Is Steam Therapy Healthy?

Ever had a cold and the doctor advised you to take steam inhalation? If you have you would have realized how relieving it was. Nasal congestion is cleared and you feel lighter in your chest and head. This is just one of the ways of benefiting from steam.

Steam therapy benefits go well beyond a mere cold treatment and can benefit the entire body and mind. Steam therapy or steam baths have been a traditional healing method in many parts of the world. In the process the body is exposed to hot water vapor creating an artificial fever. The temperature of the body rises, the pores open up and results in excessive sweating.

It can be in an informal manner like standing in a hot shower or done professionally in a spa. A spa is preferred as the atmosphere is conducive and the process is conducted by professionally trained people. Now-a-days portable steam baths are also available to help you benefit at home.

People opting for steam therapy are usually asked to sit in a dedicated steam room and breathe deeply. The duration of exposure to steam can range anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour, depending upon the person and the purpose. At times additives like essential oils are added to the water to bring about soothing and healing effects to the process.

Benefits of Steam Therapy

Once upon a time done in natural hot water springs the steam baths have moved into spas and homes. There are multiple steam therapy benefits that have favored its popularity.

• Relieve respiratory ailments: Inhaling hot steam can lead to loosening of phlegm, free flow or mucus and moistening of the respiratory tract. In times of colds and sore throat inhaling steam gives relief from a clogged nose. People suffering from asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis and allergies greatly benefit from steam therapy.

• Refreshed skin: When the body is exposed to hot water vapor the pores of the body expand and sweating increases. In the process of sweating there are many toxins that are flushed out of the body leaving the skin refreshed.

• Increased immunity: Steam therapy is a natural way to boost the body’s immune system as well. The high temperature to which the human body is exposed cannot be tolerated by various kinds of bacteria and viruses. During the steam process these viruses and bacteria are killed. Additionally it also helps production of white blood cells which are essential to combat infections.

• Weight loss: When exposed to high temperatures the metabolism of the body increases and water is lost in the form of sweat. Fat becomes water soluble and along with the toxins fat is also lost. It is true that water can be regained but the calories burnt in the process are kept at bay. Steam therapy for weight loss proves to be a safe and effective means.

• Joint pain relief: The many kind of joint pains resulting from arthritis, rheumatism, muscle spasms etc. can be relieved by steam therapy. Administering steam to the body helps dilate muscles, increase blood circulation, supply oxygen rich blood to ailing muscles and help them recover faster. The effectiveness of stream therapy for weight loss also helps relieve joint pains as it is a known fact that increased weight has an adverse effect on joint pains.

• Stress reliever: Since opening of pores leads to increased sweating and flushing out of toxins the body is left refreshed and relaxed. This relaxed feeling is not only experienced physically but mentally also.

Civilizations across the world understood and acknowledged steam therapy benefits. Earlier it used be a part of a luxurious living available only for the upper strata of the society but has now been made available on a large scale. It not only serves as a beauty treatment but also carries various medical benefits leaving no doubt about its health advantages.