History and Health of the Steam Shower

History and Health of the Steam Shower

The steam shower is an amenity found in many fitness centers and athletic clubs. Now, steam showers can also be built into one’s home for the relaxing and rejuvenating experience without having to leave the comfort of one’s dwelling. Simple in design, the basic steam shower consists of an enclosed tile room with a steam generator. Steam showers, or steam baths, are a centuries-old tradition dating back to ancient Rome. Steam showers remain in wide use due to the numerous health benefits they offer.

The desire to cleanse, purify and enjoy steam in a communal setting stretches back as far as the Bronze Age. Ruins of the earliest public baths were found in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (currently Pakistan and India). Steam bathing has always been a place to meet and socialize, relax and leave behind the stress of the day – whether that be in the thermae of ancient Rome, the sweat lodges of the Native Americans, or the spring-fed onsen of the Japanese. Our contemporary need to find a tranquil escape in steam has extensive and long-standing roots.

The Greeks and Romans took their public responsibilities seriously – and this included providing ornate bathing facilities for their citizens.

Bathing in Greece started from simple basins where young athletes splashed their bodies after exercise, evolving to gymnasia, where marble-mouthed lions poured down streams of water, and tranquil pools gave young men a place to relax and discuss the budding philosophy of the day. Homer described hot water tubs and hot-air baths, heated either by coal burning fires or by heated rocks. Bathing became a ritual that included cleansing sands, hot water, hot air in dark vaulted "vapor baths," a cooling plunge, and a rubdown with aromatic oils.

The Roman Emperors, never content with merely copying the Greeks, competed with one another to create thermae – taken from the Greek word for “heat” – bigger and better bathing houses with each new generation.  Thermae became the pleasure hub of the Romans, complete with sports halls, restaurants, and, of course, a multitude of luxurious baths. Utilizing the bread and circus mentality that the populace was best served when they could afford the pleasures of the Empire, these enormous complexes either charged minimal fees or were actually free to all.

A daily steam shower is one of the most refreshing rewards you can give yourself. Step inside and feel your senses expand. Boundaries soften and disappear. This is the most sensual of beauty rituals: relaxation and rejuvenation, stimulation and exhilaration. 

That daily steam indulgence is a natural detox that removes harmful impurities from your body. It can also enhance your breathing, leaving you with an improved sense of tranquility, promoting restful sleep and wellness.

As if that weren’t enough, steam is also recommended for the relief of symptoms of colds, flu, sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, throat irritation, arthritis and more. Sore, tired muscles? Rigid joints? Steam eases the pain. 

Relax. Rejuvinate. Reward Yourself.

Feeling good is part of Mr. Steam’s DNA. It’s why we get up in the morning and how we sleep well at night.

Mr. Steam is a leader in innovation, has the highest quality steam products, affordable pricing, best-of-class warranties, and unparalleled customer service.

Mr. Steam champions steam therapy and is committed to making “wellness a way of life.”