CONTRAST THERAPY- SAUNA/COLD PLUNGE

Utilizing both cold plunge and sauna, and alternating between the two, offers a holistic approach to health and well-being. Cold plungs stimulate the body's stress response, promoting resilience, mood improvement, and enhanced circulation. Sauna induces relaxation, detoxification, and muscle recovery. Alternating between them maximizes benefits, balancing stress and relaxation responses, boosting metabolism, and promoting overall vitality and longevity.

 
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Cold Plunge Mind/Body Benefits

Use of cold water therapy dates back to ancient civilizations.


Increase Your Happiness

Cold plunging induces happiness by triggering a rush of norepinephrine, a natural chemical regulating mood, anxiety, and brain function. It mobilizes the brain for action, boosts energy, and alleviates mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Embracing the shock of cold water instantly uplifts mood, making it a powerful mood booster.

Boost Your immune System

Cold water exposure has been extensively studied for its effects on the immune system. It increases white blood cell count, prompting the body to respond to changing conditions. With repeated exposure, the body becomes more adept at activating its defenses, which is particularly beneficial in combating illnesses like COVID-19 and other infections.

Combat Inflammation

Cold therapy effectively reduces joint pain and inflammation by constricting blood vessels, reducing swelling caused by excessive blood flow. Additionally, cold immersion numbs nerve endings, acting as a natural pain reliever. Scientifically proven, cold plunges alleviate muscle-overuse side effects like soreness and tightness. Many professional athletes endorse cold water soaking post-workout for its therapeutic benefits.

Boost In Metabolism

Cold plunging boosts metabolism by stimulating the burning of "white fat," aiding weight loss. Cold exposure prompts the body to rev metabolism for heat generation, utilizing "good fat" (brown fat) for energy conversion. This accelerates weight loss as the body burns excess "bad fat" unrelated to heat production for energy.

Improved Circulation

Cold-water immersion stimulates blood flow, prompting a rush of blood to vital organs. This forces the heart to pump more efficiently, distributing oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The "shock" state redirects blood flow to vital organs, enhancing oxygenation and nutrient replenishment, and improving overall blood flow efficiency throughout the day.

Lymphatic Drainage

The lymphatic system, akin to a garbage removal service, eliminates waste, bacteria, and toxins from cells. When circulation falters, symptoms like achy joints and infections arise. Typically, exercise keeps lymphatic flow. Cold plunging contracts muscles, jumpstarting circulation and facilitating waste removal, vital for overall well-being as lymphatic circulation relies on muscle contractions.

Stimulates the Vagus Nerve

Exposure to acute cold, such as cold plunging, not only stimulates the vagus nerve but also triggers the body's natural stress response. However, as the body adjusts to the cold, sympathetic activity decreases, while parasympathetic activity increases. This shift leads to long-term improvements in mood, pain management, well-being, and resilience, making cold plunging an effective method for enhancing overall health and vitality.

Increased Thermogenesis

Cold thermogenesis involves the body generating heat in response to exposure to cold water, making it a simple and safe biohacking technique. Cold plunging is a popular method of cold thermogenesis, offering calorie-burning benefits and promoting overall health. It stimulates the body's metabolic rate, enhances fat burning, and boosts energy expenditure, making it an effective strategy for weight management and improving metabolic health.

Heightens your Discipline and Focus

Cold plunging heightens discipline and focus through its demanding nature. Enduring the discomfort of cold water requires mental fortitude and concentration. By voluntarily subjecting oneself to this challenge, individuals cultivate discipline and learn to stay focused amidst discomfort, ultimately fostering mental resilience and enhancing overall concentration abilities.

Sauna/Cold Plunge How-To

Recommended Usage

15 minutes in the sauna, 1-5 minutes in the plunge, repeat until time is up

Warm up in the sauna, Cool off in the plunge.
Dry off well before re-entering the sauna.

It’s always important to be cautious with the hot sauna/cold plunge

The hot/cold experience is not for everyone; it’s not recommended for those who are prone to high blood pressure as extreme temperature changes may be shocking to the system. When it comes to the cold plunge, experts recommend a momentary plunge, and a build up of minutes in the cold water over time. Like anything health related, the hot and cold technique should be discussed with a doctor, particularly if there are outstanding health issues.