I am super lucky because my place of employment has a steam room. I am allowed to use it whenever I want (outside of my work hours, of course).
You know by now that I am a big believer in ‘You are what you eat’. Besides ensuring that I am eating the healthiest foods for my body and avoiding all chemicals on my skin, I also work on getting rid of toxins that are getting into my body.
We don’t always have complete control over the environment that we live in and can absorb many toxins on a daily basis… exhaust fumes, computers, other peoples’ chemicals from perfume/cologne, hairspray, lotion, dryer sheets, etc, fumes from paint, new carpet, new cars, etc. These toxins we breathe in and they can settle into our bodies, wreaking havoc on our systems.
I like the idea of regularly using a steam room or a sauna, to induce sweating and get rid of some of these ‘nasties’ that we don’t want inside of us. As little as 15 minutes, a few times per week, can benefit your health immensely.
In case you are not familiar with these beautiful rooms…
A sauna uses dry heat, whereas a steam bath uses high humidity – both open up pores to eliminate toxins through sweat, relieve joint pain, strengthen the immune system and improve blood circulation.
Heat above 160 degrees F, or 71 degrees C (often is much, much hotter than this) is the usual temperature in a dry sauna room.
A steam room has a lower temperature – not more than 110 degrees F or 43 degrees C, though the level of humidity is very high at 100 degrees.
Both places have the following benefits:
lower pulse and blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate
increase circulation and make you sweat
benefit cardiovascular health
promote healthy and deep sleep
heat gives pain relief and can help conditions caused by inflammation such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
relax muscles
generate feelings of calmness and relaxation
A steam room is excellent for any respiratory conditions.
clears sinuses and lung congestion
loosens and clears mucus from nose, chest and throat
Caution: A steam room may aggravate asthma
Caution is advised if you have heart and blood conditions (hypertension, low blood pressure, heart disease), if you are pregnant, have epilepsy or are under the influence of any mood-altering drugs.
About 10 years ago, I found that I had an overload of heavy metals in my body. Under the guidance of my Naturopath, I did chelation therapy. I also used the sauna every day for 1 hour. I did this for an entire year.
It was difficult at first. I could only stay in for about 10-15 minutes and then I needed a cold shower and a big glass of water. But I soon became accustomed and eventually would stay in for 30 minutes, take a long cold shower and then 30 minutes more. I drank a lot of water; before, during and after.
After a month or so, I actually started to sweat. I never used to sweat, even when I exercised. I saw this as an important change in my body.
After the year, I had more testing done and there was a significant decrease in the amount of heavy metals in my body. They were not 100% gone but definitely on the low end.
I use the steam room now. I enjoy both the steam room and the sauna. I would alternate between the two, if I could.
I know that there are many people out there who don’t believe that saunas and steam rooms are useful for detoxification, but I disagree. When used safely and properly, I believe that all ages can benefit. Saunas and steam rooms have been around for centuries. Even if it is only for relaxation and stress relief; that is a detox in itself.
Thanks for reading!