To us, better living starts and ends in the luxury of your own custom spa. Adding a steam bath to your home offers you a relaxing timeout in your day whenever you wish. Not only does the steam offer relaxation of soothing heat, but research shows the added health benefits keep you feeling your best and improve your quality of life. Below are the top 5 ways steam can improve your wellbeing:
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Steam baths are great for reducing stress
The heat from the steam causes the body to release endorphins and other 'feel good' chemicals that counteract the harmful hormones caused by stress. The heat regulates the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when we’re stressed; too high levels of cortisol can lead to a number of health issues such as problems with the immune system and sleeping issues. Heat reduces the levels of cortisol in our blood and stimulates the production of serotonin. Serotonin is our “happy hormone” that makes us feel good and counteracts depression.
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Steam baths can help you sleep better
The heat, the silence, and the solitude will help you relax, and research has shown that a steam bathing session can have dramatic effects on sleeping patterns. By raising your body temperature in the steam bath just before it is time to go to bed, your heated body will automatically work to readjust its temperature afterward. It is this cooling-down and normalizing after the steam bath that will lull you off to sleep, leaving you calm and relaxed enough to sleep soundly through the night.
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Steam baths protect against common colds
Heat has a positive effect on our immune system, and regular heat exposure can significantly reduce the risk of catching common colds and the flu. As the heat boosts the blood circulation and stimulates the production of white blood cells, this helps to protect our bodies against viral and bacterial attacks.
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Steam can work miracles on your skin
Regular steam baths can have a transformative effect on your complexion. The heat, the sweating, and the increased circulation stimulates the production of collagen, and deeply cleans and rejuvenates your skin. Fifteen minutes in the steam room opens pores, increases sweating, stimulates circulation, and eliminates toxins. If you are looking to improve your skin, consistency is key. If you make steam bathing a regular routine, you will soon see a difference in your complexion.
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Steam baths can speed up weight loss
Frequent visits to the steam room can be a great complement to exercise if you want to lose weight. Heat helps you burn calories since the high temperature stimulates the calorie burn in the same way as when the body temperature is raised through physical activity. According to U.S. Army medical research (Ward Dean, M.D.), “A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories in the process.” The body consumes said calories due to the acceleration of heart activity (the cardiovascular section). As heart activity increases and as these processes demand more oxygen, the body begins to convert more calories into usable energy.