Steam hydrates the skin and helps open pores for exfoliation.
Step into a steaming, hot shower after a tough workout and feel the relaxation. Beads of water penetrate deeply into those sore muscles. Slide down into those warm bubbles and drift away. Heat in the form of saunas, showers, whirlpools or sunshine provides gentle and soothing relaxation. Heat also causes perspiration and can deplete the body of water. So, enjoy the beneficial effects of heat, but be sure to remain hydrated.
Increase Blood Flow
Ten minutes of sun exposure provides a daily dose of vitamin D.
While resting in the sauna or laying in the sunshine, heat Increases digestion, reduces the heart rate and relaxes muscle tissue in the organs. This heat energy also has the power to diminish electrical and chemical impulses in the skeletal muscles. Whether producing heat from the bubbling action of the heated whirlpool on the skin or high-speed run to catch the morning bus, heat is a powerful tool. Application of heat can increase and decrease nerve conduction and blood flow to the body. Heat energy is similar to an automobile's combustion engine. Heated gasoline provides power to the car while heat activates nerve tissue and increases blood pressure. Blood vessels dilate boosting to moves waste and toxins out of the body and produce perspiration.
Relax Muscles
Heat exhaustion can occur when the body can no longer perspire.
Saunas, whirlpools, baths, heat wraps and paraffin dips send signals to the brain through the skin. The heat then decreases pressure in the blood vessels and diminishes nerve conduction to muscle spindle cells that allow the muscles to rest. Similar to shutting the ignition off in the car, there is a short period of vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, while the vessels return to resting pressure. Washing the body with nerve impulses, heat signals a period of rest. This action reduces oxygen in the blood that causes an individual to feel rested, or even fatigued, because the application of heat reduces muscle receptors in the tissue that allow the muscle to unwind. The muscles in the heart, stomach and digestive system also relax.
Decrease Joint Stiffness
Hydrate before and after a workout to decrease muscle cramping.
Stress from years of bending, twisting, running and repetitive use can wear on the joints that can cause creaking, popping and stiffening. Inflamed muscle tissue reduces blood flow to the ligaments, tendons and muscles that can result in misalignment of the joints. Misalignment wears away the cartilage in between the joints, leading to arthritis. Applying heat to the joints increases their range of motion by increasing the blood flow to the surrounding structures. Regular application of heat to the joints removes muscle waste, increases blood flow and releases trapped or tight muscles around the joints.
Excess Heat Exposure
Avoid excess heat exposure. Sweating is a sign that the body is attempting to cool itself, so when the body can no longer sweat, it is at risk for heat exhaustion. Some signs of overexposure to heat are flushed skin, rapid breathing and increased pulse and heart rate. The body is in need of electrolytes at this point and increased hydration. Even in a sauna or whirlpool, the body can overheat. Limit the time in the tub to 20 to 30 minutes to avoid heat stroke. Drink lots of liquids before and after exposure to excess heat, and watch for decreased sweating and body temperature increases.
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