posted 15th August 2024
Pop-up, barrel and garden saunas are becoming increasingly as people look to incorporate wellness facilities into their homes. While an ice bath alone may not be appealing, when combined with a sauna, it can provide additional health benefits, such as:
- Stress relief, mood improvement, and energy boost – Sauna use raises skin temperature, leading to increased alertness, reduced pain perception, and a better mood. Rapidly cooling the body after a sauna session releases Norepinephrine, which enhances focus, concentration, and sleep. The alternating heat and cold also increase blood flow, boosting endorphin production and happiness.
- Immune system boost and body detoxification – Taking a sauna followed by a cold plunge on a regular basis improves lymphatic circulation and flushes waste from your immune system.
- Fat burning – Saunas can accelerate calorie burning by raising metabolic rate. Following up with an ice bath activates brown adipose tissue, which burns fat to generate heat, aiding in fat loss and weight management.
- Improved circulation – Heat dilates blood vessels, while subsequent cold exposure causes them to constrict, enhancing rapid blood flow to vital organs and improving oxygen delivery throughout the body.
- Healthier skin - Better circulation contributes to this, but saunas also cleanse the skin through sweating, and ice baths then quickly close pores and tighten the skin, resulting in a healthy complexion.
Photo courtesy of our friends @chillatthe_yard. Chill, based in Knapwell offer a covered hot tub and sauna, along with an outdoor hot shower in a quiet environment. For more information visit their website: https://www.chillattheyard.co.uk/
You should always consult with your GP before beginning a hot and cold contrast therapy routine, particularly if you have high or low blood pressure, diabetes, circulation problems, are pregnant or have any other health concerns. You should not attempt cold water immersion if you have any type of heart condition.
