Contrast therapy is a wellness method that alternates between hot and cold temperatures to promote recovery, relieve pain, and improve blood circulation. This method is widely used by athletes, but in recent years it has become popular with many people looking for an effective way to increase their health and well-being. If you are curious about how contrast therapy can positively affect your body, keep reading to find out more!

How does contrast therapy work?

Contrast therapy involves exposing your body to both heat and cold, often in an alternating order. You usually start with a hot bath or sauna, where your body gets the chance to warm up and sweat. This is followed by a cold bath, where you feel the intense effect of cold water contrasting with the heat. This process is repeated several times to maximize the positive effects.

The main benefit of this alternating temperature is that it helps increase blood flow by first constricting and then dilating blood vessels. This contributes to faster recovery and reduced muscle tension. Contrast therapy has also been shown to improve the body's ability to handle stress, making it a popular method for mental recovery.

Health benefits of contrast therapy

1. Reduces muscle tension and pain
   Alternating between hot and cold helps relieve muscle tension and reduces inflammation. It is especially useful for people who train hard and need to recover quickly after physical activity.

2. Increases blood circulation
   When you expose your body to heat, your blood vessels dilate, and when you then lower your body temperature in cold water, your blood vessels constrict. This alternation stimulates blood circulation and helps transport oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and tissues, promoting faster recovery.

3. Improves the lymphatic system and detoxification
   Contrast therapy helps to clear toxins from the body by stimulating the lymphatic system. When blood flow increases, the body can more effectively transport away waste products.

4. Strengthens the immune system
   Regular sessions of contrast therapy can stimulate the immune system and make the body more resistant to infections and diseases.

5. Relieves stress and improves mental health
   The intense effect of cold water combined with the relaxing heat creates a balance between body and mind. It helps reduce stress hormones and gives a feeling of calm and well-being.

6. Improves skin health
   Alternating between cold and warm water can help tighten skin and unclog pores, giving your skin a healthier, more radiant look.

7. Increases stamina and energy levels
   By regularly using contrast therapy, the body gets used to handling stress, which allows you to feel more energetic and resilient both physically and mentally.

How is contrast therapy done?

To experience the best results from contrast therapy, it is recommended that you do the following:

• Start by spending 5-10 minutes in a sauna or hot bath. Focus on relaxing and letting your body warm up properly.

• Then move on to the cold water, either by jumping into a cold bath, taking a cold shower, or immersing your body in cold water for 1-3 minutes.

• Repeat the process 3-4 times for best results. You can finish with a cold bath to give your body the final, refreshing coolness it needs.

It is important to listen to your body and not expose yourself to extreme temperatures if you are not used to contrast therapy. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity.

Book Contrast Therapy in Stockholm

If you want to experience contrast therapy on a professional level, book a session at The Sacred Sauna in Stockholm. We offer a unique experience with sauna, cold bath and breathing techniques to maximize your health and recovery. Whether you are an athlete looking for faster recovery or just want to improve your overall health, we have a tailor-made experience for you.