For thousands of years, people of all cultures have recognized the benefits of steam bathing, both emotional and physical. Roman baths became elaborate social rituals, central to daily life and well-being. Both the Muslim and Turkish steam bath designs are still used today in many spas, health clubs and bathhouses throughout the world. The traditional use of steam and aromatherapy to augment personal health can now be brought into the private home to provide soothing warmth and relaxation.
A steam shower experience produces more than just a pleasant experience for the human body. Hyperthermia, the state of elevated body temperature, has long been perceived as a negative effect on the body. On the contrary, elevated body temperatures in the form of fevers are the body's natural healing process, stimulating the immune system to cleanse the body of toxins by increasing levels of white blood cells. Steam baths and showers elevate the body's temperature quickly and safely. Steam methods allow the body's condensation to remain on the skin, providing a barrier to rapid body cooling and chills. The high moisture level actually causes condensation on the body to become the primary heat transfer mechanism warming the body. Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body.
Current studies have shown that prolonged states of hyperthermia stimulate the immune system, elevate the pulse rate for cardiovascular health, flush out toxins in the skin, aid in the relief of cold and congestion symptoms and assist in cleansing the lymph system. Additionally, regular use of steam after physical activity can relieve stiff muscles and provide comfort from the aches and pains of arthritis.
A long steam shower after physical activity is more than just relaxing; it reduces muscle spasms and/or pain, extends muscle tissues, alleviates rigidity in joints and increases blood circulation. Those suffering from back pain, rheumatism, sciatica and menstrual cramps can all find relief in a soothing steam experience.
For those with respiratory conditions, steam is an effective and calming treatment of a variety of symptoms. Steam relieves inflammation and congestion of upper reparatory mucous membranes, spasmodic breathing such as asthma or croup, relieves throat irritation by moistening inhaled air, is a natural expectorant and relaxes muscles to relieve chronic coughing.