Advantages of Steam in Boosting Health

Steam bathing is a very old practice used by many cultures in different countries. The ancient Greeks and Romans regularly used steam bathing and hot springs. Indigenous peoples also used steam and sweating as health practices. Today, steam therapy and sauna therapy are popular around the world.

Steam has specific health benefits. Some of these include:

Clearing congestion - Steam loosens mucus and phlegm. This can help you blow your nose better and clear congestion. It can be useful during allergy season or when you have a cough or cold. A steamy shower is especially helpful for children, rather than using a bowl of steam that can cause scalding.

Improving skin health - Steam opens your pores and cleanses your skin. It can help loosen any dirt and debris buildup, which can help improve the appearance of your skin.

Lowering blood pressure - The heat in a steam shower can dilate, or enlarge, your blood vessels. This helps move blood from your core to your skin, which can lower your blood pressure. Your body will then compensate by raising your heart rate.

Improving circulation - Relaxing in a steam shower can improve your circulation. The heat significantly changes circulation in your skin by dilating blood vessels and moving blood toward the skin’s surface.

Easing bronchitis symptoms - Inhaling steam can loosen phlegm. It can also help reduce breathing troubles relating to bronchitis.

Workout recovery - Sore muscles are a side effect of workouts. Moist heat can help relieve pain and lower muscle damage. Steam showers might offer some relief by increasing blood flow to muscles. Experts used to think that these heated spaces only moved blood to the skin. However, they also shift blood from your core into your muscles. More blood flow might help wash away the waste products your body produces during exercise that can cause muscle damage.

Relaxation - The heat enjoyed during a steam shower can influence your hormones. This can lower your blood pressure and help you relax.

Lowering joint stiffness - Because heat increases blood flow, showering with steam can help loosen up your joints and relieve stiffness. This is similar to warming up before your workout. Dilating your blood vessels allows more blood, nutrients, and oxygen to be delivered to any injured sites. Better circulation means loosened muscles and joints.