Benefits of Steam Shower Systems
If you’ve ever been to a spa, you know how luxurious steam showers can feel. These enclosures completely seal at the press of the button, leaving you to enjoy the warm, soothing moisture. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until your next spa day to experience a rejuvenating steam shower. As exclusive as they might seem, these enclosures are available for homeowners to install.
Those hesitant to install an at-home steam shower just have to look at the advantages. Despite the initial investment it requires, this enclosure is a relatively affordable way to unwind after a long day and reap several health benefits. Here at Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co., we have plenty of experience with these installations and are well aware of why homeowners love them. Read on to discover the many benefits of at-home steam showers, including how they can help you prioritize your health.
Clear Nasal Passages
It’s common for people to experience a stuffy nose as the result of inflammation in sinus blood vessels. You might experience this symptom if you have a cold, the flu, a sinus infection, seasonal allergies, or even bronchitis. Regardless of the cause, a stuffy nose can be uncomfortable and make it challenging to breathe properly. A popular remedy for a stuffy nose is steam therapy, which involves you breathing water vapor through your nose. The warm, moist air helps loosen mucus in your nose, throat, and lungs. It can also soothe the swollen blood vessels in your sinuses.
Installing a steam shower in your home gives you constant access to this remedy for stuffy noses. While the steam won’t completely alleviate your allergies, cure your cold, or make your flu go away faster, it can provide temporary relief. The steam helps thin mucus, making it much easier to clear from your sinuses. You might also notice that it’s easier to breathe and experience relief from other symptoms like a headache, throat irritation, or a dry cough.
Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a condition in which your blood consistently pushes against the walls of your blood vessels with too much force. This excessive pressure leads to damage to the delicate artery tissues and can lead to the formation of plaque. It also causes your arteries to thin, resulting in your blood pressure to keep rising. One way to counteract this thinning of the artery walls is through a steam shower.
The warmth helps arteries and vessels naturally expand to improve the flow of your circulatory system and decrease your overall blood pressure. It also releases the hormone aldosterone, which can help regulate your blood pressure. While a steam shower isn’t a cure for high blood pressure, it can help you manage this condition in combination with exercise, a healthy diet, and medication from your doctor.
Loosens Stiff Joints
It’s normal for people to experience stiff joints as a result of aging or excessive exercise. This pain can be uncomfortable, impact your athletic performance, or even make it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks. Many people find relief for their joint pain through steam showers, as the water vapor helps reduce the tension on your joints and cartilage. The increased flexibility helps your joints feel more relaxed and produces results similar to stretching. Consider hopping in the steam shower whenever your joint pain flares up or before a workout to prepare your body for the necessary movements.
Facilitates Exercise Recovery
While it’s important to prepare your body for exercise, recovering afterward is just as important. Athletes often experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is the pain you feel after a workout. This soreness can make it uncomfortable to navigate your daily life and affect your ability to continue exercising. The moist heat from a steam shower can penetrate deep into muscle tissue to minimize the effects of DOMS. Additionally, the warmth opens capillaries to increase blood flow and remove the buildup of metabolic waste in your muscles.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Your skin faces repeated exposure to air pollutants, ultraviolet radiation, and other factors that can lead to damage. In addition to your skin becoming dry and calloused, it can accumulate layers of dirt and dead cells. Removing some of these layers helps your skin remain clear by making room for healthy cells. One way to freshen up your skin is through a steam shower. The steam loosens contaminants and causes you to sweat, which helps clean out your pores. People often experience a smooth, healthy glow and reduced occurrence of pimples and blackheads.
After you step out of a steam shower, consider immediately applying the products that are part of your normal skin care routine. Your open pores will be better able to absorb the active ingredients in various skin creams. You can also ensure your skin stays hydrated by limiting your steam showers to 20 minutes and drinking lots of water.
Minimize Razor Burn
If you want to have a smooth shaving experience, consider taking a steam shower before you pick up your razor. The warmth and moisture help prepare your skin for shaving by shedding dead cells and softening hair follicles.
Detoxifies the Body
Because the air we breathe and the food, water, and medications we consume can contain toxins, unnatural pollutants may build up in our bodies over time. One way to detoxify your body is through a steam shower. The warmth facilitates sweat, which can help remove toxins through the skin.
Reduces Stress
All the benefits of a steam shower culminate in reduced stress. Because a steam shower opens the airways to promote better breathing, improves blood flow, and loosens joints, there’s no doubt that it promotes relaxation. A steam shower can even help you sleep better, especially if you install extras like ambient mood lighting and piped-in sound systems.
As this guide has demonstrated, the benefits of a steam shower make it well worth the cost. Be sure to contact Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. when you’re ready to install one of these enclosures in your home. Our team will match you with the perfect fixture and take care of the entire installation process.
Photo Credit: Western 1332 Master Bath Steam Shower by Kendyl Young is licensed with CC BY 2.0