It has been proven over many centuries that steam can have great health benefits.
The benefit of steam on the body has been well documented over the centuries, as far back as 200 B.C by the Romans who took steam baths, steam showers and saunas to the extreme, with the construction of huge bath houses renowned for treating all sorts of ailments. In India whenever a large home was constructed, it was not considered complete unless it contained a bath house with steam room.
The Aztecs created special rooms called temezcals, to purify the worshipers.
Whilst excavating Aztec temples and cities archaeologists have even discovered the remains of small rooms built from adobe alongside the temples. The huts or temezcals contained a small pool of water in which hot stones were dropped. These steam rooms were used to treat physical problems such as breathing difficulties and for the purification of the body and mind.
Even today steam and steam showers are still used because of the widely acknowledged benefits of steam.
Even today the muslim hamma is still in use. This is a domed building with a chamber in which the steam accumulates. In Finland the sauna or steam room is a common addition to any house and is known as the medicine of Finland.
Steam showers reduce infection and can reduce the symptoms of common viruses.
For many years the steam shower has been enjoyed for the benefits of total relaxation of mind and body; to ease stress; relieve muscle tension and stiff joints; sweat out body toxins; stimulate circulation; increase body metabolism; keep skin glowing and youthful and to alleviate sinus congestion due to colds, asthma or allergies.
How the steam in a steam shower works on the body.
The human body has several ways of defending its self against infection and disease. The one that we are interested in is hyperthermia. It is considered that a state of hyperthermia exists when the body temperature is raised above normal (98.6F). The steam in a steam shower has this effect on the human body. Most viruses are highly susceptible to an increase in temperature and will be damaged or even killed from overheating long before a human body is affected. Some of the viruses affected by the steam in a steam shower are rhinivirus, which is responsible for one-half of all respiratory infections, the microorganisms and bacteria that cause syphilis and gonorrhoea.
Steam showers can aid weight loss by helping with the release of toxins and fat cells.
The steam in a steam shower is not be able to kill every organism affecting the human body, but they can reduce numbers to a level the bodys immune system can cope with. The steam in a steam shower recreates the conditions that cause hyperthermia, therefore stimulating the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and interferons. Steam showers are also a useful technique in detoxification therapy because they aid in the releases of toxins stored in fat cells.
Steam showers are affordable for most householders.
Given the possible health benefits of the modern steam shower and the reduction of the price of the units, it is easy to see why steam showers are a real benefit to any home.
So given the benefit of the steam shower and the fact that the cost is only slightly more than that of fitting a shower and bath unit. Why are you still using a normal shower?
Generally, it takes about two weeks to heal a tattoo, depending on its size and the health and habits of the inked individual. Tattoo artists will all tell you to keep out of the sun and avoid soaking your tattoo until it has fully healed. Beyond that, there are many schools of thought and lore about the best way to proceed to ensure that your art will be beautiful for years to come.
According to seasoned tattoo artist Ann at Art With a Point in Minneapolis, your tattoo should remain covered with its protective bandage overnight on the first day. Resist the urge to show it off, as air exposure during this critical time can cause over-scabbing, and that can blur your lines. Also, it's important to remember not to eat or drink anything that will cause inflammation. That means no alcohol, hot peppers, or MSG. You won't die if you consume any of these things, but you will impede your body's natural healing process. A couple of ibuprofen tablets or other anti-inflammatory wouldn't be a bad idea, either!
On the second day and throughout your healing process, it's important to keep your tattoo very hydrated. Be careful to use only natural, un-tinted moisturizers to avoid discoloring your art. One of the best preparations around is Tattoo Goo. It's sold at most quality tattoo shops, and is worth every penny (about $12). Once your tattoo has healed, keep the tin and use the goo for chapped lips and skin protection in the winter.
It's a natural part of the healing process for your tattoo to scab and flake. The most important thing is to resist the urge to pick at your tattoo! If you do, you run a very high risk of turning your beautiful art into a horrible mess! Also, remember to cover your tattoo in the sunlight, or it will darken and blur. Blurring can occur if a tattoo is soaked in water. Soaking also encourages infection, so take quick showers until you are completely healed. If you suspect an infection, call your tattoo artist and go to the doctor immediately. Antibiotic ointment can sometimes reverse an early infection, but it's best to be safe and see a medical professional right away. Infection is nothing to play with, and can actually result in death. Don't take chances! Signs of infection include sudden swelling, increasing tenderness and redness, fever, chills, and swooning.
If at the end of it all, you decide you're not happy with the tattoo, several removal methods are available: laser removal, which has come to be regarded as the industry-standard removal method, or, for a low-cost, the Nuviderm Home Tattoo Removal System.
Both James Johnson & Jonathan Scott are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.