A Tip For Personal Growth

The therapeutic use of water, broadly termed as hydrotherapy, has been used for centuries across many cultures. Hydrotherapy in the form of steam baths, saunas, sulfur baths, soaks with essential oil or Epsom salts, wraps, sponge baths and compresses are used in modern medical practice and alternative therapy. Hydrotherapy using tepid water decreases fever, but you don’t have to be sore or sick to enjoy the pleasing sensation – in fact you can add this to your daily regimen for wellness simply because you feel great, clean, calm and revitalized.

Steam bath is rather straightforward – it simply means an enclosed room filled with steam to induce heavy perspiration. Steam bath in particular is a natural, gentle and safe way to relax and is used as complementary treatment for many medical conditions like earache and arthritis.  Unlike saunas, the heat is not overwhelming and the moist vapors you breathe in actually do wonders for your clogged sinuses. So make sure to include this in your personal growth plan.

How Does It Work?

The heat from the steam draws blood to the surface of the skin which is interpreted in Chinese Medicine as stimulation of life force or qi. This increased blood (energy) flow causes immune cells to circulate, and brings pain relief especially when the steam bath session is concluded with a shower. Cooler water closes the pores so that toxins are not absorbed by the body. For best results it can be followed by a soothing whole body massage; a practice observed for “Turkish baths”.

Uses and Benefits of Steam Bath

When you were a child your mother, an instinctive “naturopath” may have placed you in a steamy bathroom, albeit a crude but effective steam bath to soothe a hacking  cough. As an adult you might have found the steamy bath a “cool” way to unwind and de-fog your mind from daily pressures. Apart from providing pleasure and relaxation, steam baths are used to:

v  Induce sweat so that the body is detoxified of by-products that are eliminated through the open pores of the skin

v  Improve circulation of blood and lymph

v  Relieve soreness (muscles and joints)

v  Local pain relief for musculoskeletal injuries, especially when used with massage therapy

v  Reduce inflammation

v  Hydrate the skin

v  Loosen secretions

v  Ease pain or discomfort by opening up congested sinuses

v  Relieve asthma and dry cough (croup)

v  Soothe pain and itchiness arising from certain skin conditions like allergy and psoriasis

v  Boost immunity

v  Manage stress

v  Relieve fatigue

v  Causes deeper sleep so you wake up energized and rejuvenated.

These are just a few reasons why this is useful for personal growth.

What it does not do is cause lasting weight loss. The water lost is temporary and is replaced as soon as you drink or eat. Let your own body be the guide – if it’s uncomfortable then the temperature is too high; too low and you might not be able to maximize the benefits especially when you have a respiratory condition.

You don’t need to go to a spa to enjoy the healthy benefits of a steam bath. In fact, you can turn the bathroom into a makeshift spa within the comfort and privacy of your own home. Maximize effects by lighting naturally scented candles and add a few drops of jasmine, ylang-ylang or lavender to virgin coconut oil for the ultimate detox experience.

 

As always, Love Deep, Eat Well, and stay excited about your life,

 

Mark E. Bertrand

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