It feels good to relax in the steam room, but does this really have benefits aside from a sense of contentment or fulfillment after staying inside for a few minutes?
Benefits of Using a Steam Room
Steam therapy has become popular these days, thanks to easy access to these rooms in spa facilities. But you can also build a steam room at home.
Whether you’re using a DIY steam room at home or one from a spa facility, you can get the following benefits:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved circulation
- Cleared nasal congestion
- Improved skin health
- Relaxation
- Relief from joint stiffness
- Workout recovery
- Reduced stress
- Boosted immune system
- Possible weight loss (the heat helps burn calories)
How to Maximize Steam Room Benefits
Using a steam room has plenty of benefits, but you can maximize these if you do the following:
- Shower first
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water before entering the steam room and while inside
- Use in regulation (don’t do it every single day; once or twice a week is fine)
- Don’t stay longer than 15 minutes
- Don’t use a public steam room if you’re sick
- Don’t drink alcohol before and during your steam room session
Risks of Steam Rooms
Steam rooms reach temperatures of around 110 degrees Fahrenheit or 43.3 degrees Celsius. In contrast, room temperature is usually 20 to 27 degrees Celsius or 68 to 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
That’s why it’s not advisable to stay inside a steam room for longer than 15 minutes. Prolonged exposure to heat can disrupt your body’s normal function. If you’re feeling dizzy or have headaches inside the steam room, get out immediately.
People with these conditions are also advised against using a steam room without medical approval and supervision:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart rhythm problems
- History of a stroke
- History of TIA (transient ischemic attack)
- Low blood pressure