Aromas from essential oils diffused in steam rooms have become a powerful wellness option. Here’s why. One of the most famous passages in literature is the “madeleine” moment in Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time.” When the novel’s narrator dips a madeleine, a small French pastry, into tea, the aroma creates an involuntary response that conjures a flood of memories. The madeleine moment is a cultural touchstone for a simple reason: Everyone can relate to it. We have all been moved by a familiar scent from our past that creates an immediate and powerful sensation. But distinct aromas can do more than act as memory triggers. Scientific research on olfactory responses to outside stimuli has found that many aromas, especially from botanical sources, can have significant physiological effects. You may know this as the science of aromatherapy. Sometimes known as “essential oil therapy,” aromatherapy utilizes different aromatic extracts from botanicals to produce beneficial health outcomes in men and women of all ages. Over the last few years, the practice of aromatherapy has taken on a larger role in holistic health and wellness disciplines. Like other treatments commonly known as complementary medicine, aromatherapy is an ancient practice that is gaining credence with mainstream healthcare institutions that once dismissed its efficacy. According to the Mayo Clinic, clinical research supports a link between aromatherapy and pain relief, elevated mood, stress reduction, and improved quality of life for those with chronic health conditions. One reason aromatherapy’s reputation has improved among research institutions like the Mayo Clinic is the further refinement of the quality of essential oil extracts, along with more efficient delivery systems. Leading the way in the application of essential oils is steam rooms. Using special infusers in steam rooms to administer botanical extracts is emerging as one of the most effective ways to experience the proven benefits of aromatherapy. The research backs this up. Along with the physiological effects listed above, inhalation of essential oils has been linked to:
- Improved sleep quality;
- Improved breathing and overall relief from respiratory conditions;
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects; and
- A stronger immune system.
It’s easy to see why these benefits would be enhanced in a steam room environment. Steam therapy by itself has been shown to improve many of the same biomarkers that aromatherapy positively affects. Combining the two bolsters the potential physiological effects of each, particularly in the areas of stress reduction and respiratory function.
THE INFUSION SOLUTION
Also known as “volatile oils,” essential oils are created from “fragrant essences” found in plants. According to PubMed Health, the essences are “made in special plant cells, often under the surface of leaves, bar, or peel, using energy from the sun and elements from the air, soil, and water.”
The use of essential oils has been practiced by far-flung societies around the world for centuries, most notably in Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic practices. But the Roman, Egyptians, and Greeks also used essential oils, and even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, administered them in treatments.
Aromatic essences have been a key ingredient in perfumes over the centuries, but it’s their protective and healing properties that have earned a wider following in Western cultures both high and low. French grave robbers in the 15th century used “thieves oil,” a blend of clove, rosemary, and other botanicals, to protect themselves from disease while stealing from the dead and dying. (And, yes, you can still buy it.) While that’s not the most inspirational use of essential oils, it certainly speaks to their power.
STEAM AND AROMATHERAPY: DO’S, DON’TS, AND MUSTS
You need to keep a few things in mind when enjoying a session in a steam room infused with essential oils. Here are some do’s, don’t, and musts you should know.
DO’S:
Do know your oils! Different aromas have different effects on mood, physiology, and even emotions, according to multiple research studies. Choose the one that fits your wellness goal. For instance, lavender has been found to kill certain types of fungi and bacteria. It’s also been known to help reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and work as an antioxidant to boost anti-aging therapies. Eucalyptus oil, on the other hand, is utilized to fight seasonal allergies, relieve respiratory problems, clear sinuses, and help relieve muscle pains.
Do try proprietary blends! Some chemists and alternative medicine practitioners have developed ingenious proprietary blends that are designed to create a more targeted outcome. MrSteam has an assortment of these creative formulas called Chakra Oils for use with their AromaSteam system. These include, among others, Red Vitality, which helps improve energy, and Yellow Awakening, an aroma that’s designed to support enhanced cognitive function, and help improve memory and concentration. Check out the entire list of Chakra Oils here.
DON’TS:
Don’t apply essential oils directly to your skin. For instance, steam-distilled clove may irritate your skin if applied directly, so make sure it’s vaporized through a carefully calibrated unit like the MrSteam AromaSteam system.
Don’t DIY your steam shower infusion system. Not a good idea. You don’t want to waste oil or use too little of it by administering the oil incorrectly. Again, use a system that’s designed for the task by dedicated professionals.
Don’t stay too long in a steam room, essential oils or not. Aromatherapy in a steam room setting can be so relaxing and invigorating that you may be tempted to overdo your steam time. If you’re new to steaming, start out staying between 10-15 minutes, but even veteran steamers should limit their sessions to 20 minutes at a time.
MUSTS:
You must try aromatherapy with other augmented experiences. You can enhance the therapeutic effects of essential oils by combining it with music therapy or chromatherapy. Calibration of atmospheric lighting and the calming presence of music can create a sensory experience that can be transformative. You have to experience it to believe it. For more on MrSteam’s options in music and lighting, visit their resource pages for MusicTherapy and ChromaTherapy.
You must have a steam room in your residence to get the most out of essential oils. A commercial or public steam room is not going to offer the benefits of aromatherapy, and if by some chance a public steam facility does include essential oils, don’t count on it being as effective.
Many people are learning, steam rooms offer much more than a lot of hot air. It’s a comprehensive wellness experience that can have multiple mental and physical benefits. Features like aromatherapy only heighten their value. And steam rooms are more affordable and accessible than ever before.
Once you can get used to a daily dose of steam therapy combined with aromatherapy, you won’t believe you ever lived without it.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of aromatherapy, especially when applied in steam rooms, my knowledge is grounded in both the historical and scientific aspects of this practice. Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, has evolved from traditional practices into a respected component of holistic health and wellness. The use of essential oils in conjunction with steam rooms has become a powerful wellness option, and I can substantiate this claim with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts mentioned in the article.
The article begins by referencing Marcel Proust's "madeleine" moment, illustrating the profound impact of aromas on memory and emotions. This cultural touchstone is relatable to everyone, highlighting the universal nature of scent-induced experiences. From there, the article delves into the science of aromatherapy, emphasizing its physiological effects supported by scientific research. Notably, the Mayo Clinic recognizes the link between aromatherapy and pain relief, elevated mood, stress reduction, and improved quality of life for individuals with chronic health conditions.
The integration of aromatherapy with steam rooms is a key focus, and the article provides evidence-backed reasons for its efficacy. Research suggests that the inhalation of essential oils in steam rooms can lead to improved sleep quality, enhanced respiratory function, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-viral effects, and a stronger immune system. This integration capitalizes on the positive biomarkers influenced by both steam therapy and aromatherapy, particularly in stress reduction and respiratory function.
The article also touches on the historical use of essential oils, highlighting their prevalence in various cultures, including Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic practices, and even ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. It underscores the enduring popularity of aromatic essences, not just for perfumes but for their protective and healing properties.
Practical advice is provided for individuals interested in experiencing aromatherapy in steam rooms. This includes understanding different essential oils, recognizing their effects on mood and physiology, and the importance of using specialized systems, like the MrSteam AromaSteam system, for safe and effective administration. The article warns against applying essential oils directly to the skin, emphasizes the potential risks of DIY approaches, and advocates for appropriate session durations in steam rooms.
The concept of "Chakra Oils" and proprietary blends is introduced as a way to target specific outcomes, demonstrating the evolving creativity within the field. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of combining aromatherapy with other experiences, such as music therapy and chromatherapy, to enhance the overall therapeutic effects.
In conclusion, the article asserts that steam rooms, especially when combined with aromatherapy, offer a comprehensive wellness experience with both mental and physical benefits. It suggests that these benefits, including affordability and accessibility, make steam rooms an essential component of a daily wellness routine.
