if you're someone who consistently consumes health and wellness content, you're aware of the relatively recent surge in the popularity of ice baths and saunas. From elite athletes like Laird Hamilton to gurus like Wim Hof, it seems like everyone is jumping on board with the idea that exposing yourself to extreme temperatures can be beneficial for your body. But what exactly are the effects of taking a dip in an ice bath or sitting in a sauna? And why should you consider combining the two? Finally, how can you safely incorporate these practices into your daily in-home routine to reap the benefits without overdoing them? We'll address these questions so you can better understand the science behind these practices and make an informed decision about incorporating them into your wellness routine.
Contrast therapy, a therapeutic technique involving alternating between heating up the body and rapidly cooling it down, has been used for centuries and is associated with a range of health benefits. This practice, also known as contrast bath therapy or contrast water therapy, has gained recent popularity among athletes through the use of the sauna and ice bath combination. While the ice bath aspect of contrast therapy is receiving the most attention, let's first explore the benefits of stepping into super-heated environments like saunas and hot springs.
Heat immersion has been practiced for thousands of years, and people continue this practice because it leaves them feeling relaxed and invigorated. Scientific evidence has supported anecdotal claims about the effectiveness of heat exposure. Regular sauna use has been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality rate by almost 50 percent, according to Finnish researchers. Heat exposure also enhances recovery in athletes. Sauna bathing after distance running increased participants' performance in a subsequent run-to-exhaustion test by 32 percent. Heat exposure could help trigger "some of the physiologic responses that have been observed with exercise" when you are unable to train due to injury or taking a rest day.
While heat exposure provides numerous benefits, cold water immersion (CWI) has its benefits as well. One study showed that a small group of runners improved their 5K performance in a subsequent time trial after CWI. Additionally, a review of multiple studies found that CWI reduces delayed onset muscle soreness, and a paper published in Medicine showed that CWI increased muscle oxygenation after exercise induces fatigue.
The most significant benefits of cold exposure might be related to health. Immersing yourself in cool water or an ice bath prompts the release of CSPs, which increase the activity of mitochondria that power cells. This increased activity could improve the body's ability to utilize ATP for energy production. CSPs also play a role in immune system function, similar to HSPs. A review of hydrotherapy benefits published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences noted that cold water immersion increases the activity of T and NK cells, which help combat disease and infections.
In conclusion, contrast therapy is a valuable therapeutic technique that provides a range of benefits. The combination of heat and cold exposure can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and pain, and improve immune system function. Athletes can benefit from this therapy, as it enhances their recovery and performance. Regardless of whether you prefer heat or cold exposure, contrast therapy is a powerful tool that can contribute to your overall health and wellbeing.