Five Benefits of Using a Steam Room

Although sometimes pooh-poohed as 'new age nonsense' or a modern 'fad' that will soon be replaced by something more fashionable, steam baths have in fact been popular for at least a couple of thousand years. Both the ancient Greeks and the Romans were very fond of taking steam baths, which in those days were fed by natural hot springs; and more recently - though still hundreds of years ago - Turkish and Russian baths started to become popular.

But why use a steam room? Are there really any benefits? Actually, yes - there are many; here are just five of them.

Stress-busting

Using a steam room is a wonderful way to unwind. It's even been described as 'exhilarating', bordering on 'spiritual'. Steam baths release stress, ease tension, and aid sleep. How does it work? The heat experienced in a steam room helps to dilate the blood vessels, which relaxes the muscles. It eases joint pain too; with pain being the cause of many sleepless nights for some sufferers, the pain relief experienced after a steam bath is often enough to help them enjoy a good night's sleep with little or no pain.

Breathe easy

Regular use of a steam room can ease breathing complaints, such as bronchitis, asthma and sinusitis, as well as a variety of allergies (though, note the word 'ease' - these conditions will not be fully cured with steam treatment). Steam improves blood flow and opens the airways in the lungs, helping to dislodge phlegm from the respiratory system, as well as easing inflammation of mucous membranes. Aromatherapy can also be used in the steam room to help clear breathing problems and aid relaxation.

Aid weight loss

Many people swear by steam rooms as a means of aiding their weight loss routine. As many as 600 calories can be sweated off during a half-hour steam bath session, though it's worth noting that most of the weight lost will be water rather than fat. Some people even say that a steam bath session can cause the body to sweat as much as it would during a 10km run

Baby-soft skin

Most of us at some time in our lives have held our faces over a bowl of hot water, with a towel over the head to stop steam escaping, in a bid to cleanse the skin and eliminate blackheads. It's a nifty trick that women all over the world use as a cheap, effective way to improve the skin. Now imagine doing that for your whole body - that's what a steam bath is like! Steam opens the pores, flushes out dirt and impurities, and leaves the skin feeling healthy and moisturised. As an added benefit, sufferers of skin conditions like acne and eczema report that regular use of a steam room has helped ease the problem.

Detox treatment

Used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of water, a steam room can be a great way to eliminate toxins from the body. The steam's heat stimulates the body's sweat glands, and as the pores open perspiration escapes through the skin, taking toxins with it. Sweating is a very important bodily function, and since steam makes the body perspire, it's a great way to encourage the body to heal itself by flushing out the materials it doesn't need.

David Shimeld is the owner of Marigot Beach Club Spa and Wellness Retreat, St Lucia's newest and most affordable health retreat. With accommodation starting at US$63 per room, per night, and a wide range of spa treatments to choose from, Marigot Beach Club is the must-visit destination for sun-seeking natural health enthusiasts.

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