Why You Need To Include Hot And Cold Therapy Into Your Self-Care Routine
If you're looking for a simple yet effective way to relax, restore and reconnect with your mind and body, hot and cold therapy might be just what you need. This time-honoured practice involves the use of temperature to promote physical and mental well-being, and it can be a great addition to any self-care routine.
What is Hot and Cold Therapy?
Hot and cold therapy, also known as thermotherapy and cryotherapy, respectively, is a therapeutic approach that uses temperature to heal, relax, and rejuvenate the body. The idea is to expose the body to either hot or cold temperatures, or a combination of both, to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and enhance overall well-being.
Benefits of Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. Here are some of the benefits:
- Reduces inflammation: Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the affected area. This can be particularly helpful for conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and other inflammatory conditions.
- Relieves muscle tension: Heat therapy can help relax muscles and relieve tension. This can be particularly helpful for conditions like back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
- Enhances circulation: Both hot and cold therapy can help improve circulation. Cold therapy can help improve blood flow by constricting blood vessels, while heat therapy can help improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels.
- Improves mental health: Hot and cold therapy can also have a positive impact on mental health. It can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve mood.
Ice Baths and Infrared Saunas
Today, there are more ways than ever to incorporate this practice into your wellness routine. Two popular methods are ice baths and infrared saunas, both of which provide unique benefits.
Ice Baths
Ice baths have become a trendy way to recover from workouts and boost overall well-being, but for good reason. The idea is to immerse yourself in ice-cold water for a short period of time, typically around 10-15 minutes. Here are some of the benefits:
- Reduces inflammation: Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the affected area. This can be particularly helpful for post-workout soreness or injuries.
- Boosts metabolism: Exposure to cold temperatures can increase the body's metabolic rate, which can help with weight loss and energy levels.
- Improves circulation: Immersion in cold water can help improve circulation by constricting blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas are a type of sauna that use infrared light to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around you. The heat from infrared saunas is typically more tolerable than traditional saunas, making them a popular choice for people who don't enjoy the intense heat of traditional saunas. Here are some benefits of infrared saunas:
- Detoxification: Sweating in an infrared sauna can help detoxify the body by eliminating toxins through the skin.
- Relaxation: The heat from an infrared sauna can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
- Pain relief: Infrared saunas have been shown to reduce pain levels in people with chronic pain conditions.
Our Local Guide To Our Favourite Hot And Cold Therapy Sessions
1. Slow House — Bondi Beach
Take it slow. Slow House provides the perfect environment to detoxify and relax, with access to a range of treatments, classes and therapies to help you recharge and refresh.
2. Nimbus Co — Bondi Beach
A dedicated infrared sauna studio loved by many. Provide your body and mind with a nurturing space to slow down and come back to self.
3. Shelter — Double Bay
Shelter is an elevated sanctuary offering studio workouts, ice baths, traditional Finnish saunas for groups, as well as private infrared saunas in a luxurious spa setting. Plus, they have an organic Juicery for your post sweat treat.
