Contrast Therapy

  • What is it?

    Combining Infrared Sauna and Ice Baths (by alternating between hot and cold temperatures) is a practice referred to as Contrast Therapy.

    In using the alternating method of hot and cold temperatures the body learns to adapt to different stressors putting it into a ‘fight or flight’ mode which can improve mental resilience and physical performance.

  • Who is it for?

    Contrast therapy is beneficial for a wide range of individuals, particularly those looking to improve recovery, enhance circulation, and reduce muscle soreness. It's especially recommended for:

    Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts
    Individuals with Chronic Pain or Inflammation People Recovering from Injuries
    Busy Professionals and Stress Relief Seekers
    Those Looking to Boost Immune Function

    It's important for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular issues, to consult with a healthcare professional before starting contrast therapy.

  • Why choose Contrast Therapy?

    Improved circulation and reduced inflammation
    The hot and cold temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict and dilate increasing blood flow to inflamed muscles.

    Reduced muscle soreness
    due to the above which also promotes recovery after exercise (DOMs) and injury.

    Improved immunity
    As heat expands and cold contracts the blood vessels; unwanted toxins are flushed out of the body improving immunity with the production of white blood cells.

    Increased metabolism
    Due to temperature changes, your heart rate increases and burns additional calories.

    Improved mental wellbeing
    Alternating between hot and cold exposure stimulates hormone behavior allowing storage and release of norepinephrine which improves attention and focus. The increase in prolactin helps your brain function faster and enhances myelination while assisting with the repair of damaged neurons.

"Such a great experience and calming place! I am loving the contrast therapy, the support by Tess and all her knowledge is so amazing. Thanks so much, highly recommended" - Katharina Stumpf

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"Such a great experience and calming place! I am loving the contrast therapy, the support by Tess and all her knowledge is so amazing. Thanks so much, highly recommended" - Katharina Stumpf 〰️

Preparation

Considerations in preparing for your Contrast Therapy session include:

1. Drink at least 1 litre of water before and keep well hydrated during your session; Avoid dehydrating drinks such as alcohol and coffee.

2. Have a shower before; remove all make up and anything that clogs your pores to allow sweating; this includes oils and lotions.

3. Please wear light weight moisture absorbing active wear or swimwear to reduce water wastage when coming in and out of the ice bath.

4. Remove all jewellery and accessories.

5. Eat energy rich foods; eating light foods that provide energy will be helpful. Avoid heavy foods as they require energy to digest and may leave less energy for detoxification while in the sauna.

6. You will begin your session in the sauna and then alternate between the ice bath and sauna at specific time intervals; finishing with an ice bath.

Research supports the use of contrast therapy to lessen muscle fatigue and to decrease pain, swelling, and lactic acid buildup following intense exercise; it is also well regarded for its mental health benefits.

Submerging in the ice bath for 11 cold minutes per week will provide benefits; however we do recommend seeking medical advice prior to beginning Contrast Therapy, if you have existing or underlying medical problems.

Please avoid Ice baths if you have history of:
• Heart Attack or other cardiovascular abnormalities
• Recent surgery
• Recurrent headaches or migraines
• High or low blood pressure
• Epilepsy, seizures, panic attacks, blackouts or fainting
• Any form of lung disease or collapsed lung
• Motion sickness
• Diabetes

Note: If you have a heart condition, please immerse yourself gradually to prevent shocking your body and heart.
For more information to determine if Contrast Therapy is safe for you; please consult your physician.
Please refer to information relating to our Infrared Sauna which also applies to this session.

The History

Contrast therapy has a long and varied history rooted in ancient healing traditions. The concept dates back to the early Greeks and Romans, who utilized hot baths followed by cold plunges to rejuvenate the body and enhance overall health. This technique was believed to stimulate circulation, invigorate the muscles, and promote healing.

In ancient Rome, public bathhouses featured hot and cold pools, allowing bathers to experience the benefits of contrast therapy as part of their regular bathing rituals. Similarly, in Japan, *onsen* hot springs have been used for centuries, often followed by cold plunges in natural rivers, to revitalize the body and mind.

The principles of contrast therapy have also been embraced by various indigenous cultures around the world. Native American sweat lodges and Scandinavian sauna traditions often incorporated cold water immersion after heat exposure to purify the body and spirit.

In modern times, contrast therapy has been refined and popularized as an effective recovery tool for athletes and individuals seeking to reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and stress. The practice continues to evolve, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary wellness approaches to offer a powerful method for enhancing physical and mental well-being.