Steam Room
Learn about the benefits and try a new ritual today.
Steam Room vs. Sauna
Steam rooms and saunas are similar are both heated rooms used for relaxation and to help relieve symptoms of some medical conditions. However, there are differences between the two.
The key difference is that steam rooms offer moist heat, while a sauna provides dry heat from a wood or electric stove.
Possible steam room benefits include improving circulation, reducing sinus congestion, and aiding muscular recovery from exercise. It may also help cleanse the outer skin, reduce stress, and more.
Also, it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid the heat of saunas and steam rooms if using certain medications. If someone has any concerns about using a steam room, check with a doctor first.
Sitting in a steam room has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system, particularly in older people.
A 2012 studyTrusted Source found that moist heat, such as that provided by a steam room, can improve circulation by dilating the small blood vessels or capillaries. This allows blood to flow more easily and transport oxygen around the body.
Steam room therapy can also help reduce blood pressure, keep the heart healthier, and help repair broken skin tissue caused by wounds, such as ulcers.
Sitting in a steam room has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system, particularly in older people.
A 2012 studyTrusted Source found that moist heat, such as that provided by a steam room, can improve circulation by dilating the small blood vessels or capillaries. This allows blood to flow more easily and transport oxygen around the body.
Steam room therapy can also help reduce blood pressure, keep the heart healthier, and help repair broken skin tissue caused by wounds, such as ulcers.
A person’s muscles will often feel sore after a workout. This pain is known as delayed onset muscle soreness. It is important to relax the muscles after exercise to promote a quick and problem-free recovery.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source showed that the immediate application of moist heat after a workout helped reduce pain and preserve muscle strength. The heat soothes nerve endings and relaxes the muscles.
A person’s muscles will often feel sore after a workout. This pain is known as delayed onset muscle soreness. It is important to relax the muscles after exercise to promote a quick and problem-free recovery.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source showed that the immediate application of moist heat after a workout helped reduce pain and preserve muscle strength. The heat soothes nerve endings and relaxes the muscles.
Using a steam room before a workout can help loosen up the joints and increase flexibility, just as a pre-workout warm-up does.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source showed that applying moist heat to a joint had healing benefits similar to using dry heat, but the application time was much shorter.
Steam rooms can also help reduce joint pain.
Using a steam room before a workout can help loosen up the joints and increase flexibility, just as a pre-workout warm-up does.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source showed that applying moist heat to a joint had healing benefits similar to using dry heat, but the application time was much shorter.
Steam rooms can also help reduce joint pain.
The heat of a steam room can make the body release endorphins. They are known as ‘feel good’ hormones because they help reduce stress in the body.
Relaxing in a steam room can also decrease cortisol levels, which is a hormone the body releases in response to stress. When the cortisol level drops, people can feel more in control, relaxed, and rejuvenated.
The heat of a steam room can make the body release endorphins. They are known as ‘feel good’ hormones because they help reduce stress in the body.
Relaxing in a steam room can also decrease cortisol levels, which is a hormone the body releases in response to stress. When the cortisol level drops, people can feel more in control, relaxed, and rejuvenated.
The heat from a steam room opens up the mucous membranes around the body, allowing deeper, easier breathing.
The steam from a steam room can break up the congestion in the sinuses and lungs and, therefore, might help treat colds, unblock sinuses, and aid breathing.
The heat from a steam room opens up the mucous membranes around the body, allowing deeper, easier breathing.
The steam from a steam room can break up the congestion in the sinuses and lungs and, therefore, might help treat colds, unblock sinuses, and aid breathing.
When a person is inside a steam room, their heart rate increases. Using a steam room after exercise can help prolong an elevated heart rate.
Experts have found that when used alongside a suitable exercise program, the heat generated by the steam room and the sweating it causes can stimulate the body and increase wellness.
There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that using a steam room aids weight loss.
Any weight reduction after using a steam room is typically due to water loss, and people must replace this deficit by drinking water afterward to avoid dehydration.
However, alongside a balanced, nutritious diet and exercise plan, using a steam room can help burn calories.
When a person is inside a steam room, their heart rate increases. Using a steam room after exercise can help prolong an elevated heart rate.
Experts have found that when used alongside a suitable exercise program, the heat generated by the steam room and the sweating it causes can stimulate the body and increase wellness.
There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that using a steam room aids weight loss.
Any weight reduction after using a steam room is typically due to water loss, and people must replace this deficit by drinking water afterward to avoid dehydration.
However, alongside a balanced, nutritious diet and exercise plan, using a steam room can help burn calories.
Check with your doctor before using a sauna, especially if you have a condition like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Limit your time in the sauna to 15–20 minutes.
Cool down gradually after using the sauna.
Drink water before, during, and after using the sauna.
Avoid wearing rubber, plastic, or heavy clothing.
Avoid falling asleep in the sauna.
Exit the sauna if you feel dizzy or ill.
Check with your doctor before using a sauna, especially if you have a condition like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Limit your time in the sauna to 15–20 minutes.
Cool down gradually after using the sauna.
Drink water before, during, and after using the sauna.
Avoid wearing rubber, plastic, or heavy clothing.
Avoid falling asleep in the sauna.
Exit the sauna if you feel dizzy or ill.
Medications
Some medications can make you drowsy or interfere with your body's ability to regulate temperature.
Alcohol
Alcohol can increase your heart rate and may increase the risk of arrhythmia, hypotension, or sudden death.
Illness
You should not use a sauna if you are sick.
Pregnancy
You should check with your doctor before using a sauna if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Bleeding disorders
People who are prone to bleeding or have hemophilia should avoid using a sauna.
Medications
Some medications can make you drowsy or interfere with your body's ability to regulate temperature.
Alcohol
Alcohol can increase your heart rate and may increase the risk of arrhythmia, hypotension, or sudden death.
Illness
You should not use a sauna if you are sick.
Pregnancy
You should check with your doctor before using a sauna if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Bleeding disorders
People who are prone to bleeding or have hemophilia should avoid using a sauna.
Hydrotherapy Ritual
Hydrotherapy is alternating between hot and cold temperatures and can do wonders for your health. Learn about this beneficial ritual below.
