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Steam Showers: Like Redbull, but Healthier and Long Lasting

When we hear the words “steam shower,” our brains are littered with images of ancient Roman bathhouses and funny Hollywood scenes that occur in saunas. Normally, we associate steam rooms with public domains; it doesn’t occur to us that we could have that type of luxury in our own houses. As it turns out, it’s actually very feasible, healthy, and environmentally friendly. All that and it increases the value of your home.

It feels good to jump in the sauna at the gym after a good workout, but why? Steam can alleviate your sinuses, allergies, and other respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. It helps your body cleanse itself of germs and toxins. Blood vessels expand, circulation increases, and muscles rejoice because the production of lactic acid decreases. Just 15 minutes of steam therapy is invigorating.

“Luxury” is usually heaped with a side of environmental guilt but not the case here. One steam shower session uses less than a gallon of water, whereas an average bathtub uses about 70 gallons of water. Three fills on the tub could equal a years worth of weekly steam therapy.

Modern steam units come standard with music options and aromatherapy. Now we’re listening to Taylor Swift as wafts of lavender gently reduce our anxiety. And all we can think is Darth Vader never would have been seduced by the Dark Side if he was sitting in this sauna.