Steam hydrotherapy is powerful in its ability to transform the body's metabolism, but in the steam room the atmosphere cannot affect evaporation. The body's core temperature will rise; this is called hyperthermia and can be fatal. In a steam room the range of temperature will span from 110 degrees Fahrenheit to 116 degrees. Over the course of 20 minutes, capillary flush will give the skin a rich, reddened appearance, pulse rate elevates to as high as 160 bpm, the pH of the blood becomes more alkaline, white blood cell count increases and the surface body temperature can reach above 104. The elevated white blood cell count is in response to the stress of the body and not a wholesale benefit. A pulse rate of 160 bpm can be well out of a safe range. (These factors apply to the use of steam cabinets as well.)

On the Other: Rolling Sweat

In Ayurveda, the ancient science of life in India, the key to proper use of steam is achieving a rolling sweat. The principal waste product in your skin is uric acid; it is flushed during a rolling sweat. As soon as your sweat is rolling well, you are advised to vacate the steam room and take a shower with cooler water to contrast the heat and close the pores of your skin. Do not use steam hydrotherapy if you have cardiac problems, circulatory disorders, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Elderly people and pregnant women can use steam hydrotherapy with a physician's approval.

Bottom Line

If you do not sweat easily, you may use steam hydrotherapy once a week. Use rolling sweat to indicate that you have achieved your goal. If you are somewhat sluggish, congested, overweight and are not likely to get a good sweat when you work out, steam hydrotherapy will spike your metabolism. Steam once a week until you begin to sweat well in your workout. If you sweat easily, you will not benefit from steam, as it will dehydrate you. Stay out of the steam.

Source:

"Manual of Hydrotherapy and Massage"; Moor et al.; Pacific Press; 1964

"Ayurveda: A Practical Guide: The Science of Self-Healing"; Dr. Vasant Lad; Lotus Press; 1984