Steam toxins out, improve complexion

May 16, 2011

TECHNOLOGY provides us with techniques to rid the body of impurities, for instance by steaming, though this comes at a price. But costs aside, can one steam the body in the convenience of one’s home? <br>

By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
TECHNOLOGY provides us with techniques to rid the body of impurities, for instance by steaming, though this comes at a price. But costs aside, can one steam the body in the convenience of one’s home?

Enid Byakagaba, a dermatologist and beautician in Kampala, says one can have the body, especially the face steamed at home . The effects are more or less the same as the modern steaming methods used in spas.

“All one needs is a bucket of hot water to give off hot steam,” explains Byakagaba.

How to steam
Bend over the steam with a towel or piece of cloth covering your body so that the body absorbs the steam.

Benefits of steaming
“Heat from steam plays a tremendous role in improving blood circulation, Byakagaba adds. Steaming enables blood to dash in the body, increasing the heartbeat. Steaming is, therefore, healthy because it maintains cardiovascular fitness.

“A regular steam bath improves the immune system,” she explains. “During the steaming process, the body temperature becomes very high. This, therefore, wipes out most of the viruses and bacteria that exist in the body,” she adds.

In addition, during the process of body heating, the cells are stimulated, boosting the body’s immunity and helping it battle ailments,” she adds.
Steaming enhances the development of antibodies, which according to research, have properties that fight cancerous cells.

Dr. Martin Mulumba, a dermatologist at Kiisi Medical Centre in Kampala, says steaming induces perspiration, helping the body get rid of waste and toxins through the skin pores. The steam helps unblock the clogged pores.

“Your body gets relief as the steam oozes penetrates the skin,” Mulumba adds. He says the steam massages wasted and tired muscles, causing them to relax.

“The heartbeat increases drastically, maintaining one’s blood pressure in a stable state,” Mulumba says.
The also heat brings about expansion of the arteries, creating room for increased blood flow. This helps carry food nutrients to all body parts and opens up clogged pores.

“The effect is manifested on the skin. It gets a healthy and youthfully radiance,” she adds.

However, he cautions that certain people should stay away from steaming, for instance asthmatics, people with sinuses, or heart complications, the elderly, pregnant women and children.

Mulumba says it is wise to steam for a limited time lest the skin gets damaged. One is also advised to drink lots of water before steaming to prevent dehydration.

“People suffering from acne need to take facial steaming seriously because steam introduces oxygen to the body cells, improving its vitality and radiance,” he adds.
Above all, steaming helps nip stress in the bud.

What you should know
Shower before steaming
Drink plenty of water before and between steaming sessions
Do not exceed 20minutes of steaming

Cool off after each session with cool fresh air and cool water without shocking the system and avoid shivering
Never start a fresh session if your body is warm (or worse still, hot) and never change from one type of bath to another until you have cooled down properly.

Steaming helps overcome stress, helps relax the body, recovers lost strength and improves general physical and mental well being.

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