A steam room simply is an enclosed space that is raised to a warm temperature by using the combination of heat and steam. For many years, heat has been used by many cultures as a therapeutic agent. All chemical reactions, even the chemical reactions in the body, are accelerated or inhibited by heat. According to The Wolfe Clinic.com, many health benefits arise when the body's temperature is raised above 98.6ºF, which occurs in a steam room.
Relaxation
Steam rooms and heat therapy promote a feeling of relaxation. Heat will allow the tissues of the body to expand and contract more easily, which will decrease the stiffness and rigidity in the joints. A steam room will also alleviate muscle pain and muscle spasms will allow the body to sufficiently relax. Spending time in a steam room will also make the blood vessels of the body wider, which will increase blood flow throughout the body. By increasing blood vessel diameter and increasing blood flow, blood pressure is reduced and body relaxation can occur.
Detoxification
According to Mama's Health.com, spending time in a stream room will assist in detoxifying the body. When the body's temperature is raised above 98.6ºF, the body is forced to perspire or sweat. The fever like temperature the body is in will destroy bacteria and other toxins throughout the body and eliminate them from the body through perspiration. Steam baths are effective in eliminating toxins that are on the surface of the skin as well as toxins that are stored within the fat cells of the body, therefore a total body detoxification can result from spending time in a steam bath.
Respiration
According to Mama's Health.com, spending time in a steam room will also help a person breathe easier. The warm, humid, moist air in a steam room is beneficial in cleansing and soothing the nasal passages, throat and lungs, which allows for proper respiratory effort. For this reason, spending time in a steam bath may also reduce the respiratory symptoms associated with the common cold and flu.
Cardiovascular
According to Mama's Health.com, a mild cardiovascular workout does result from spending time in a steam bath. The heat and humidity of steam bath will increase pulse, or heart rate, as much as 30 to 50 percent. The rise in heart rate will stimulate an increase in blood flow throughout the body and the heat will cause the blood vessels to dilate. This means a low level cardiac workout is obtained simply by sitting in a steam bath. It should be noted, even though heart rate and blood flow are increased in a steam bath due the blood vessels expanding, no change in blood pressure is noted during the low level cardiac workout.
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