Top 5 Benefits of Steam Showers

Steam showers have been used since the days of the ancient Romans as treatments for a range of physical ailments, from chest infections to joint pain. Unlike saunas, which surround an individual with coarse dry heat, steam showers wrap people with comforting, warm, relaxing air that is gentle on the respiratory system and has the power to penetrate deep into sore muscles and bones to relieve strain and stress. Yet the benefits of steam rooms go far beyond just helping to alleviate stiff muscles and sniffling noses.

The Top 5:

1. Clearer skin. People who take at least two steam showers a week find that it improves the clarity of their skin over time. Steam showers have the ability to unclog pores and remove deeply trapped congestion from under the surface of the skin. Here's how it works: Steam causes increased perspiration, which can push trapped dirt, dead skin cells and surface bacteria out from the upper dermal layers where it can then be washed away easily. The results of regular steam showers are seen in long-term clear skin that is free from blackheads, pimples and congestion bumps.

2. Infection treatment. A major benefit of regular steam showers is relief from respiratory infections. Specialists list steam showers as an at-home treatment for conditions such as laryngitis and sinus infections. The warm, wet heat opens airways and soothes inflammation in the lungs and nasal cavity, increasing your comfort as well as helping to shorten the duration of the infection.

3. Increased circulation. Steam showers are an excellent way to naturally boost circulation throughout the body. Increased circulation brings more oxygen to cells and decreases the risk of hypertension, hardened arteries and muscle function. Increased circulation also means more blood flowing through the heart, which helps combat fatigue and exhaustion.

4. Stress relief. One of the most powerful benefits of steam showers is their ability to reduce both physical and mental stress. While stress can cause people to feel anxious, wired and overworked, it can also manifest itself as sore or tense muscles. By increasing blood circulation, steam showers expand muscle tissue and release tightness. The warm air also helps release endorphins in the brain, which relaxes the mind and relieves mental tension.

5. Metabolism and weight loss. Regular steam showers can even assist with weight management. Hot steam increases blood flow by stimulating the lymphatic system which, in turn, helps to speed up the metabolism. A higher metabolic rate means that your body burns more calories per day. A healthy, low-fat lifestyle combined with regular steam showers can result in effective weight loss and a healthy body.

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