You've heard about it everywhere, a new way of therapy: a steam bath. Not long ago this was only available at gyms, spas or wellness centres. Thanks to new technology and innovations this can now be available at your own home.
You may be wondering: How can a steam bath help me? Do I need it?
In this article, we'll make it easier for you to decide if the steam bath is something you need by providing all the important information related to it.
What is a Steam Bath?
The name explains it, a steam bath is when you fill your bathroom with steam using a steam generator. A Steam bath perfectly relaxes your muscles, cleansing yourself or just relaxing.
Steam bathing has originally been around since Greek and Roman civilisation. Thanks to new technology and innovations it's now convenient.
Steam Bath Benefits
1. Healthier skin
Steam opens up your pours which helps clean dirt or any unhealthy particles inside. Steam also helps fill your pours up with nutrients.
Steam also rehydrates your skin which makes your skin soft and nourished which results in healthy glowing skin.
2. Improves Blood Circulation
Blood circulation has a major impact on our body, without proper blood circulation we're worthless. Steam bath helps the flow of blood circulation by enlarging your blood vessels which helps the flow of blood.
Good blood circulation keeps your organs healthy, and body parts strong and helps your skin glow.
3. Helps in Muscle Recovery
As said in the point above, Blood circulation helps with keeping our body and mind healthy. Blood circulation also plays a huge role during muscle recovery.
Steam Bath helps the blood to flow more freely which further causes waste products in muscles caused by a workout to wash away due to the fast flow of blood.
4. Helps Mental Health
As humans, we go through good days and bad days and we all experience different emotions every day. Steam affects our body on the inside just as much as it does on the outside.
When your body's temperature is higher than usual it helps release the stress hormone known as the cortisol and simultaneously also releases the endorphins also known as the happy hormone. This helps with anxiety and makes you feel more mellow.
Steam Bath Risks
Steam baths can be beneficial for relaxation and health, but there are some risks to be aware of:
- Dehydration: Prolonged exposure to steam can lead to dehydration. It's important to stay hydrated before and after a steam bath.
- Overheating: Spending too much time in a steam bath can cause overheating or heat-related issues like dizziness or nausea. Limit your time and listen to your body.
- Skin Irritation: The high humidity and heat can sometimes cause skin irritation or exacerbate conditions like eczema.
- Respiratory Issues: The high moisture levels might aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Steam Bath vs Sauna What's the Difference?
Steam bath and Sauna are both used for the same purpose which is generating steam but both work differently than each other.
The main difference is the humidity level. Saunas have low humidity compared to steam rooms because saunas have dehumidifiers which work by passing humid air into cooling coils which collect moisture into the reservoir.
Steam bath on the other hand has no cooling system which makes it more humid than a sauna. Steam bath has a steam generator which also creates humidity when generating steam.
Saunas have a higher temperature between 185F and 195F but due to low humidity, the heat is dry. Steam baths on the other hand have temperatures around 100F and 120F and have 98% humidity.
Best Practices for Safe Use
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your steam bath to prevent dehydration.
- Limit Time: Start with shorter sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase as your body adjusts.
- Listen to Your Body: Exit the steam bath immediately if you feel dizzy, uncomfortable, or overheated.
- Consult a Professional: If you have any health conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before using a steam bath.
- Maintain Hygiene: Ensure the steam bath is clean and well-ventilated to reduce the risk of infections.
Final Words
Steam baths can be a rejuvenating and relaxing experience with several potential health benefits. However, it’s important to be aware of the associated risks and take appropriate precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. By understanding the benefits and risks, and following best practices, you can make the most of your steam bath sessions while safeguarding your health.