steam
The Benefits of Steam
In 460 BC, Hippocrates, named ‘the father of modern medicine’ was to have said: ‘Give me the power to create fever and I shall cure any disease.’
Fever is not in itself a sign of illness, but a sign that the body’s immune system is working to rid itself (make the temperature intolerable) of the invading disease. The health nurturing properties of steam have been widely known for thousands of years. Steam is used to elevate the temperature of the body to boost the immune system, causing our body to perspire. Perspiration removes as much as 30% of waste elements through the skin and steam is an excellent method of stimulating the skin to perspire to remove toxins.
Modern living; the use of anti-perspirants, synthetic clothing, pollution found in modern towns and cities and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to blocking the skin’s pores to inhibit the flow of perspiration that cleanses our bodies of toxins and assists in maintaining good health.
The steam shower or bath excels in creating an ‘artificial fever’ to stimulate the immune system and creates levels of body heat that are intolerable to bacteria and viruses. Steam also detoxifies the lymphatic system.
Steam stimulates our body’s internal temperature regulator, causing the production of perspiration. Steam is also a well known alleviator of stress, muscular pain and sinus pressure. Regular use of steam has wide beneficial effects on a wide range of ailments.
Respiratory Health
The high moisture content of steam is beneficial to our respiratory health; GP’s today still prescribe steam inhalation to relieve respiratory symptoms. As steam rooms have a high concentration of steam, they are much better and faster at reliving symptoms than a vaporiser. Steam dilates the tissues of the respiratory system which increases the air intake capacity; it also dislodges blockages by increasing moisture content. Steam also relaxes the body and mind which helps in alleviating symptoms of respiratory distress.
Circulatory Health
Heat increases the flow of blood around the body and has a remarkable effect on the vascular system. White ‘disease fighting’ blood cells are produced, and the increased blood flow excretes toxins through the skin, enhancing oxygen levels, essential nutrients, and lymph exchange at cellular level.
Muscular and Joint Health
Steam has a restorative effect on joint and muscular aches, spasm and pains. By increasing the extensibility of muscles through heat, it also reduces painful rigidity and swelling in joints. Ice should be used on any muscular injury initially, but after 48 hours heat can be applied to an injury or ache to cause the blood vessels to dilate, which bring more oxygen rich blood to the area. This has a direct soothing effect on the painful area and helps to relieve pain and spasm.
Skin Health
The skin is the largest organ of the human body; it is the first line defence from harmful virus and bacteria. Steam is widely known to stimulate blood flow which pushes toxins through the skin through the effect of perspiration. Steam opens the pores of the skin to allow the cleansing out flow of toxins. This process reduces spot causing blockages and creates a healthy, youthful, beautiful, moisture rich complexion.
Steam also has an affect on cellulite, 10 minutes in a steam shower is thought to be more beneficial in reducing cellulite than a one hour body-wrap. A cool shower should be taken straight after a steam bath to flush the toxins from the skin and close the pores to ensure that the skin is not open to further toxin exposure.
Dermatologists have long recognised the health benefits of steam to the skin. Not just to bring a healthy glow to the complexion, but as the steam causes an increase in oxygen and nutrient rich blood circulation to the surface of the skin to boost a healthy, nourished and glowing appearance.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Steam has a relaxing affect on our mind. The effects of steam ease muscle tension and release toxins from our blood, increasing oxygen levels, providing us with an all round sense of wellbeing.
General Health
Many sufferers of a wide range of ailments including; rheumatism, sciatica, back pain, arthritis and menstrual cramps have reported alleviated symptoms through the use of steam bathing.
Boosting the Benefits of Steam
Aromatherapy has been used in a wide range of cultures and civilisations throughout the centuries to relieve, relax, calm and inspire, these oils have a well documented affect on our mind and body. From the use of eucalyptus oil in a steam bath or shower to relieve the symptoms of sinus infections and a blocked nose to lemon oil to invigorate and lavender to relax and soothe. Fresh or dried aromatic plants can also be added to steam to give beneficial effect.
Got Hay fever ?
From 2001 to 2005, doctors diagnosed a third more patients with hay fever. While it could be that doctors are more familiar with hay fever and therefore diagnose it more competently, researchers who performed the study believe that doctor awareness is only one reason for the increase in hay fever sufferers. Another reason is that the condition has genuinely gone up.
Although hay fever is not always very dangerous, it is known to be one of the most common medical health problems today and numbers of sufferers is rising.
Hay fever occurs mostly during spring and summer. Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis caused by plant pollen or spores. Allergic rhinitis is a condition where an allergen (something that causes an allergic reaction) is inhaled and causes the inside of your nose inflamed (swollen).
Hay fever affects the nose, sinuses, throat and eyes and symptoms include - sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.
Although there is no known 'cure' for hay fever, there are many ways to aid symptom relief, there are a wide choice of medications from your local GP or pharmacist to help, but there are simple things you can do which can help soothe and relieve the discomfort.
Pollen grains from a variety of common plants can cause hay fever.
Steam inhalation can assist in reducing symptoms of hay fever, by increasing air moisture with a humidifier or a steam shower. Benefits are usually felt within 5-10 minutes and the addition of essential oils such as; eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, pine, frankincense, thyme, niaouli, German and Roman chamomile, cajuput, myrtle, tea tree and peppermint. Several essential oils are anti-histaminic such as manuka, orange, tangerine, blue tansy, and lemon. We market a wide range of steam showers, some with the addition of and essential oil dispenser to aid symptoms.
Big Rise in Steam Shower Cabinets
Home owners in UK are increasingly looking to invest in steam cabin showers, because of their increased benefits of relaxation, hygiene and affordability. Steam shower cabinets are an enclosed structure, enabling the cabin to efficiently maintain heat.
Moist heat is considered therapeutic and has been used for healing for many years. Steam cabin showers use the same moist heat therapy, promoting good health, boosting the immune system and relieving muscle tension. It also benefits the user by bringing a youthful look to your skin.
When the body perspires, the perspiration carries toxins to the surface to be washed away. Dermatologists believe steam benefits the skin, giving a healthy, beautiful and glowing look.
Steam Shower Health Benefits
Steam Shower Health Benefits
This page is designed to show how steam showers can benefit your health.
We all need water to survive and we know how important it is to our health, hygiene and our environment. Yet when we think of water, most of us automatically relate to it in its liquid form; the water we make coffee with, take a shower in, spray on the lawn and drink throughout the day. This fundamental element has the ability to transform into solid and liquid states and in each of these states, water fulfils different roles. One important role is water vapour or steam. Used for everything from powering engines to pressing clothes, steam also plays an important role in our health and relaxation. With a steam shower, we are now able to have the luxury of a spa in our home.
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have indulged in the soothing warmth of aromatic steam baths. Ancient Romans and Chinese were well known for creating elaborate baths. Steam baths have also become part of Native American cultures all the way from the Alaskan Eskimos to the land of the Mayans. These cultures used steam baths to clean the body, cure illness, rejuvenate tired muscles and provide a sense of spiritual identity. It wasn’t until the twentieth century that steam baths became a more common part of North American culture.
In the 1960s steam baths first appeared in large public facilities, such as private clubs and large health resorts. The benefits of steam showers, it seemed, were designated for those who had the money and resources to access the treatment. Later in the same century, steam showers increased in popularity drastically - to a point where taking a steam shower was part of regular health treatments and followed a daily workout at the club.
Over the past 10 years, steam showers have become a popular component in new home construction and bathroom renovations. With new developments in plumbing technology and products, steam showers are easy to install in almost any bathroom and have become an affordable private retreat. Steam showers can be used daily and provide numerous health and aesthetic benefits, and are a great way to have a steam treatment without the inconvenience and cost of going to the gym or spa.
A steam shower looks like a regular shower with the addition of sealed doors. With an optional bench seat, which is highly recommended, we are able to kick back and relax and enjoy our steam, rather than stand on tired restless feet. Steam showers can come pre-packaged from a factory or can be custom designed to fit a specific bathroom. In either case, the components will include a steam generator, steam outlet(s) and regular shower head(s). The steam generator houses the element that creates the heat necessary to produce steam. The steam then moves through the steam outlet in the shower wall and fills the shower area. The steam generator can be installed either in the bathroom vanity near the shower, under the floor, or in the bench seat. Custom showers should include a sloped ceiling to prevent condensation from dripping. Aesthetically, the unit is streamlined and well-finished. There is also a reduced risk of mould and mildew in these types of units because they are enclosed and designed to withstand the humidity produced.
In our custom steam shower we can either take a shower, have a steam or both at the same time. For days that we choose to have a regular shower, it’s pleasing to know that, with the custom sealed doors, we will be cosy and warm while lathering as the humidity from the shower will linger in the spa. The steam outlet operates on a timer and can include a small reservoir where essential oils, respiratory medications or perfume essences can be diffused. We all know that men and women enjoy showering at different temperatures, so why not splurge on a custom shower that will accommodate his and her temperatures at the same time? Custom steam showers can include a combination of adjustable shower heads, body sprays, hand sprays and steam outlets to keep both users happy and comfortable. Our custom steam shower can also be equipped with accessories such as a CD player, in shower speakers, steam free mirrors, mood lighting and remote control for heat, music and light.
Before making the decision to install a steam shower it is important to consider several factors. The space that we are going to use may indicate whether a factory unit or custom designed shower will accommodate our needs. The available hot water volume may have to be increased and the budget and décor selection will have to be reviewed.
A professional plumbing and heating firm will be able to assess which system will work best in our home and provide suggestions for custom spray systems, such as body sprays, overhead shower heads, hand sprays, and multi-directional shower heads. Once installed, our Springwave steam shower will require little maintenance. Regular cleaning is encouraged and periodic draining of the system and physical inspection of the electrical components are advised.
Steam showers are used around the world by professional massage therapists, chiropractors, coaches, estheticians and other health and beauty practitioners during treatments and therapies. In dry summers and cold winters, steam showers prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated and itchy. Steam showers provide a wet heat that is different from the dry heat created in a sauna. Steam showers open our pores so our skin can excrete toxins and dirt, increases blood circulation, and can help clear sinuses and nasal passages to help us breath more easily. It is especially helpful for those who suffer from asthma, bronchitis and allergies. Steam showers can also sooth tired and aching muscles. Additional benefits of steam showers include the following:
* Reducing stress
* Relaxation
* Rejuvenating the skin
* Detoxify the body
* Increase metabolism
* Cardiovascular fitness
* Increased circulation
* Pain relief
* Enhancing the respiratory system
* Aromatherapy
Given that the average adult spends approximately 5,475 minutes or 91.25 hours in the shower every year, making it a comfortable and relaxing experience can ensure that time is more enjoyable. Certainly, having a custom shower with all the bells and whistles is worth it and will make our daily ritual a personal retreat. With increasing demands on our time and growing stress factors in our lives, a steam shower can provide a quick and affordable escape from the day-to-day.
The ultimate reason for installing a steam shower in our home is to cleanse our body. However, the steam shower can also be used as an iron! Simply hang clothes in the shower, turn on the steam for 10 to 15 minutes, and clothes come out looking freshly ironed. My steam shower has been doing my ironing for years!
Note: Pregnant women and individuals with health concerns should always consult a medical physician before using a steam shower.
Steam Bathing Introduction
Steam Rooms
Let's look at...
- What they are
- Why people use steam rooms
- How to take steam baths
Steam baths have been popular for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks used to take them, as well as the Romans, Turks, and Russians. Today, steam rooms can be found in most spas and health clubs, but...
Thanks to developments in steam generator technology, residential steam rooms are becoming more and more popular.
What is a steam room?
A steam room is an enclosure with an average temperature somewhere between 115 - 125 degrees Fahrenheit. A steam generator is used to keep the room filled with thick clouds of mist.
Steam rooms are made of water proof materials (tile, cement, marble, etc). The room has to be well sealed to prevent the steam from escaping and to prevent moisture damage to the surrounding structure.
Why do people take steam baths?
People use steam rooms for a variety of reasons...
To let off steam! - I personally love the steam room for the relaxing feeling that comes when I step in. For me (and many others) the effects are instant, the steam room is one of the most soothing places to go. If there is any tension before you step in, you’re almost guaranteed to feel lighter when you come out.
Improve skin complexion and tone - Steam bathing is great for skin cleansing and softness, regular use can help keep your skin smooth, soft, and glowing.
Pain relief - The heat produced in a steam room can provide temporary relief for muscle and joint pain. Steam bathing on a regular basis can also help injuries heal faster.
Respiratory relief - Steam has been used over the centuries to ease congestion and provide relief for various respiratory ailments.
How to take a steam bath
There aren’t too many rules, but…
Don’t eat first - Wait 1 or 2 hours after a meal. The effect of heat on your blood circulation can interfere with digestion.
Dress light - Or not at all! Some people do go nude. I use the steam room at the gym where I work out, and I wear a towel to sit on and soak up perspiration. If you have your very own personal home steam room, suit yourself!
Drink water - Drink at least 8 ounces before you start a steam bath.
Don’t stay too long - Yes, a steam room can be incredibly relaxing, but try not to stay in past 15 or 20 minutes. Some people do prefer to stay longer, listen to your body; it will let you know when it's time to go.
That’s really about it.
If you have any health complications, make sure you talk to your doctor first to make sure steam bathing won’t be harmful to you.