Why Heat is Good for the Body

The steam bath helps to promote false fever, a state of hyperthermia that increases the body’s temperature.  Vascular flow to the skin is increased and lymphatic detoxification begins as about 500 milliliters of water is lost in 30 minutes of steam bathing.  Raising the body’s temperature decreases muscular pain and joint stiffness, it also rallies an immune system response to any present illness by increasing the production of white blood cells.  Free radicals, viruses and unfriendly bacteria are slowed down and attacked while antibodies are produced.

By opening the bronchia and soothing the swelling of mucous membranes in the sinuses, respiratory diseases, coughing, sore throat and congestion can be greatly alleviated and sore muscles rested.

The skin, which is the largest organ of detoxification, is cleansed of sebaceous impurities and rehydrated.  Steam bathing the skin is greatly beneficial to a range of skin problems from teen acne to eczema and psoriasis, diseases of the immune system and especially in those cases where digestive elimination is problematic.

Massage Magazine
May 2012