Taking time out in steam filled environment, can provide quality respite to the skin in terms of tone, moisture and clarity. In a steam function shower, the user sets the required temperature and the generated hot water vapour fills the enclosure and the steam assists with opening of the skins pores and thus releasing toxins.

In this process, the heat from the steam increases both pulse and metabolism and also stimulates the cardiovascular system, producing an increase in heart beats per minute. With an expansion of the blood vessels too, this improves the flow of blood through the bodies veins and assists the skin in receiving essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins and oxygen. This process results in an improvement to the skin clarity and tone, often confirmed by an appearance of more radiant and younger skin.

From an appearance perspective, steam can also provide benefits in relation to hair care too as women are increasingly using steam for hair styling & treatment, making this humidity and frizz proof, producing faster results than conventional blow drying and iron methods.

As previously mentioned, the heat and warmth from using a steam shower improves the circulation of blood throughout the body which in turn, helps to relax muscles too. At stressful times or after a long day at work, this process also helps to alleviate tension.

As noted by a number of physicians, steam has been known for obtaining relief from arthritis and stiff joints, with research showing that heat therapy can reduce stiffness, pain and fatigue, as experienced by people suffering from ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. A number of health clubs and spas offer the use of aromatherapy oils with the steam and this can also be used and experienced in a home steam unit. Aromatherapy oils can be helpful with mind relaxation and is also known to aid better quality sleep and even help with insomnia.

For people who suffer from ailments like sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and other allergies of the lung, the use of steam is known to provide relief through reducing congestion and the inflammation in lungs, thus enabling breathing to become easier. Respiratory ailments benefit from the hot and moist air of the steam and is often recommended. 

In much the same way as having a fever, heat from the steam shower raises body temperature and when present viruses are normally eliminated by the body, fever is the result. At high body temperatures, viruses cannot survive and so fever is the naturual defense for the body against microorganisms. White blood cells and antibody production is in increased through higher body temperatures, with the white blood cells acting as a defense to attacks by diseases and illness, caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses

Other benefits of steam include a) Endoxins decreased - those toxins present in bacteria b) Interferon activity enhanced - the the protein manufactured by the body for defeating disease caused by microorganisms. d) Enzymes production increased e) High number of calories burned f) Cleanses the skins pores.

People Who Suffer With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Research Study Provides Results of Steam Bath Use.

It is indicated that in the UK, one in every 1000 people suffer from and are effected by ankylosing spondylitis. This is the disease that causes the spinal bones to fuse together and create inflammation.

Causing inflammation in the body joints, rheumatoid arthritis is known as a autoimmune disease and can result in serious damage to body tissues. It is estimated that 1% of the UK population are effected by rheumatoid arthritis and that more women than men, suffer from the disease.

In the research and from a state of complete hypothermia, those patients who suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis enjoyed the experience of heat and steam. It was mentioned that lesser pain was felt, together with enhanced levels of movement experienced. Other results and feedback from patients during the treatment included a) no inflammation was noted b) weight loss of 100gm to 400gm and c) reduced blood pressure.

Simply enjoying the benefits of steam, is not sufficient all on it's own for keeping the mind and body healthy and active. Certainly, the benefits as described above can make a huge difference but the various suggestions below, can help further in developing a far healthier lifestyle.

Cultivating positive thinking and being more optimistic.
Taking sufficient rest and periods of quietness and stillness
Having a regular exercise regime, daily or weekly.
Spending sometime outside in the sunshine daily.
Enjoying a good diet, eating healthy food that is fresh.
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.