What is the treatment?
An herbal steam bath is a treatment that involves sitting in a steam room or a special chamber infused with herbal vapors. Steam with herbs like eucalyptus, chamomile, mint, or lavender provides many benefits which may include improvement in circulation, relaxation of muscles, and overall health. The steam opens up the pores on the skin and allows the removal of toxins buildup. The aroma of herbs used in this bath further increases the experience of the individual and calms the mind.
Philosophy/Origin
Herbal steam bath is a part of the traditional Indian system of medicine, known as Ayurvedic therapy. Steam baths with herbs have been used for thousands of years to balance the doshas or energy systems in the body. In Turkish hammams and Roman bathhouses, herbal steam was used as communal bathing rituals for both hygiene and health purposes. The underlying philosophy of steam baths is that they help to open pores and purify the body. The herbs used in this therapy further promote healing.
Physical Benefits
Mental/Emotional Benefits
Long-Term Wellness
Regular herbal steam baths promote clearer skin by removing toxins. It increases the natural glow of the skin. Steam baths stimulate the defense mechanisms of the body which helps to strengthen the immune system to fight infections and diseases more effectively.
Ideal Audience
People who prefer a holistic approach to treat various problems can benefit from herbal steam baths. Individuals also receive herbal steam baths to detoxify their bodies and improve skin health. It is very effective to treat colds, sinusitis, or asthma.
Specific Conditions
The treatment of herbal steam bath is described below
Herb Selection
The therapist selects the herbs according to the health needs or preferences of each individual. Common types of herbs used in steam baths may include eucalyptus for respiratory health, chamomile for relaxation, peppermint, and lavender for stress relief.
Herbal Infusion Preparation
The selected herbs are either placed in boiling water to release their essential oils or hung in bunches in the steam room. In some cases, essential oils are added directly to the steam source to create vapors of the herbs.
Steam Room Entry
The individual enters the steam room which is set at a temperature of 43°C to 46°C. Some practitioners may provide a towel or robe for comfort while sitting.
Steam Bath Session
The moist heat causes the individual to sweat which leads to opening up pores and promotes detoxification. The herbal vapors provide additional therapeutic benefits through absorption and inhalation.
Cooling Down Period
After the steam bath, it is common to spend a few minutes cooling down or taking a shower to close the pores and refresh the body.
What to Expect
During the herbal steam bath, people feel the warm moist air that softens the skin, relaxes muscles, and promotes deep breathing. The scent of the herbs fills the air to provide a calming effect. The environment of an herbal steam bath is humid, but the short duration of the treatment makes it comfortable for most people.
Immediate Effects
Long-Term Effects
Regular herbal steam baths help maintain clear, soft, and healthy skin by promoting deep cleansing and hydration. It also helps to increase circulation which helps to strengthen the immune system by detoxifying the body.
Before the Treatment
It is essential to drink water before the session to prevent dehydration during the steam bath. Lotions and skin care products can reduce the effects of herbal steam baths.
Aftercare
It is essential to cool down gradually after the treatment because entering into the cold environment immediately after the session can tighten the muscles. After the session, the moisturizing lotion can be applied to keep the skin hydrated.
Herbal steam baths are commonly performed in Ayurvedic clinics in India. Herbal steam baths can also be performed in combination with massages or other detoxifying treatments. Many platforms like Wellencia offer individualized steam baths with different herbs according to specific needs, such as relaxation, respiratory health, or skin care.
