Congestion
Steam loosens mucus and phlegm. This can help you blow your nose better and
clear congestion. It can be useful during allergy season or when you have a cough or cold. A
steamy shower is especially helpful for children, rather than using a bowl of steam that can cause
scalding.
Improving skin health
Steam opens your pores and cleanses your skin. It can help loosen any
dirt and debris buildup, which can help improve the appearance of your skin.
Lowers blood pressure
The heat in a steam room can dilate, or enlarge, your blood vessels. This
helps move blood from your core to your skin, which can lower your blood pressure. Your body
will then compensate by raising your heart rate.
Improves circulation
Sitting in a steam room can help your circulation. The heat significantly
changes circulation in your skin by dilating blood vessels and moving blood toward the skin’s
surface.
Bronchitis
Inhaling steam can loosen phlegm. It can also help reduce breathing troubles
during bronchitis.
Workout recovery
Sore muscles are a side effect of workouts. Moist heat can help relieve pain
and lower muscle damage. Steam rooms might offer some relief by increasing blood flow
to muscles.
Experts used to think that these heated rooms only moved blood to the skin. However, they also
shift blood from your core into your muscles. More blood flow might help wash away the waste
products your body produces during exercise that can cause muscle damage.
Stiff joints
Because heat can increase blood flow, sitting in a steam room can help loosen up
your joints and relieve stiffness. This is similar to warming up before your workout. Dilating your
blood vessels allows more blood, nutrients, and oxygen to be delivered to any injured sites.
Better circulation means loosened muscles and joints.
