Recognition of the healing benefits associated with hot and cold treatments is making contrast bathing a growing global trend.
It’s increasingly being used to deliver wellness therapies, sports performance and medical interventions, due to the benefits it delivers when used for recovery, pain management and full-body rejuvenation.
An increasing number of research studies offer a deeper understanding of its physiological effects on the body, as well as its positive impacts on mental wellbeing.
Contrast therapy convert
Professional saunamaster, Lasse Eriksen, is a contrast therapy convert, enjoying regular sessions for his own health: “My personalised approach to contrast therapy allows a full-body immersion into the experience, which creates a comprehensive and enjoyable session catering to both relaxation and the beneficial effects of temperature fluctuations on the body,” he explains.
When it comes to delivering the cold element of the therapy, Eriksen believes the snowroom environment offers the perfect cooling to balance the hot phases of the experience, saying it delivers a head-to-toe ‘feel-good’ benefit to guests and is cooling without the risk of diziness. “The cold of a snowroom is gentle, controlled and comfortable,” he explains.
Here Eriksen shares his ‘perfect’ contrast therapy experience, noting that if a longer sauna session is possible, this can enhance the experience.
Lasse Eriksen’s perfect contrast therapy session
“I begin the session in fresh, cool air to allow my body to adjust to the environment,” he says. “If cooler outdoor air isn’t available, I take a light shower to moisten the skin or enjoy some time cooling off in a snowroom by inhaling the cold air.
“My first session in the sauna is conducted at a lower temperature to gently introduce my skin and cardiovascular system to the increasing heat,” he continues. “Following this, I might take a light shower at a moderate temperature or briefly step back into the snowroom.
“I then gradually increase the intensity of the contrast therapy by increasing the temperature in the sauna and extending the duration of the cooler part of the session, such as time in the snowroom.
“If the environment and my body allow, I finish with a strong steam session in the sauna, followed by a plunge into a cold environment – whether it’s an ocean dip, a cold plunge pool or a snowroom – where I can apply snow to my skin – as the contrast of extreme temperatures is very invigorating.
“After the intense contrast, I allow my body to slowly adapt back to a normal temperature, either through a warm shower or by relaxing in a comfortable environment,” he concludes.
Read the full interview with Lasse Eriksen at www.indoor.technoalpin.com/de/interview-lasse-eriksen
