Systems and methods for affecting metabolism, such as the treatment of metabolic syndrome are disclosed. A method for treating metabolic syndrome can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic metabolic effect and activating a convection fan within the chamber to promote heat transfer from the glabrous tissue. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.
