Is Steam Bath Good For Health?

Steam baths have been in use since time immemorial. A steam bath is a steam-filled room generally used for relaxing and cleansing.

An important thing to remember is that a steam bath is different from sauna bath. Although both these baths make you sweat, they differ in atmospheric conditions.

The sauna has very low humidity which means it could be much hotter than the steam bath. Saunas are usually between 176°F (80°C) and 212°F (100°C) with low humidity +/-10 percent, while a steam bath is usually around 104°F (40°C) to 116°F (46°C) with a relative humidity of around 100 percent.

The steam bath is not only useful for relaxation, it also promotes good health and beauty as well.

Why Is Steam Bath Good For You?

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1. Removes Toxins From Your Body

Sweating is good for your skin and helps to keep the body cool. This is the same principle that steam baths use. For most people, there is no time for exercise because of their busy working schedules. This, in turn, results in reduced metabolism and later reduces the rate of sweating. This causes the toxins to accumulate in your body.

When exposed to heat, the blood vessels dilate activating the sweat glands. When sweat evaporates from the skin, the toxins from the body are also driven out.¹

For this reason, steam baths can help you get rid of toxins naturally through perspiration. Your skin will benefit from this more than any other organ as the steam helps to open up pores and force the impurities out from the skin, keeping it healthy.

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2. Helps With Easy Breathing

Generally, it is advised to do a steam inhalation if you have a blocked nose or the flu. The steam helps to clear the mucous from the lungs and also opens up your airways.

Much the same way, spending time in steam baths can help ease breathing difficulty. Through increased blood flow, steam baths can help those with respiratory congestion or inflammation.

Please make sure to consult your doctor if you have any serious respiratory infections like asthma, sinus, and other ailments. The heat of the steam may cause discomfort. Also, a steam bath is never given in cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, tuberculosis, or a patient suffering from anemia.²

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3. Brings Relaxation And Rejuvenation

The heat of the steam dilates the blood vessels which in turn helps relax your muscles. It also promotes blood circulation and gives way for more oxygenated blood to reach the body’s tissues and muscles. This also gives you relief from stress and tension.

Simply sitting in a steam bath with clouds of warm mist around you is relaxing in itself but if you steam bathe a short while before bed then the relaxation to your body and the calmness in your mind will help to ensure a good night’s sleep which is one of the best ways to recover from stress.

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4. Fights Dandruff

Steam baths are also known to benefit hair. Just as the steam bath opens up pores on your skin, the same way it does open up the hair follicles.

Oil your hair and wrap a damp, warm towel around your head like a turban. This helps the hair to absorb moisture and keep the scalp hydrated. Always remember to wash your hair with cold water after a steam bath as this will help you lock the moisture. This may help fight dandruff.³

Steam Bath Care

The following points should be kept in mind before taking a steam bath.

• Take a shower – Shower before the session. This will clear out the pores and also rid the skin of surface impurities and will aid in the process of detoxifying.
• Hydrate yourself – Make sure you hydrate yourself before and after taking a steam bath. Sweating can lead to dehydration if your body is not hydrated well.
• Track the time – The amount of time you spend in a steam bath is important. Make sure that the time spent in a steam bath is about 15 minutes.⁴
• Ensure you’re not interrupted – Make sure that your session is uninterrupted with phone calls or text messages. You will only be able to enjoy the complete benefit of a steam bath without any interruptions. Keep your electronic gadgets away.
• Consult your doctor – Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking a steam bath. Those with physical injuries and inflammation are also advised to keep away from steam baths.