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Wellness goes past traditional practices, and a lot of people are now exploring thermal contrasts. This means the blend of ice baths and steam showers. Resting at opposite ends of the temperature spectrum, when used together they create a unique, invigorating journey for the body and mind.
This resembles Scandinavian practices with plunge baths and saunas, supporting your physical and mental well-being. So, what are the benefits of this practice and why is it more popular than ever?
The Chill of Ice Baths
Cold water immersion has been utilized for centuries. It's believed to help with muscle recovery and overall well-being. An ice bath is taken at cold temperatures, typically between 12 and 15°C (50 to 59°F}. Athletes, in particular, have appreciated ice baths to reduce the pain and soreness inevitable after competition or hard training. Ice baths are used as part of active recovery, without the need to expend extra energy. It reduces both soft tissue inflammation and exercise-induced increase in muscle volume and also improves cardiovascular responses.
Cold baths have also been shown to improve focus and help you sleep better. Ice baths should be kept short, with little benefit beyond two or three minutes. Be aware that cold baths are not recommended for people with diabetes, poor circulation, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
And there are some indications that ice baths can impair performance the next day by causing more lactic acid buildup. Which is where thermal contrast comes in.
Steaming Serenity
Steam showers are at the opposite end of the thermal spectrum and offer a completely different, but beneficial experience. Steam baths are maintained at between 43 and 46°C (110 to 115°F). Exposure to these hot temperatures creates a gentle and soothing environment that helps you relax and reduces stress. Steam baths have also been associated with enhanced skin health and improved respiratory function.
The moist heat opens your pores and induces a strong sense of relaxation. Steam can also relieve respiratory symptoms from a cold by promoting sinus drainage and soothing the throat. It cleanses dead skin and can also help reinvigorate tired muscles.
Steam is thus also beneficial after a workout, loosening stiff muscles and helping your muscles and joints break down lactic acid, which causes delayed onset muscle soreness.
Balancing Act: The Yin and Yang of Thermal Therapies
If both an ice bath and a steam shower can help you after a workout, what about doing both? It might seem like you are pulling yourself in multiple directions. But alternating between the two is called "contrast hydrotherapy." It challenges the body to adapt, promoting physiological responses. The hot steam shower mitigates the buildup of lactic acid from the ice baths, while the ice baths improve cardiovascular responses and reduce inflammation that can be promoted by heat.
Using both together, thus, gives you the benefits of both and helps mitigate any downsides. Done correctly, contrast hydrotherapy can help you recover from workouts...or a hard day...and encourage your overall wellness.
Benefits of Thermal Harmony
So, what are the specific benefits of seeking thermal harmony by alternating these two therapies?
Enhanced Circulation
Contrast hydrotherapy stimulates blood flow and promotes both vasodilation and vasoconstriction. This strengthens your circulatory system, helping it deliver oxygen and nutrients to your body in a more efficient way.
Muscle Recovery
Ice baths reduce inflammation and soreness. Steam showers alleviate tension and promote relaxation. Combining the two produces an ideal environment for comprehensive muscle recovery. This reduces delayed onset soreness and helps you get the most benefit from exercise. It also helps avoid injury, although it should not be used to treat actual injuries.
Detoxification
A steam shower opens your pores and induces sweating. This helps eliminate toxins from your body. Then the ice baths promote the constriction of blood vessels, working with it to remove waste products and help your body stay healthy.
Stress Reduction
Many find the warm embrace of a steam shower reduces stress. Ice baths can also reduce stress and improve mood. Contrasting between the two creates a stress-relieving experience that releases endorphins and helps you develop a sense of well-being.
The combination improves mood and can help you relax and regain your mental focus.
Improved Respiratory Health
As mentioned, steam showers can help mitigate respiratory infection symptoms. The steam encourages the drainage of mucus from the sinuses and lungs, makes coughs more productive, and soothes a sore throat.
Ice baths, on the other hand, may enhance lung capacity and function. You should be careful with contrast hydrotherapy if you are running a fever, as it may throw off your thermal balance. But the combination can help you deal with symptoms from colds and other infections.
Incorporating Thermal Harmony Into Your Routine
To get full benefits, incorporate thermal contrast therapy into your wellness routine. Start with a few minutes in an ice bath, followed by a relaxing steam shower. You should start with a reduced temperature contrast and increase intensity and duration, or add more alternations, as your body adapts to the temperature contrast.
Listen to your body and don't push it too far, as you can end up causing problems. If you have any kind of underlying condition, talk to your doctor before engaging in hydrotherapy, particularly if you have issues with your heart and/or circulatory system.
Thermal harmony is part of a holistic approach to wellness. When used correctly, dynamic contrast therapy rejuvenates the body and invigorates the mind. Embrace the yin and yang of temperature and unlock your wellness potential.
MrSteam is a trusted leader in steam therapy that can build you the steam shower of your dreams. Contact us today to discover a range of state-of-the-art steam shower options that are perfect for thermal harmony and other wellness practices.
