
The moist heat from a steam room stimulates subcutaneous blood flow, opens your pores and deeply cleans your skin. The heavy sweating opens your pores and allows deep dirt and grime to be washed out. This intensive cleansing removes dead skin and impurities to make the skin feel soft and clean.
Stress Reduction
Stress can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, muscle tension and cardiovascular disease. Steam baths relieve stress by helping your muscles relax and by providing a soothing atmosphere for your mind to unwind.
Pain Relief
Heat is an effective remedy for joint and muscular pain. Heat helps your blood vessels expand, increasing your blood circulation and allowing more oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Additionally, heat helps loosen tense muscles to reduce muscle pain.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: "Effects of steam inhalation on nasal patency and nasal symptoms in patients with the common cold"
- National Institute of Health: Improvements in Chronic Diseases With a Comprehensive Natural Medicine Approach: A Review and Case Series: Physiological purification procedures
- "Steam Room Magazine": Summary of Published Studies on Steam Inhalation
- The Day Spa Association: Steam Bath
- Steam and Sauna Bathing Explained: Steam Room Benefits
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