Medical Reasons for Steam Rooms

The use of some type of steam room dates back as far as Ancient Greece and was later used by the Romans. In the 1890s, the Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology at the University of Munich began running tests to find out the benefits of a steam room. It turns out there are several key health-related ones.

Relieves Muscles

• The steam found in a steam room is very healthy for muscles and joints. When steamed, the muscles and joints become very relaxed. The relaxation of muscles will make you less likely to pull a muscle, and the relaxation of joints will make it less likely for arthritis to set in.

Skin

• It might not seem like it, but sweating cleans out the skin more than washing with soap and water. Washing will clean the outside layer of the skin, but sweating will open up the pores and clean out the part of the skin water and soap can't reach. A steam room can help prevent skin from wrinkling, plus treat acne and other skin conditions.

Stress

• When the muscles relax because of a steam room, it can also help your level of stress. Muscle tension can lead to feeling stressed, but as muscles relax, the person can also relax. A good steaming can also help reduce high blood pressure and relieve someone of migraine headaches.

Congestion

• For years doctors have suggested using steam to clear up congestion. The best way to do that is to spend time in a steam room. The steam found in a steam room will be breathed in, and the steam will soothe the breathing passages. Steam rooms can be used to help allergies, bronchitis, asthma and sinuses.

Blood

• Another benefit of steam rooms is blood circulation. Steam on the body will cause the blood vessels to expand. When the blood vessels expand this leads to better circulation. If the blood circulation is better, then the red blood cells are able to do their job easier. Red blood cells send oxygen and nutrients to other parts of the body and you will feel healthier.