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Wellness trends that influence and empower individuals to embrace mind-and-body benefits feel especially vital in our post-pandemic(ish) world. After all, we learned the hard way that looking after our mental and physical wellbeing is most essential.
From mindful, plant-based eating and revitalizing walks to get away from our families soothe cabin fever, to watching Netflix documentaries on the world of psychedelic wellness, we’re digging deeper into what it means to live well.
The popularity of home steam showers has skyrocketed in recent years, and they’re well worth the investment. Listings mentioning steam showers have the potential to sell for 30 percent above expected values. But the question remains: are steam showers actually good for your health? These signs point to yes!
Benefits of Steam Therapy for Physical Health
As they say, there’s nothing new under the sun. For centuries, the benefits of steam have been embraced by cultures across the globe. From Native American sweat lodges to modern-day steam showers, steam therapy has stood the test of time.
Promotes Optimal Breathing and Opens Nasal Passages
We all want to breathe easier. Breathwork is another practice that is thousands of years old, and is a key modality when it comes to physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
The warm, moist air produced by steam showers may loosen mucus and phlegm and help you maintain an optimal breathing state. In addition, steam therapy may provide temporary relief of respiratory symptoms and promote sinus drainage by acting as a natural expectorant.
Loosens Stiff Muscles and Promotes Flexibility
You would be wise to enjoy a steam session after your next HIIT workout. One study found that moist heat may help reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), meaning you might spend less time nursing achy legs and more time enjoying the benefits of your hard work.
Supports the Removal of Toxins from the Body
Ever feel like you need to hit the reset button? It may be time to sweat it out. The ancients had it right; the physiological process of sweating has long been known for its cleansing properties.
Today more than ever we are bombarded by toxins in our environment, and exposure is inevitable. One study found that a serious sweat response may remove some heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury. In addition, steam therapy encourages deep breathing, which means that more oxygen is entering the body and more toxins may be exhaled.
Cleanses and Hydrates Skin while Opening Pores
A good steam session helps maintain healthy skin. The hard keratinocyte outer layer is softened – thus sloughing off dead cells and helping to keep skin looking fresh. Steam supports hydration in the skin by promoting circulation. Opening the pores can release bacteria and trapped sebum, helping you to maintain your youthful glow.
How Can Steam Therapy Support Mental Health?
Need 20 minutes of bliss? Same. The potential benefits of steam therapy extend from the physical to the mental and spiritual realms, providing a holistic approach to wellness in less time than it takes you to finish your afternoon tea.
Encourages Relaxation and Helps Relieve Stress
It’s no secret - chronic stress may put your health at risk. A prolonged stress response increases cortisol in the body, which can lead to a cocktail of convoluted physical issues. Some health practitioners say stress has as significant negative impact on your wellbeing, and a growing body of research suggests that the effects of stress can be passed from one generation to the next.
Steam therapy helps promote relaxation as the sweat function, deep breathing, and potential improved circulation team up to expel toxins from your body, keeping you in a state of Zen.
May Help Promote Deep, Restful Sleep
Sleep deprivation is estimated to affect around one-third of American adults, and that number seems to be growing. Barking dogs and teething toddlers aside, sleep disturbance can be caused by any number of preventable factors. Excessive screen time, poor lifestyle choices (such as caffeine and tobacco consumption), and elevated stress can all be managed to promote your best sleep ever.
Establishing a bedtime routine to include steam may help you get your zzzs. Steam showers provide a place for rest and renewal to help clear the mind and block out the stressors of the day. Add aromatherapy oils with sleep benefits, such as lavender, for an extra nudge toward a peaceful slumber.
Full Steam Ahead
Although the therapeutic and wellness aspects of steam have been known since ancient times, today’s steam showers allow you to enjoy the benefits of intermittent heat therapy in the privacy and comfort of your home. Regular sessions in your very own steam shower provides a space to relax, recharge, and restore the balance that we all seek in this modern, busy world. Slow down and steam on.
