Steam Shower and Spa Resource

Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia:  “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

As we’ve learned of the curative effects offered and achieved by heat and steam we’ve had one constant underlying theme; heat is healthy and helpful.  This is true to the extent that like anything else, used wisely and in moderation heat may in fact be a wonderful ally against most everything that ails us.  And it is important to view it that way; it is helpful as much as we may use it to be helpful- in a lot of ways the sky’s the limit.

However, there’s no need to run your own imagination on how heat and steam may be helpful when there is already literature documenting its curative effects.  One of the many ways in which heat and steam are useful, and one of the ways that is most likely overlooked lies at the very nature of heat itself, heat, or to become hot essentially is a rise in temperature. 

In the case of Hyperthermia we use the very nature of heat to eliminate heat sensitive microorganisms, viruses, and bacteria.  Smash weakness against weakness and you’ll be surprised the amount of strong and positive health effects may be found among the wreckage afterwards.  Hyperthermia has been an integral part of the health and spiritual practices of Native Americans for centuries. 

I’ll begin this by asking a simple question that will ask us to revisit the nature of elements involved in a causal relationship: what causes us to have a fever?  Automatically we associate a fever with a weakened state of health, perhaps accompanying nausea and vomiting and a few sick days- which would have been better spent on vacation with the family, right?  During this state of fever our bodies, acting on their sole interest- continued survival –raise our temperature in an attempt to kill heat sensitive organisms which may have invaded our bodies and led to sickness.  During this same timeframe of microbiological crises our immune systems are scrambling the anti-bodies, white blood cells and oxygenated blood to, not only a specific site of infection, but also a general, whole body inundation of human body produced “good stuff.”  Runners, athletes and anyone who has overcome a serious illness know exactly what type of “good stuff” I’m talking about, those inimitable feel good chemicals that only the human body can produce and appreciate. 

Hyperthermia is basically a “manual fever” if you will, a willingly instituted raise in body temperature to protect oneself against just such organisms and illnesses.  It has even been noted by physicians that people who are perhaps ailing from one sickness have had that particular illness alleviated by a fever cause by another illness; meaning that, of course, the fever is not the enemy, the fever is our friend without regard to what causes it. 

While associated with a negative experience, the fever has long been acknowledged by doctors as a wonderfully protective agent, a biological sentry.  It (the fever) should be enlisted as a frontline soldier in times of questionable health, or simply put out to stand guard as a deterrent and ally in one’s biological health Army.  With the help of Environmental Steam Inundation you can, in your own home protect or cure yourself of certain, not all, illnesses.  You’ll likely have already sought out a nice refreshing shower during one of these times anyway; the question being left, to what degree you may take an effective role in your recovery.

Steam Inhalation

Steam Inhalation: daily doses of rejuvenation gone unnoticed and without credit.

We receive far more out of our showering and bathing experiences than we are aware of, or even conscious that we actively seek and find everyday.  That the average person’s lavatory mirror will be long fogged over by the steam produced by a sustained showering session allows some insight into the nature of our bathing habits and benefits as human beings.  It can be acknowledged that showering to cleanse ones self of germs, bacteria, and odor may be achieved in a minimal amount of time, two to three minutes tops; which mean the now blurry mirror is testament to another aspect or aspects sought and attained by the person using the lavatory- relaxation, solitude, hydrotherapy in all its forms and facets, or perhaps sonic therapy is achieved in the hypnotizing incessant dripping and dropping of the water from the shower head, and furthermore charting the waters progress perhaps there is therapeutic intimacy experienced in the essential elements’ gentle contact with the human skin.  The point is hygiene is not what we generally seek in a shower. 

Among the many things we relish inside our personal hygiene and health time is the steam, that it is airborne water, that we may see, taste, breath, exhale and feel it’s nourishing effects is in itself calming as an act, an idea, a process viewed, tasted and felt- the only lacking sense being aroma, but we’ll get to that when we learn about aroma therapy.  The combination of all these human experiential mechanisms melding with modern technology results in netting a beautiful health oriented experience. 

We may institute the inhalation of steam to placate certain side effects of whatever ails us, or if in possession of steam producing technology we may actually take a preventative approach to our health and the health of our families or whoever may share our shower areas.  Steam, upon being inhaled, immediately permeates our porous skin, revitalizing as it soothes away the soreness which was being caused by dry, taught, irritated skin.  Every piece of the body requires moisture of some sort.  During times of illness it may seem as though one cannot drink enough water to remedy the scratchy feeling in the back of your throat.  Cold/flu throat sprays certainly have their place and purpose but for the most part the effects you desire may be achieved by the regular inhalation of steam.   

Here’s how it works: steam, essentially heat charged airborne water, engulfs and infiltrates our bodies and influences our chemistry on a cellular level.  The water- all important, no more need be said on that subject- is aided in many ways by the heat- which allows the element access to areas that would otherwise be restricted.  Heat, a soothing presence all its own, relaxes, elongates and expands muscular, pulmonary, and skin cells to allow for a faster uptake of water; in causing the expansion it is really reversing what was irritating in the first place, inserting water and leaving us temporarily healed.  On the musculoskeletal level, heat and steam while applicable in many forms including area specific- hot compresses which target specific, normally already afflicted sore and sensitive areas– to the general- Sitz baths, baths, steam showers, and saunas – which “generally” encompass the body as a whole instead of treating it as the sum of it’s parts- the same could be said of the relationships between illnesses and symptoms and injuries and preventative medicine.  When it comes to Environmental Steam Inundation your entire musculoskeletal system is manipulated by the vaporized water surrounding every inch of your body.  When muscles confront heat they immediately relax and expand (you may only be aware of the opposite effect sought by applying a cold compress to a wounded or sore area which tightens tissue and thereby shrinks whatever area or areas are targeted resulting in stopping inflammation.) ***We’re going to rewrite the books on handling that one as well when we learn about FIR technology (Infrared Saunas.) but, for the moment, let’s use this (cold compress use) as a reference to contrast exactly what we’re talking about with Environmental Steam Inundation.

ESI causes the expansion of muscles, opening of pores, and dilation of blood vessels.  As a result, blood is given an open invitation to the sore muscle tissue, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the effected area, and upon it’s exit, collecting and removing toxins such as lactic acid- the byproduct, or waste of our muscles’ fuel source –which is most often the cause of the knots encountered by athletes and sedentary people alike after physical exertion.

By dilating the blood vessels and forcing the waste to make a hasty retreat out of our systems, we are encouraging the healing process; after which, once prodded, and prodded again begins to take initiative and speed it’s own recovery, and seek the sources of comfort on it’s own forcing you to subconsciously seek out a hot bath after doing anything that would cause sore muscles.  Hence the presence of Steam Showers, Saunas and Hot Tubs in the locker rooms of most professional and amateur athletes alike.  They’re not there for the looks.  They’re not there for the luxury.  They are strictly there for therapeutic use.  As you begin to become more health conscious and more mindful of the environmental factors in your life that produce or reduce stress and well being, these things will come into sharper focus.  It is not likely that any of us have thought anything other than “those indulgent athlete’s,” upon seeing them doff their uniforms and bathe themselves in a luxury hot tub, or soak it out in a sauna.   

Your mind and body have a vested interest in one another’s health; they act as a sort of anonymous neighborhood association pulling strings to achieve a balance which allows both of them to function optimally.  I should say briefly that, in large part, western medicine has yet to embrace such ideas.  And many a doctor may decry me a fool or someone talking out of turn, but we must remember that when you’re utilizing steam inhalation you’re not using a product that was manufactured or tested in a lab, you are utilizing a time honored, borderline folk-wisdom curative remedy which is just pure common sense. Steam Inhalation, or in the case of the present subject, ESI for musculoskeletal soreness did not wait on western medicine’s fledgling doctors to experiment and decide it’d be healthy to be surrounded by steam- which detoxifies what it touches, that it permeates through to sub dermal levels, and that it envelops and collectively warms the body eliminating temperature sensitive organisms which invade our bodies and make us sick.  That is something that mom can tell you.  That is something that I can tell you after my research.   

The outermost part of our bodies, the most readily noticeable and effected areas during such treatments as immersion baths, hot compresses and environmental steam inundation, our skin is the most easily describable.  I’ve saved it for last because I first needed to arm you with the knowledge of what exactly steam and heat were achieving upon bodily contact.  Our skin, as has already been acknowledged is porous- a benefit and detriment all at the same time. 

It is a detriment in the fact that anything may waltz it’s way into our system; we are as a road side motel offering a bright blinking neon sign advertising “vacancy.”  The benefit we essentially force upon this “weakness” is that toxins may leave the exact same way they came in, if given the proper motivation.  Allow knowledge to motivate!  The same expanding capabilities we utilize from heat when we are were treating that scratchy throat and trying to use moisture to soothe away some of our ailments may now be used to open our pores.  The pores now open, the heat now penetrating the skin, we experience the elimination of heat sensitive toxins that made their homes inside our skin; they are drawn to the very surface level of skin (like a warm water soaked splinter) and whisked away by the moisture as it dries.  As you continually cleanse and cleanse your skin you will experience a revitalization that may accurately be described as age defying.  You may, wisely using (exploiting) steam maintain that healthy looking skin that cover models get paid millions of dollars to wear makeup to show its effects and endorse products which claim to have the same effect.

Constitutional Hydrotherapy

    I am certain upon my writing of this article and your reading of it that I need only mention “hot water shortage” and we’ll all immediately be united in thought and memory and wrought with frustration- either at our facilities or a relative or roommate.  We all know the moment in life I’m writing of and may even be able to recall its most recent occurrence- perhaps this morning.  We’ll beg of you this; open your mind and together lets see if we can’t salvage this situation or some hoe glimpse light at the end of this tunnel of disappointment. 

    Allow us to begin with this: the effects of hot water, steam inhalation and enabled relaxation and elasticity of muscles is daily taken for granted by most anyone with indoor plumbing, a shower and a hot water heater.  Let’s flip this issue over and step back for a moment.  Showers of any kind were and are enjoyed around the world, be they cold, hot, long in duration, or a quick rinse off of either variation in the case of our fire fighting personnel or military personnel in conflict or field training situations.  Which says, at a base level, there are advantages to bathing oneself (not necessarily in the hygiene fashion per se every time) or rather being inundated with this life sustaining liquid, in fact I’ll offer in this information suggesting that inundation would be the best way to view waters contribution to our bodies, our health and our longevity, we are as the outskirts of riverbeds waiting for the flood season to restore our vitality- to a cell; hands down, no argument to suggest otherwise, lets accept what is in our face on this one so we can move on and experience the benefits. 

    In the instance of the “hot water shortage” I’d like to offer a suggestion that’ll take no more time out of your day than it’ll take you to dry off as you walk away from this experience a few minutes after you enjoy its benefits.  It’s paradoxical, I’ll give you that; as I am asking you to stay, to endure, to relish that cold water as it washes over your newly warmed body for a few minutes.  Let us not forget a “paradox” is a “seeming contradiction expressing a possible truth,” and move on with this exercise.  As the water turns cold, believe it or not, the quicker the better- I did say paradox – and your mental aversion kicks in, your base biological functions are going to begin being stimulated, “shocked” into action by the new environment to which you’re exposing your body. 

    The cold water is now going to contrast the effects of the hot water; suffer the statement of the obvious and allow me to explain.  You’ve relaxed your body to the point of almost abandoning it’s duties to you.  You could think of this particular phase of “showering” as giving your body sedatives which allow- no, induce - it to kind of shuck it’s responsibilities; all of which have been , in light of the new found relaxation, release of feel good chemicals in the brain and the immediate gratification of relaxed muscles.  It is now time to come out of that sedated state, particularly if you’re beginning your day with a shower product or treatment; because it is now that you should want to be as vitalized, energetic, and “rip-roaring-ready to go” the most.

    This cold water is going to act as a catalyst to initiate and improve your body’s ability to function and manage it’s self.  The cold water will force the body’s neural system to recognize and remedy a failure in function.  Now the cooled or chilled areas of the body will be once again warmed, only in this instance not with the turn of a knob, the hasty exit of a shower basin, or the quick cloaking of a Bath Robe; but, rather with the resurgence of newly refreshed and oxygenated blood, returning to the body’s extremities with a purpose; to warm, protect, and ensure the continued existence of it’s parts.  A warning has been sent out by your body.  And in response your body will recapture its duties and increase circulation and blood flow which will result in a gratification much more tangible and objective than a mere application of hot or cold could possibly achieve.  With the increase of blood flow which you’ve willingly induced your immune system functions more efficiently, your pores close and tighten and seemingly de-age your body, your organs experience a catastrophic therapeutic effect, they are immediately rejuvenated, the oxygen comes in and as it leaves, with it leaves the toxins which it has been harboring unwittingly, and you, the conscious “you” will feel ten times better than you’ve ever felt stepping out of the shower. 

    Welcome, my friends to Constitutional Hydrotherapy. 

    It is not suggested to overdo this element of hydrotherapy in anyway- go to extremes in temperature fluctuation, endure- longer than justifiably necessary for therapeutic benefits –hot or cold, or subject oneself to more episodes of contrast than necessary.  For more information on the benefits achieved by different water temperatures and the variations and contrasts thereof, we suggest that you research Constitutional hydrotherapy on your own and gradually move into exposure, starting with the smallest amount of temperature difference, the smallest duration of each episode, and minimizing the amount of contrasts you incur during each exercise; for instance, if the simple running out of hot water is sufficient to allow you to enjoy the rewards of Contrast Hydrotherapy, than stick with that.  However, as you become more familiar with our products and wish to tailor your use of this remedy and fully utilize our technology, you may reap the benefits of the hot water shower, steam inhalation and then run cold water into the basin at your feet, slowly subjecting your trunk or torso to the cold water.   

    This is your introduction to the My Bath philosophy and a new way of thinking about- how we have come to view -bathing, hygiene and health.  It goes without saying we’re asking you to stretch a bit to see the benefits which underlie the seemingly unacceptable, unattainable, and moreover the seemingly unneeded amenities of modern- actually owing to ancient- philosophy and science.  If you are reading this page then the ordinary explanations for the benefits achieved from our products and products similar to ours purchased elsewhere, are not enough.  You need more.  You need to sow the seeds of curiosity and watch the fruits of modern medical philosophy and science spring out of the ground.

Senior writer's prologue

Dear readers,

    I’ve been presented with a wonderful opportunity as a writer, and you as well, as inquisitive health oriented human beings.  The blog you are currently reading is going to be a mutual ongoing learning experience; I make a vow with, and promise to you I will studiously research and share information which will improve your quality of life.  The postings you are venturing into reading are packed with health information on everything from the common household remedies of old, to the newest and most applicable information being offered and confirmed by modern western medical practice and research; there’s a whole world of health waiting to be enjoyed, relished and embraced by you.  I am priding myself on leaving nothing unexplored when it comes to the benefits of Hydrotherapy and making it accessible via this blog; educationally, we’ll explore the Western world of medicine and cross the globe to gather and return with the best of the Eastern world’s philosophies, applications and doctrines. Together we’ll explore and exploit all which that wonderful life sustaining molecule water has to offer us.          

    My name is Brian and I am a My Bath employee who was given the somewhat easy to conceive but difficult to execute task of researching and describing hydrotherepy and related products as well as the health benefits achieved by the growing customer family of My Bath.  I had no stipulations other than this: as a writer I was trusted to follow the research wherever it took me and be given the adequate amount of time to make sure that I did the articles, research, and product justice- in the sense of it’s benefits to the customer –and that I was in no way obligated to sell, dress, or parade the products in any fashion to make them more marketable. 

    I’ve been granted that permission.  And as a college student would before writing a paper, surrounding him or herself with the Authoritative literature of the subject, I too collected medical texts, journals, and magazine articles and simply pounded my head against all of it until the muses descended and swept me away into “pure, untainted by commission, writing-land;” which was not as liberating as it sounds.

    The subject matter I am speaking of, and of which you will read is cataloged and documented through so many centuries and cultures that the obvious voluminous and esoteric, yet beneficial and taken for granted nature of the material, postured and pawed at the floor in front of me, taunting me, and egging me on with the idea that this information could not be disseminated to the general public- of which I am a member, I just also happen to be a writer.

    As the research ceaselessly dragged on and deadlines passed it occurred to me that, not selling or promoting with this statement, but, no other company selling these “health products” has bothered to truly research the items and describe them in their own word-smith’s language and manner. I had on a whim looked at other in home health products sellers’ sites and read their info to see in what direction they took their information; it seems they chose not to travel at all.  In that sense I was charged to finish, to put my mark on the proliferation of this information- the products of course I’ll endorse, but the fact that information has to be tracked down at a medical library or special section of your favorite book seller irked me to no end.   

    My answer to that is this series of articles and essays on the health benefits of luxury bath products.  It is untainted and reasonably laid out in a manner which should inspire one to seek further reading and realize that health is a long term investment; you should not expect to read an article, a book, or a magazine and be instantly enlightened on all things health wise.  If you’ve questions about further reading you may contact me and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.  We are currently constructing a blog- hate that word –an “ongoing open health forum” of sorts wherein I will address different health issues as each month comes and goes.  We will, together, learn about and exploit the health benefits being offered with each new day of scientific research in the United States, and all over the world.  We will also visit the roots of certain ideologies which we’ll see owe their existence to thousands of years of collective “folk wisdom” passed on from generation to generation and culture to culture.   

    It is the information age.  You are reading this on a computer.  You’ve access to the most up to date information on your health and the health of your family.  To not find that information and exploit it to no end is borderline negligent.  However, it’s not entirely your fault, or my fault- I’m in the same shoes; this type of information is so hidden and secretive that if you weren’t, I don’t know, paid to go off and research the information, chances are you’d not know it.  This is my effort to make this information digestible.  You have a right to know these remedies, but more importantly than that, you SHOULD be told of these therapies by the experts who know that it will benefit you… period, that’s it, end of story, it benefits mankind- that makes it public domain, send it out.  So, here you are.  I hope your zest for living is as charged by reading this material as mine has been from unearthing, reworking, and pondering the potential depth and impact of this information and figuring the best way to ply my trade and communicate it’s necessity.  With this, I bid you fare well for now and look forward to your continued readership.  I hope you’ll judge this blog time well spent and words well used.

                                                                                            Thank you,                                                                                     

                                                                                            Brian David Oesterle

Preface

Greetings everyone,

    Thanks for visiting My Bath!  We have been very excited and thankful for all of the great feedback we have been receiving about our products.  At the numerous requests of our many valued customers, we have started this blog to provide supplemental information to help our customers improve upon their healthy lifestyles.  We hope you find this information useful and as always we look forward to your continued feedback.  Thanks again for your support!