Spa, sauna, steam shower and hydrotherapy health benefits

Using water, hot air, or steam based treatments can have a number of health benefits that range from physical therapy to mental relaxation. These benefits are gaining recognition in the medical profession and their use is increasing as more health Spas and Spa hotels start to include hydrotherapy based facilities and treatment rooms.

The most popular and widely available therapies include hydrotherapy treatments like water Spas and Jacuzzis, and heat treatments gained from using sauna rooms and steam shower rooms.

The advantages that different hydrotherapy and heat treatments can confer on the recipient vary, but the main ones are listed below. (Not all of these benefits are applicable to all of the different therapies and not all have been medically substantiated.)

Benefits

• Relaxation of the muscles and the mind resulting from the soothing effect of the treatment.
• Massage (through the pressure of water or air and water jets).
• Detoxification (speeding up the removal of toxins, e.g. alcohol, from the body).
• Opening of the pores (encouraging sweating and detoxification).
• Hydration of the skin.
• Exfoliation of the skin (speeding up the removal of dead skin cells).
• Conditioning of the skin (leading to a healthier feeling skin).
• Easing of pain and aches (this can include chronic conditions like arthritis).
• Increased circulation.
• Increased heart rate (which can help cardiovascular function – claimed).
• Improved respiration and clearing of the airwaves.
• Improved recovery rates from certain injuries (primarily muscular).
• The use of hyperthermia (treating with heat) to help boost the immune system.
• Weight loss (due to increased levels of sweating).
• A claimed reduction in wrinkles and anti aging.
• The easing of cold, flu and other respiratory symptoms.

For more specific details of the health benefits that each type of therapy has, e.g. taking a sauna, use the main section menu to find out more about that particular therapy or treatment.

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