Steam Rooms - The Health Benefits

Steam rooms can help with your physical, as well as your overall sense of well being.

Winter can be long and drawn out. And the chill can reach your bones. But saunas and steam rooms are one way of helping you kick colds to the curb, soothe painful muscles and relax. The high humidity of steam rooms works by penetrating your respiratory system and relaxing tense muscles – try adding a touch of Eucalyptus oil for a truly cleansing experience.

The History of Steam Rooms

Steam rooms date back thousands of years. The Ancient Greeks and the Romans embraced steam rooms and saunas. And today, cultures across the world indulge in steam rooms, Turkish baths, saunas and hot springs. It's the ultimate luxury – steam rooms are about taking time out from our busy, demanding lives. And it isn't just about creating an illusion of relaxation and well being – steam rooms have a physiological impact on our minds and bodies. Research at Munich's Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology has shown how steam rooms can help with a variety of respiratory problems, including bronchitis, coughs, catarrh, hoarseness and bronchial asthma, as well as relieving stiff joints. Steam rooms help dry skin too – stimulating blood flow helps the skin cleanse and sweating through open pores lifts away dead skin and impurities. Using an exfoliator in steam rooms is the ultimate way to achieve soft, clean skin. Steam rooms can become an integral tool for those seeking out a healthy, relaxed and balanced life.

Relax in a Steam Room

Steam rooms boost circulation and stimulate relaxation making steam rooms great for stress relief and those struggling with poor sleep. The benefits of sweating in temperature controlled steam rooms include an elevation of the heart rate which boosts metabolism; sweating also helps increase circulation and eliminates toxins. For those who find saunas too difficult to bear, steam rooms are a gentler alternative. Steam rooms can be more suitable for those who have asthma than the harsh dry heat of saunas. Dry heat can create an unpleasant burning sensation in the lungs, especially in those who have respiratory problems.

Safety Guidelines in Steam Rooms

It's recommended you follow safety guidelines for steam rooms – that you take a warm shower before use, stay no more than 15 minutes in the steam room and take a cool shower or plunge bath afterwards. You can than re-enter the steam room once your body has cooled to normal temperature. It's important you don't use steam rooms if you have consumed alcohol or a heavy meal, and that you keep hydrated with plenty of water. If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, leave the steam room. Some conditions mean you should only use steam rooms with a doctor's say so (such as heart disease or pregnancy).

Find a Range of Steam Rooms Available at HeatandPlumb.com

HeatandPlumb.com stock a wide range of steam rooms and bathroom supplies, at highly competitive prices. You'll find expert advice at HeatandPlumb.com call our dedicated customer service team on 0871 272 22 22 or fill in our online enquiry form.