The steam bath has a long and colorful history. Originating in ancient Greece, terms like "sudatorium," "hamam," "Turkish bath" and "banja" all describe the steam bath at various times and in various countries during its history. Steam baths are still popular today--enjoyed at public facilities as well as home-built steam rooms--for their relaxation and health-related benefits.
Respiratory
The 100 percent humidity level in a steam bath, combined with a recommended temperature range of between 110 and 116 degrees F, can benefit individuals with respiratory issues. Steam works to moisten mucous membranes and relieve congestion by loosening secretions and facilitating discharge of these secretions from the nose and throat. If you suffer from conditions such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, coughs or hoarseness, a steam bath can help relieve symptoms.
Heat Stress Detoxification
The temperatures in a steam bath cause hyperthermia, a state where your body temperature rises above 98.6 degrees F. Increased body temperatures provide an environment in which organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses cannot live. Heat stress detoxification works to kill these organisms with heat and remove them from your body as you sweat. According to Dr. Zane Gard, a chiropractor and board-certified kinesiologist, heat stress detoxification is the only detoxification program proven to remove fat-stored toxins from your body and removing calcium deposits from blood vessel walls.
Skin
Moist heat stimulates blood flow. Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the surface of your skin and enhances collagen production, helping your skin to become stronger and more elastic. In addition, moist heat helps to rinse out your pores. As skin pores open in response to moist heat, the effect is intensive skin cleaning. Sweating removes dead skin cells and other impurities, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. This is a major benefit if you suffer from poor skin circulation or have dry, chapped skin.
Pain Relief
As blood vessels expand and blood flow increases in response to steam bath heat, oxygen and nutrients reach and begin work to repair damaged parts of your body. This helps not only increase your body's healing rate but also helps alleviate pain in muscles and joints.
Relaxation
Steam baths provide the advantage of complete relaxation. Moist heat relaxes tense muscles and provides a soothing atmosphere to help calm your mind. Using aromatherapy in addition to a steam bath can further enhance its calming effect. Essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood, orange or chamomile all work to calm and soothe your mind and body.
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