The Benefits Of Going To A Steam Room

The steam room can offer an oasis, away from the rest of the world. In one of the few remaining places where we cannot carry our cell phones, enjoying a steam bath means enjoying a moment of forced quiet. Beside the feeling of calm cultivated in the solitude of the steam room, moist heat provides numerous health benefits.

Clear the Sinuses

A stuffy nose is one of the most annoying symptoms of a cold. Nasal congestion can make sleeping, talking, and, most importantly, breathing difficult. The Mayo Clinic suggests steaming sinus cavities to ease pain and drain mucus when a cold or allergy causes acute sinusitis, the medical term for the swollen sinuses that trigger the annoying stuffy nose. While standing in a steam room, or a hot shower, breathe the warm, moist air deeply through your nose. Blow your nose after the steam to drain the softened mucus.

Relax the Muscles

Muscle tightness diminishes range of motion and increases susceptibility to injury. If you have ever had that nagging crick in the neck or knot in the shoulder blade, you would agree that muscle tightness can also be very uncomfortable. Stretching muscles helps to maintain their flexibility, and moist heat complements the beneficial effects of stretching. According to a 2001 article in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research," 20 minutes of moist heat application is significantly more effective than 30 seconds of static stretching. So sit in the steam room and relax. It is not often, after all, that we gain so much from so little effort.

Lower Blood Pressure

The deep, penetrating heat of a steam room lowers blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate. For an otherwise healthy person, lowering blood pressure can help prevent hypertension. In addition, lowering blood pressure relaxes and soothes the body.

Individuals who have hypotension or are taking medications to lower blood pressure, however, should speak to their doctors about using a steam room, since blood pressure could potentially drop to dangerous levels.

Cleanse and Moisturize the Skin

A professional facial often includes steam misted onto the face. In a steam room, steam can benefit your whole skin. Steam opens pores, allowing for deeper cleansing of the skin. It also softens cysts in individuals with acne-prone skin. The heat stimulates blood circulation, which carries nutrients to the skin and improves complexion. Steam also hydrates the outer layer of the skin. Bathe after a steam to cleanse bacteria released onto the surface of the skin through sweat. Follow up with moisturizer, which the skin more effectively absorbs after a steam.