The Dynamic Power of Contrast Therapy for Recovery and Resilience at WOW
In the heart of Heber Valley, where nature’s beauty and tranquility abound, neighbors are turning to Wasatch Optimal Wellness (WOW) for therapies to enhance physical well-being and mental clarity.
Among the most popular treatments available—IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and their comprehensive weight-loss program—is a combination of cold-plunge therapy and heat therapy, a.k.a. “contrast therapy,” which are two powerful techniques that complement each other and have roots in ancient traditions. These therapies are gaining momentum in the wellness and longevity space for their therapeutic benefits related to circulation, muscle recovery, stress reduction, and overall vitality.
Let’s explore the science behind these therapies, their benefits, and why they’re becoming a highly sought-after treatment option at WOW.
The Basics of Cold Plunge Therapy
The cold-plunge tubs at WOW, where temperatures typically hover between 42 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, can improve circulation and immunity, boost metabolism, and reduce inflammation. Cold-plunging offers much more than just physical benefits; it also has significant effects on your mental health. It’s a great way to wake up your nervous system and leave you ready to face the day. When you submerge in the therapeutic cold tubs, you may notice your stress gracefully melt away, replaced by an alert, invigorated state of mind caused by a sustained rise of dopamine (the “feel good” hormone) that typically lasts for 3–5 hours. It has the power to shake off fatigue, recharge your mind, and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Contrasting Heat Therapy: a Warm Counterpart
WOW offers both an infrared and a traditional dry sauna, allowing clients to choose their preferred heat-therapy experience. The custom-made infrared sauna uses advanced heating methods to gently warm the body from within. The full-spectrum infrared heaters use different wavelengths to penetrate different depths deep beneath the skin, heating tissues from the inside out. This differs from the dry sauna, which heats the air around you, which in turn warms your skin, then your core via convection and conduction. WOW’s infrared sauna uses infrared heat to operate around 160 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the dry sauna hovers around 190. The warm temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, which leads to improved circulation, nutrient delivery to tissues, and the removal of metabolic waste products. It also induces sweating, which can help expel toxins from the body. Heat therapy is often employed for its calming effects, reducing tension and stress, and promoting relaxation of both the body and the mind, but it is also extremely valuable for its proven health benefits—namely, improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality rate for regular users.
The Benefits of Combining Cold and Heat Therapies
Contrast therapy involves alternating between hot and cold temperatures to enhance recovery, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. The popular method of contrast therapy involves using the infrared or dry sauna followed by a rinse, a short rest, then a plunge in the cold tubs.
The sauna heats up the body and increases blood flow, while the cold plunge constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and activates brown fat cells, which in turn increases metabolism, causing calorie burn and glucose uptake. Alternating between hot and cold temperatures improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and reduces muscle soreness. Additionally, contrast therapy has been shown to relieve stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
Incorporating contrast therapy into your wellness routine at WOW can help you feel rejuvenated and energized; it is a transformative treatment with deep roots in science. By incorporating both cold and heat therapies into your health routine, you can experience a heightened sense of well-being and a rejuvenated body and mind. Your journey to optimal wellness begins here!
Don’t just read about the benefits—immerse yourself in the healing warmth of an infrared or a dry sauna, then submerge yourself in the soothing, cool waters of the cold tubs to ignite your overall sense of vitality. Your journey to optimal wellness begins here at Wasatch Optimal Wellness.