A steam shower is a small, enclosed space kept at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. That small space is also pumped full of mist by a steam generator. Steam showers have an array of benefits such as stress reduction, sinus congestion relief and the easing of joint or muscle pain. Weight loss, however, generally is not stimulated by a steam shower.
Skin Benefits
Staying in a heated environment such as a steam bath for prolonged periods increases your body's perspiration. When you perspire, an array of toxins is released from the sweat glands of your skin. Steam showers that do not exceed a half an hour may be beneficial for your skin. The sweating that occurs in a steam shower will also help clear your pores.
Respiratory Benefits
The hot air that you inhale while in a steam shower temporarily alleviates the symptoms of asthma, allergy or bronchial obstruction sufferers. The heat from the steam baths dilates your respiratory tract. This dilation makes the flow of air to and from your lungs less laborious.
Weight-Loss Effects
Steam showers do not offer significant weight-loss assistance. An adult will lose 2 lbs. due to sweating in an hour-long steam shower. This weight loss is water weight and will be regained as soon as a person drinks liquids. A steam shower has no impact on your body's fat pockets.
Dangers of Steam Showers
If you spend hours in a steam shower, you leave yourself at risk for conditions such as dehydration, heat stroke and hyperthermia. If you experience dizziness, headaches, elevated heart rate, low blood pressure or cessation of sweating, step out of the steam shower and seek medical attention.
References
- "Physiology (5th Edition)"; Robert M. Berne, Matthew N. Levy, Bruce M. Koeppen and Bruce A. Stanton; 2003
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, Kenneth Brandt, Bruce Gillaind, Scott Thaier; 2005
- MayoClinic.com: Dehydration
- MayoClinic.com:Heat Stroke
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