The penetrating moist heat of a steam bath can benefit your body and mind in many ways. Steam baths have been used for thousands of years by many cultures. Warm steam creates many beneficial responses in your body.
If you’ve ever used a vaporizer, then you know how beneficial steam can be. Moist heat is so much better for you than dry heat. That’s a fact.
When you are
immersed in steam,
the cares of
the day just
seem to vacate
your mind and
you feel peaceful.
Our bodies were made to absorb moisture. But just as our bodies were made to absorb it, they were also made to eliminate extra moisture, both internally and externally. (What goes in must come out.) We take in water and moisture and it is utilized and eliminated in a short time. That’s why it’s vitally important to replenish what is given up. Without moisture and water, our bodies would simply shrivel up and die.
We all know that consuming water is healthy for us, and so is having a moist environment. Regular moisture exposure helps to detoxify our bodies of the toxins we are exposed to. Skin, hair and nails need lots of extra moisture to stay and look healthy.
Benefits of Steam Baths
Relieves muscular aches and pains.
Prevents injuries during workouts by increasing muscular flexibility.
Boosts immunity by increasing white blood cell formation.
Assists in reduction of lactic acids that cause soreness in muscles.
Improves circulation.
Relieves stress by relaxing the body.
Increases metabolism.
Detoxifies and cleans the body.
Relieves pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.
Hydrates dry skin.
Helps us lose weight by eliminating toxins in our body.
Respiratory Benefits
Steam inhalation is high recommended for treatment of respiratory conditions such as the common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, and exercise-induced asthma. It also relieves inflammation and congestion of upper respiratory mucous membranes, alleviates throat irritation by moistening the air we breathe, stimulates discharge of mucous from throat and lungs, and diminishes excessive drying of mucous membranes.
Benefits of Detoxification
The modern diet is full of excess animal protein fats, caffeine, alcohol, toxins, and chemicals that hinder proper functioning of our cells. When you clean and clear your body of toxins and waste products, your body reacts by functioning at an optimum. This reduces your chance of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, arthritis, obesity, hormonal dysfunction, autoimmune diseases, and so on.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Steam baths have a stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system. When your body is immersed in a steam bath, your pulse rate increases from 75 beats per minute to between 100-150 beats per minute. (During a 15-20 minute treatment.) This cardiovascular response increases blood circulation. Since heat causes tiny blood vessels in the skin to expand which accommodates increased blood flow, steam will not increase your blood pressure.
The dilation of the capillary vessels enables the bloodstream to carry greater amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, including an increased absorption of oils that are carried in the bloodstream to the skin.
Benefits to Your Skin
Steam baths surround you in gentle warm moisture, which softens and replenishes your skin. As pores open and you perspire, toxins are naturally expelled from your body, leaving behind more supple, cleaner, clearer skin.
You can find portable home steam baths much cheaper than the one in the picture above. If you can't afford a whole body steamer, you might consider a facial sauna, which helps to deep clean pores. After you steam, it's important to get a cold shot of water by simply splashing cold water on your face. This helps close your pores!
Everyday stress and anxiety take a toll on mental attitudes. When you are immersed in steam, the cares of the day just seem to vacate your mind and you feel peaceful. Pampering your environment, you can whisk away pressure and renew the spirit.
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