What is Steambath Therapy?

A Steam bath is a steam-filled room for the purpose of relaxation and cleansing. Steam bath has been used since ancient times as a traditional healing system all over the world. Finnish saunas, Turkish baths, and Japanese steam rooms are some of the traditional types of Steam bath. 

Steam therapy in Ayurveda is known as Swedana. It is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that customarily follows the Abhyanga treatment. In Ayurvedic medicine, the term ‘Swedana’ concerns the treatment which involves sweating. This procedure is used to relieve excess doshas or toxins from the body. This helps the person to establish a state of balance and also promote general health and well being.

Steam Bath Procedure

Steam Bath in Ayurveda is a treatment wherein a person sits inside a box keeping their head out. This box contains a blend of herbs and medicinal leaves. The person sits in the steam box which is filled with herb-infused steam for about ten minutes to a half-hour. The herbs are added to the Steam bath therapy according to the individual’s state of body dosha balance. This ayurvedic therapy helps to push the herbal oil more profoundly through the layers of the skin. The sweating helps to remove toxins. 

As the skin acts as a doorway for the elimination of toxins, it is also referred to as the “third kidney” of the human body. When a person undergoes Steam Bath, the heat of steam quickens the chemical processes inside the body to expel the accumulated toxins out of the body.  Millions of sweat glands make a passage for the elimination of metabolic and other waste products. All this makes Steam Bath therapy an effective ayurvedic therapy that helps kidneys and liver in detoxification of the body.

The ayurvedic Steam Bath is a truly enjoyable and rejuvenating experience for an individual. It results in the release of endorphins which make the individual relax absolutely in an untroubled and blissful state of being. The herbs that are utilized in the steam helps to eliminate the toxins, soften the muscles and also support the increase of healthy blood circulation. To rehydrate and cool the person’s body, room temperature cooling teas like hibiscus or rose-mint will be provided.

Types of Swedana or Steam bath therapy

Steam Bath Therapy in Ayurveda is defined in two distinct types according to the technique employed for inducing perspiration. 

Bashpa Swedana

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The method of inducing sweat is done by making the person sit inside an antechamber for a medicated steam bath. It is most powerful when undergone after a full body oil massage. This is because the skin will be prepared with oil and will be more susceptible to absorbing the herbal steam.

Nadi Swedana 

The steam is generated from a boiling medicinal decoction and is directed towards a specific part of the body. Nadi Swedana focuses on stiff joints or energy channels that help clear pathways and reduce inflammation.

Steps involved in a Steam Bath

1- Preparing for Steam Bath

• Drink plenty of water before entering the bath. 
• Avoid food for an hour before your bath.
• Stretch your body before the bath. 

2- Using the Bath Correctly 

• Take a shower.
• Wear a light cotton towel.
• Ensure you have enough time to fully relax. 
• Relax in the bath.
• Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. 
• Drink plenty of water during the bath.
• Stay in the steam room for 5 to 20 minutes.

3- Recovering from the Steam Bath

• Cooldown slowly with water and air.
• Take another shower.
• Relax for a few minutes.

Therapeutic benefits of Steam Therapy

Steam bath therapy is a completely herbal naturopathy procedure with no side effects. Steam bath uses steam as its medium of cleansing which is one of the purest forms of water. Water is a universal solvent, has the capacity to clean our body inside out making way for a healthier and happier us. It will help us to rejuvenate and revitalize our mind, body, and soul.

Removal Of Toxins

It is very effective to eliminate impurities from the body and it improves the tone of the body. This ancient ayurvedic steam bath therapy drains the toxins from deep tissues. When the body sweats, the toxins present in the body move out through the skin. It Clears the body channels and Eliminates toxins through the pores of the skin along with sweat. It plays a very good role in maintaining the balance of Vata and Kapha doshas.

Improves Blood Circulation In The Body

The main purpose of the Ayurvedic Steam Bath is to increase body temperature. This results in the dilation of the channel system leading to an increase in circulation. It gives a feel of body relaxation. It’s a servicing of the body resulting in the improved activity of sensory organs.

Reducing Weight

Steam Therapy also helps to reduce weight. The sweating reduces the fat tissues present in the body and thereby assists in weight loss. Alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan, the use of a steam room can help burn calories thereby reducing fat in the body.

Benefits The Skin

Steam Therapy helps to keep your skin healthy and glowing. It also removes skin acne by cleansing and dilating the pores present in the skin and also washing out the accumulation of acne. It also helps to slow down the aging process of the skin and also drooping of the skin by stimulating it. It helps to beautify the skin by removing toxins from the body.

Cleansing Of Respiratory System

This ancient therapy gives relief to individuals suffering from asthma and allergies. By inhaling the steam, the respiratory system is cleaned and the person will be able to breathe easily.

Relieves Stress

This Ayurveda steam therapy is highly beneficial for both the mind and the body. It has a calming effect which helps to relax the mind and also relieve it from stress. It stimulates hormones in our body that are responsible for the relaxation and calming of our mind as well as our body. 

Opens up sinuses

The heat from a steam room opens up the mucous membranes around the body making breathing more deeply and easily. Steam rooms will break up the congestion in the sinuses and lungs and therefore can be used to help treat colds, unblock sinuses, and aid breathing.

Workout recovery

Often, after a workout, a person’s muscles will feel sore. This pain is known as delayed onset muscle soreness, and it is important to relax the muscles to promote a quick and healthy recovery. Undergoing a steam therapy eases sore muscles, numbness, stiffness, and rigidity. It also assists in giving relief from general body aches. 

Who all can consider taking a Steam bath?

People experiencing Body ache or numbness should consider undergoing a Steambath. Arthritis, Osteoarthritis,  Lower backache, and Sciatica can also be considerably relieved steam bath in Ayurveda as it relaxes the body joints and improves joint movements. Also by the use of herbal steam bath, Ayurveda provides relief for people suffering from Asthma, cough, and Sinusitis should also try steam therapy as it clears the body mucus layer. If you are worried about the safety and precautions before a steam bath then you can consider the Arogyadhamma wellness center one of the Best Massage therapy centers in Bangalore.

Conclusion

Steam Bath Therapy is also recommended for disorders pertaining to the variation of Vata and Kapha doshas. Ayurvedic steam therapy is one of the best ways to remove toxins and rejuvenate the body. It has absolutely no side effects on the body what so ever. You can always walk into Arogyadhama wellness – the best  Ayurvedic Massage Center in Bangalore for a relaxing and refreshing session of steam bath.