Steam has been put to use for a wide variety of purposes throughout the course of history. In our day-to-day lives, we make extensive use of steam for a variety of activities, including the operation of machinery, the preparation of food, and the cleaning of surfaces.
Steaming has been adopted as a social ritual in many different cultures all over the world as a means to recreate and connect with people.
However, people quickly came to the realization that the possible benefits of taking a steam bath go beyond only resting and relaxing.
In point of fact, it has the potential to improve one’s health in a variety of ways, including the promotion of better circulation, a reduction in stress, and smoother skin, among many other potential benefits.
You no longer have to go to a spa or a gym to reap the benefits of taking a steam bath because contemporary technology has made it possible to do so at home.
An experience similar to that of a spa can be had right in the privacy and convenience of one’s own home by installing a residential steam shower by a professional company.
Functionalities & Benefits Of Steam Shower
A steam shower is really just an enclosure; it is sealed off in such a way that it does not allow any of the moisture in the shower to escape.
Stepping into the steam shower and pressing one button on the control panel of the shower are the only requirements for using the steam shower.
This turns on the steam generator in the shower, which subsequently brings the water temperature up to a boil.
The steam produced by the boiled water is directed through the system of the shower until it emerges from the steam head, which results in the shower being filled with a delightful mist of steam.
The digital controls that are standard on today’s steam showers make it simple for the user to turn on the shower, customize the amount of time that it will run, and make adjustments to the temperature settings.
Some models come with optional additions like the following:
- Sound systems that are hardwired into the building and provide users with the ability to listen to music
- The capacity to infuse the shower with a variety of aromas.
- Ambiance lighting
- After you are done taking a steam shower, you can switch to the regular shower heads for a short rinse.
In comparison to saunas and similar types of spa fixtures, steam showers offer a number of different benefits.
When you turn on a steam shower, it begins functioning instantly, so you don’t need to wait for the steam to begin pouring before getting in there. To begin, all you have to do is push the button.
Because the water needs to be heated to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the user is able to enjoy an opulent sensation without running the risk of being burned or exposed to any other dangers.
In addition, steam showers are easier on the wallet because they use less water. A typical shower can use up to 50 gallons of water in just 20 minutes, whereas a steam shower uses only approximately 2 gallons in the same amount of time.
A steam shower uses far less water than a traditional shower. This is one of the reasons why more and more architects and interior designers are beginning to incorporate them into eco-friendly home designs.
Better Blood Circulation
More than 635,000 individuals per year lose their lives to cardiovascular disease, making it the main cause of mortality in the United States.
Because of this, it is extremely important to protect your cardiovascular health, which is something that is easier to achieve than you might believe.
According to the findings of a study that was conducted in 2012, taking a soothing steam shower can improvise blood circulation and consequently, the health of the heart by increasing blood flow throughout the body.
According to the Mayo Clinic, lower blood pressure is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease.
A separate study demonstrated that in certain circumstances, wet heat can also lower blood pressure. Therefore, you should do your ticker a favor and treat yourself to a steam shower.
Detoxification
Toxins can be found in the environment around you, including the air you inhale, the food you consume, and even the medication you take.
There are a couple of these toxins that can be avoided, but there are others that simply can’t be. The use of a steam shower, which induces sweating, provides a welcome relief from the unpleasant side effects of toxin elimination.
For instance, a study that was conducted in 2016 came to the conclusion that induced perspiration, such as that which occurs as a result of steam bathing, may be a viable method of removing some pesticides from the body.
Stress is a further less tangible toxin that needs to be taken into consideration.
Whether it is the consequence of pressure at work, financial strain, or challenges within a relationship, stress can create havoc on your body in the form of headaches, muscular tension, chest pain, exhaustion, stomach upset, and problems sleeping, amongst other symptoms.
What’s the upbeat report? The Mayo Clinic cites hydrotherapy, which encompasses steam bathing as one of its particular examples of a relaxing method that can assist with the management of stress.
Healthy Skin
As the largest organ in your body, your skin has a significant impact on your overall health.
Things like UV radiation and outdoor air pollutants can lead to a buildup of dirt and dead skin cells, along with calloused, dry, or otherwise damaged or irritated skin.
Softening and removing some of those layers is an excellent way to improve skin health. Experts say that steam loosens dirt and other impurities from the skin as well as induces sweating, which flushes out pores.
According to Akhavan, freshly cleaned pores are more able to absorb active components like retinol-based treatments or prescription ointment from your doctor.
Only take a 20-minute steam shower to avoid dehydration. Cool down slowly and rehydrate yourself with plenty of water afterward.
Sound Sleep
More than a third of American people aren’t getting the necessary amount or quality of sleep each night, as reported by the CDC.
According to Dr. Eric J. Olson of the Mayo Clinic, not getting enough sleep can lead to a number of unfavorable effects, including an increased likelihood of becoming ill more frequently as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
A steam bath is one of the many things you may do to increase the quality of your sleep; however, there are other things you can do as well.
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, taking a steam bath before bed can help enhance sleep quality, in addition to reducing stress, alleviating muscle stiffness, and raising energy levels.
Because it encourages decongestion, it also has the potential to help those of us who snore.
Before going to bed, taking a steam bath can assist to cleanse the nasal passages, which in turn can help you relax and feel more at ease, as stated by Dr. Michael J. Breus.
Exercise Recovery
It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional athlete or just someone who goes to the gym once in a while; the process of taking a steam bath can provide enormous benefits for your workouts.
Matt Weik, a qualified strength and conditioning professional, claims that using steam after a workout can assist in the recovery process by helping to relax tight joints and muscles and by easing the pain associated with soreness.
In addition, Tom Holland, an exercise physiologist who is also an author, suggests taking a steam shower after a workout in order to ease muscle tension and relax.
Think of it as a reward for the hard work you’ve put in.
Clearer Skin
Steaming your face for as little as twenty minutes once a week will help enhance the tone and clarity of your skin.
The dead skin cells, bacteria, and debris that collect in the uppermost layers of the skin are removed from the surface of your body when you use steam to wash your face since it also causes you to perspire more.
As a consequence, there was a reduction in the number of blackheads and other imperfections. Additionally, taking a steam shower will soften your hair, which will make it more convenient to shave without the chance of getting a razor burn.
Better Blood Circulation
The steam shower or moist heat of the spa can dilate your blood vessels, which will result in a natural reduction in your blood pressure.
Because of this, your blood flow increases, which in turn improves your circulation more generally. Because of this improvement in circulation, more oxygen is delivered to your cells, which in turn helps maintain the health of your arteries.
When you make taking a steam shower a regular part of your routine, you will likely notice an improvement in the way your muscles perform. In addition, the improved blood flow will be beneficial to your heart.
Easier Breathing
If you have chronic sinus congestion, you probably know that a steam shower can help relieve your symptoms by opening up your sinuses and providing you with the relief you’ve been searching for.
Just for a moment, picture yourself submerging yourself in soothing steam on a daily basis and appreciating the relief it can provide to your respiratory system.
Recovery From Exercise
After a strenuous game or training, it’s common practice for elite players to go straight to the sauna or steam shower to relax and recover.
During exercise, waste products from metabolism accumulate in your muscles; this is the actual cause of the muscle soreness you experience after a vigorous workout.
Taking a shower in a steam room can assist your body in getting rid of this waste, and it’s much more effective if you combine the steam with a cold bath or shower afterward to stimulate your capillaries and get them working on pushing the waste out of your muscles.
Stress Relief
Considering the fact that taking a steam shower can really be calming, purchasing one should definitely be on your list of priorities.
Simply experiencing the heat permeating your muscles is enough to release any tension that may be present.
Before you sleep, try taking a shower in the bathroom that’s filled with steam. This will help you get a better night’s sleep.
Not only does the heat of the steam cause an increase in blood circulation, which relaxes your muscles, but it also causes endorphins to be released in your brain, which helps you feel calmer on a mental and emotional level.
Why Do People Love Steam Showers?
Homeowners are interested in steam showers for a variety of reasons, some of which are not mentioned above, such as the benefits that they provide.
The average person will have a considerably more difficult time affording a day at the spa because of the additional costs involved as well as the additional time required for travel.
By recreating certain aspects of the spa environment within the confines of the home, time-pressed homeowners can more easily make time for a proper spa experience while also realizing cost savings.
When compared to the costs of day tickets or annual memberships at a spa, the cost of installing a steam shower is a single-time expense.
The popularity of steam showers, in particular, can be attributed to the fact that, in comparison to saunas and steam rooms, these particular units are more compact.
A steam shower requires only approximately the same amount of area as a large walk-in shower, so you won’t need to dedicate an entire room to housing the fixture.
Because steam showers are more compact than traditional showers, the homeowner will spend less time cleaning and maintaining their new shower.
The homeowner can reap all the rewards of a day at the spa without leaving the comfort of his or her own house for the relatively low cost of installing a steam shower.
The numerous advantages of steam showers make it simple to comprehend why those fixtures have started to turn into a priority among homeowners and people who are considering making a purchase of a home in the near future.
Choosing A Steam Shower
Purchasing a kit of steam showers that are already assembled is one of the most convenient ways to experience the benefits of a steam shower in your home.
Because these prefabricated units can be installed in a short amount of time and, in most cases, are designed to fit directly into the footprint that is already occupied by your bathtub or shower, installation does not require major modification.
These shower units are designed to connect easily to the plumbing that is already in your home. Another choice is to install a steam generator in the heart of a custom steam shower that you have created yourself.
Altering your shower door to one that creates a seal and installing a steam generator are two simple steps you may take if you choose to go this path. Alternatively, you can add additional features like rainfall shower heads.
A luxury steam shower of the highest caliber may come equipped with features such as aromatherapy, watertight entertainment systems, ambiance lighting, waterfalls, and various water jets.
Final Verdict
Showers with a built-in steam generator are much more than a mere luxury perk. They have the potential to be an effective means of enhancing health and well-being, thereby making it possible for you to lead a more active and better lifestyle.
Even if you turn the temperature up to its highest setting, a steam shower is not the same as a regular shower. As a result of the distinctive operation of steam showers, the subsequent experience is not the same.
