Benefits of sauna bathing, cold water immersion and or contrast therapy

If contrast therapy is new to you, it involves a repeated process of moving your body from hot (sauna) to cold (ice bath). Sauna bathing is a form of heat therapy involving brief exposure to high temperatures in a small, enclosed space, commonly a wooden room heated by burning wood, electricity, or infrared light waves. Cold water immersion is the process of immersing oneself in cold water typically below 15 degrees celsius. 

We suggest starting with approximately 10-20 minute sessions in the infrared sauna, and 1-3 mins in the ice bath, and repeat two to three times. It is recommended to repeat this whole process two-three times a week for maximal benefits.

Why do it? There are many evidence-based physiological benefits and personal experiences that contribute to the increasing popularity of sauna bathing, cold water immersion and/or contrast therapy.

 If you are interested to read more on the current evidence-based research regarding sauna bathing and cold water immersion please continue reading!

Sauna Bathing:

- sauna bathing is associated with better hemodynamic function (how your blood flows through your blood vessels), as well as with reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, fatal cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality (Laukkanen et al., 2015). These authors found that men who took more frequent saunas (4-7 times per week) actually live longer than once-per-week users.

Cold Water Immersion:

- cold water immersion may increase metabolic rate and lower cortisol

- cold water submersion, including ice baths or winter swimming is more potent than just cold water showers as they are more immersive, however cold water showers are not without potential benefit

- A 2022 study published in the journal Current Psychology found that participants who took cold showers for 15–60 seconds daily over 14 days reported lower stress levels than a control group (with more notable benefits attained when paired with pranayama - yogic breath control)

Contrast Therapy:

- deliberate heat exposure and deliberate cold exposure can be used to enhance human metabolism (Søberg et al., 2021).

In addition to all the great benefits listed above, our Booragoon studio is designed for you to enjoy peaceful, relaxation in your own privacy, or with the company of one or two friends. Listen to some music, a podcast or a guided mediation, this time and space is curated just for YOU. Boost your confidence, mental resilience and discipline (you’ll know if you’ve been in our ice bath 😉). There is nothing more exhilarating than trying something new and tolerating the uncomfortable. Reward yourself with a sense of accomplishment, knowing YOU showed up and persisted for YOU.

Just as important as it is to dedicate time to exercise and work, it is important to make time to recover, relax, and rewind. Time to give it a try, you won't regret it. Book your Contrast Therapy in our Booragoon Studio from our website or the following link; https://momence.com/appointments/appointment-reservation/37634