Using a steam room can improve circulation, reduce sinus congestion, and aid muscular recovery from exercise.
A steam room is a heated room that people use to relax and relieve some medical conditions. Gyms or spas often have a steam room. A steam room is created when a water-filled generator pumps steam into an enclosed space, creating moisture in the air.
The temperature inside a steam room is generally around 100–110°F with a high humidity level.
Sitting in a steam room has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system, particularly in older people.
A 2012 studyTrusted Source found that moist heat, such as that provided by a steam room, can improve circulation by dilating the small blood vessels or capillaries. This allows blood to flow more easily and transport oxygen around the body.
Steam room therapy can also help reduce blood pressure, keep the heart healthier, and help repair broken skin tissue caused by wounds, such as ulcers.
Both steam rooms and saunas will make a person sweat due to the heat. The sweating opens up the pores and helps cleanse the outer skin.
Warm condensation will help rinse away dirt and dead skin and may help treat acne.
However, unlike a sauna, a steam room also helps remove the toxins trapped below the skin.
A person’s muscles will often feel sore after a workout. This pain is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It is important to relax the muscles after exercise to promote a quick and problem-free recovery.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source showed that the immediate application of moist heat after a workout helped reduce pain and preserve muscle strength. The heat soothes nerve endings and relaxes the muscles.
Using a steam room before a workout can help loosen up the joints and increase flexibility, just as a pre-workout warm-up does.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source showed that applying moist heat to a joint had healing benefits similar to using dry heat, but the application time was much shorter.
Steam rooms can also help reduce joint pain.
Users should be mindful of possible bacteria and fungi that may thrive in warm, humid environments. Always wear footwear in a steam room.