The proper use of the steam room may have certain health benefits, and may not leave you as sweltering as when you walked into the gym.
A steam room differs from a sauna in two ways: humidity and lower ambient heat. The lower temperature of the steam room may be more tolerable to some people who may not enjoy the sauna.
The combination of steam and heat opens pores, temporarily increases metabolism, and may eliminate toxins through perspiration. And, of course, the warmth loosens sore muscles and joints.
One misconception about the detoxifying effects of steam is that it will cure a hangover. During a hangover, the body is dehydrated – and the heat may intensify symptoms of dehydration such as thirst, headaches, nausea and dizziness. If the steam room is your therapy of choice on the morning after, proceed cautiously. More likely than not, it’s the shower after steaming that produces relief.
Before steaming, the bather should take a warm shower to acclimatize the skin to the temperature of the steam room. The bather should not sit in the steam room for longer than 15 minutes at a time, and after steaming, take a cool shower or cold water dip. After showering, the skin should feel tingly and fresh. Contrary to what you might think, the cooling effect of showering after a hot steam bath may actually be the perfect antidote to the summer humidity!
This article is adapted from a www.examinar.com June 12 article by Miguel de Baca.