Our specially designed infrared saunas gently warm your body, dilating your blood vessels, and increasing blood flow to your muscles. This soothing warmth aids in muscle recovery, promotes relaxation, and gives you a sense of deep calm.
After basking in the comforting heat of our infrared sauna, you’ll step into our refreshing cold plunge pools. The sudden transition from hot to cold causes your blood vessels to constrict, helping to flush toxins and metabolic waste from your muscles. This process stimulates your nervous system, boosting your mood, and enhancing your alertness. A cold plunge might sound daunting, but we assure you, it’s a refreshingly invigorating experience that leaves you feeling energized and alive.
We recommend repeating the process for 2 cycles for the best results, but the journey is yours to customize.
*Remember, at Studio Lotus Sauna, your well-being is our priority. We ensure that all our practices are safe and beneficial. However, we recommend that those with heart conditions or other serious health issues consult their doctor before beginning any new therapy involving extreme temperature changes.
Contrast Therapy: How-To
Using alternating infrared sauna and cold plunging (also known as contrast therapy) can provide several health benefits, including improved circulation, relief from muscle soreness, boosted immune system, enhanced mood, and increased metabolism.
Here’s a basic guideline on how to use both:
- Infrared Sauna Session: Spend time in the infrared sauna. The heat will help to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to your muscles, potentially aiding in recovery and relaxation. We recommend 15-20 minutes.
- Cold Plunge: After your sauna session, immediately immerse yourself in cold water for a cold plunge. The cold water will cause your blood vessels to constrict, which can help to flush out toxins and metabolic waste from your muscles. This part of the process can also stimulate your nervous system, potentially boosting mood and alertness. Typical cold plunges last 3 minutes.
- Repeat: Repeat the process for a total of 2 cycles. Ending on a cold plunge is often recommended.
- Rest and Hydrate: After you finish, take time to rest and rehydrate. Drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost through sweating.
Benefits of Contrast Therapy
Improved Recovery
The switch between hot and cold helps flush out lactic acid and bring fresh, oxygenated blood to the muscles, reducing muscle soreness after intense exercise.
Reduced Swelling & Inflammation
Cold helps reduce inflammation and swelling, while heat promotes blood flow and speeds up healing.
Improved Circulation
The alternating temperatures improves circulation, as the body responds to the changing temperatures by constricting and dilating blood vessels. This helps deliver nutrients to cells and remove waste products.
Enhanced Mood
Cold water immersion boosts your mood by stimulating the production of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. It’s a great way to combat stress and anxiety.
*Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to these types of therapies, so it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. For those with heart conditions or other serious health issues, it’s important to consult a doctor before beginning any new therapy involving extreme temperature changes.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to bring a towel? A: We provide the towels for your contrast therapy session including 1 bath towel, 1 hand towel, 1 floor towel, and cool lavender towel.
Q: What do I wear? A: While your sauna is in its own private room and attire is your choice, the plunge pools are in the open deck area, so swim suit is required for cold plunge.
Q: How often should I engage in contrast therapy? A: Frequency varies based on individual goals and needs, but can be done as often as daily or 2-3 times per week.
Q: Who can benefit from contrast therapy? A: Athletes, individuals recovery from injuries, those looking to improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness. If you have questions or concerns about any particular health concerns, we always recommend consulting your healthcare provider first.
Q: When is the best time to use contrast therapy? A: Anytime! Contrast therapy can be used before or after exercise to prepare or recover the body. Some use it in the morning to boost energy levels, while others use it in the evening to promote relaxation.
Q: Can contrast therapy help reduce chronic pain? A: Yes, contrast therapy can aid in reducing chronic pain by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.
Q: How should I prepare for my session? A: Drink plenty of water before your session. Hydration is crucial for the body to regulate temperature and support circulation during your session.
Q: What do I do after my session? A: Dry off with your towel, stay warm, and hydrate with water or a healthy beverage. Allow your body to rest and recover as needed before engaging in strenuous activities.
Q: Anything else I should know? A: Listen to your body. If you experience discomfort, dizziness or other adverse effects, stop your session and consult your healthcare provided if needed.
Q: Are there any circumstances that would not allow me to participate in a contrast therapy session? A: Those who smoke cigarettes/tobacco are not permitted to utilize our infrared saunas. The tobacco leaves the skin during excess sweating and does irreparable damage to the saunas. Individuals who have drank alcohol prior to session or are intoxicated are not permitted, as using the sauna presents serious health risks.