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Benefits of Owning a Steam Shower

Steam showers are the latest luxury created for homeowners who wish to transform an ordinary bathroom into a pampering spa. The idea? Steam is good – and good for you.

Perhaps it wasn't just overwhelming military might, wealth, ambition and higher cultural intelligence that led to the dominance of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Turks after all. Maybe what helped fuel the success of these empires was simple steam, a secret weapon of sorts used abundantly by the people of these bygone dynasties to cleanse the body and mind, as evidenced by the prevalence of bathhouses and steam rooms in ancient times.

Today, steam is more popular than ever as a salve for the body and mind. But the health club sauna isn't the only place to bask in the benefits of hot water vapor. You can build a personal steam shower in your own home for a lot less than you might think.

"Steam showers are growing in popularity because they offer homeowners a combination of therapeutic benefits, all in one convenient unit," says Anson Moore, director of brand marketing for Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath. "Homeowners who lead busy lives really appreciate the soothing relaxation that steam showers provide. It's a great feeling to come home after a long day or a tough workout and get into your own steam environment."

As a residential product, steam showers have been on the market for roughly the last 20 years, according to Michael A. Menn, a partner with Design Construction Concepts, Ltd., a Northbrook, Ill.-based remodeling firm.

"Because people are willing to spend more money on themselves in recent years, the addition of steam showers in homes has grown exponentially," Menn says. "The steam shower is one of those personal indulgences that most people only used at the health club. Now, they're more affordable and can be combined with a regular shower."

"There has been a shift in focus in today's bathroom from the tub and whirlpool being the focal point of the bathroom to the shower becoming the focal point," says Dan Reinert, vice president of Sussman Lifestyle Group, the Long Island City, N.Y.-based manufacturer of high-end steam and sauna products such as MrSteam steam showers. "Showers are becoming larger and more elaborate. Consumers are looking for more accessories to add to the shower." For many, a steam generator is just the ticket.

Good for the body and the soul

The inhalation of steam has long been known as an effective respiratory therapy, helping to treat ailments like the common cold, asthma, allergies, sinusitis and bronchitis. But steam also provides other health benefits.

First, steam, which typically is set at a surface temperature not in excess of 125 degrees F, triggers the body temperature to rise above its normal 98.6 degrees F, creating a state of hyperthermia. Hyperthermia activates the hypothalamus, which produces an artificial fever. Scientists believe the higher temperature stimulates the immune system by boosting the amount of white blood cells in the body and expanding the production of antibodies and interferon. Cellular growth and activity is also stimulated by steam's ability to increase blood flow to the skin.

Thanks to the increased body heat, the body's chemical processes are accelerated, causing skin pores to open up and sweat glands to excrete. Because the perspiration doesn't easily evaporate in a steam shower, the body is able to maintain the extra body heat required for the flushing of toxins and the boosting of the immune system.

What's more, the heat from steam aids the cardiovascular system by increasing blood flow and circulation due to expansion of blood vessels in the skin. A steam shower following exercise reduces the lactic acids in muscles responsible for soreness. Additionally, steam moisturizes and deep cleans the skin and can provide relief for sufferers of psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.

Perhaps most important of all, steam helps the body relax and fight stress to make you look and feel younger.