Since the time of Roman baths, people have gravitated towards the healing power of steam and heat. The Mayans, as well, used sweat houses routinely for ceremonies as well as for good health as long as 3,000 years ago. We have long known that steam and sauna rooms facilitate relaxation and wellbeing for mind and body. Today, we also have medical, peer reviewed research that validates these benefits.

Tension

The application of heat, as we all experientially know, reduces and relaxes muscle discomfort. Medical, peer reviewed research has found that, in addition to relaxation and stress reduction, sauna and steam rooms can minimize joint discomfort by stimulating circulation that, in turn, reduces stiffness and increases range of motion. With immersion in heat, capillaries dilate aiding freer blood flow throughout the body.

Blood Regulation/Pressure

The heart responds to heat in other healthful ways. Even though skin temperature in a steam or sauna room will increase, a body’s interior temperature will normally stay below 100°. Yet the pulse rate can rise by 30 percent or more. This allows the heart to nearly double the amount it circulates to the body each minute. This serves to release aldosterone that regulates and lowers the body’s blood pressure.

Removes Toxins

The body’s metabolic toxins, as well as environmental toxins, are stored in fat cells and intercellular fluid. These toxins can accumulate within fatty tissue and have been linked to various diseases. Heat therapy helps increase metabolism, releasing toxins and helps burn fat. The heat from saunas and steam rooms also aids elimination of toxins through enhanced sweating and can lead to clearer skin.

Muscle Recovery

Workout pain, or delayed onset muscle soreness, can be treated with heat therapy in steam and sauna sessions. The heat penetrates muscle tissues, increasing blood flow, and thus provides relief. It has been found that moist heat may work even more quickly than dry heat when it comes to muscle recovery.

Opens Sinus Cavities and Other Health Concerns

Heat therapy from saunas and steam rooms can open sinuses and thin mucous membranes, encouraging deep breathing and help alleviate congestion. The body naturally raises its temperature in response to infection and it’s been found that raising body temperature artificially in steam and sauna rooms can also enhance our ability to destroy viruses, parasites and bacteria and to help fight chronic infections.

Please visit our Lifestyle page on www.steamdiego.com for more information on health benefits and links to medical, peer reviewed articles and other healthcare sites.

Next Steps

If you have been considering installing a sauna or steam room in San Diego County or the surrounding communities, there are many ways it can enhance your lifestyle and your health. Give us a call at SteamDiego at (619) 295-2780 to learn all the benefits that await you.