Get Healthier with a Hot Shower
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By Robin Westen
Hot, steamy showers, with temps between 96 to 105 degrees, not only feel terrific but also offer plenty of health benefits. The key is to stay under for no longer than ten minutes or you’ll dry out your skin. Otherwise, here’s what you’ll get when you turn up the H tap:
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Better Circulation
Whether you’re experiencing pain from arthritis, muscle tears or over-use, hot water can ease it by reducing inflammation. Plus, the pressure of the shower water offers a healing massage. -
A Good Skin Cleansing
Clogged pores can not only bring on blemishes, but also trap toxins under the skin. A combination of hot water and steam opens pores and releases impurities. Following with a cold water rinse will close the pores again and make your skin feel refreshed. -
Better Circulation
Warmth stimulates circulation and blood flow while loosening joints, tendons, tissues and muscles. -
Workout Readiness
Do you work out in the morning but find when you get out of bed in the morning, your muscles are stiff? It's important to be completely warm and loose before any exercise, and a hot shower warms the muscles and primes them for early exercise routines. -
Neck and Shoulder Relief
Aside from a massage, a hot shower is the next best thing for a stiff neck or shoulder pain. Letting hot water run over this area for 10 minutes will relax the muscles. Doing some easy neck and shoulder rolls while in the shower will further loosen the muscles. -
Cough Reduction
The steam from a hot shower can loosen phlegm and get rid of mucous, which could be causing a cough or sore throat. Adding eucalyptus oil to your skin or the air will make the steam more effective and can help you breathe more easily. -
Stress and Insomnia Relief
A hot shower is a natural sedative. If you’re stressed or having trouble sleeping, taking a hot shower for 10 minutes will calm your body, mind and nerves.
About the Author
Robin Westen is ThirdAge's Medical Director. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V is for Vagina."
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