Contrast Therapy / Fire and Ice
Contrast Therapy / Fire and Ice
Athena Cryo Studios is proud to welcome you to the invigorating world of contrast therapy! This age-old practice of alternating between hot and cold temperatures is making waves in the wellness world for a reason—its amazing health benefits. Let’s dive into what you can expect.
What is Contrast Therapy?
Contrast therapy, also known as hot/cold immersion therapy, is all about alternating between the heat of our Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna and the chill of a cold plunge ice bath. This simple yet powerful practice activates your body in unique ways, bringing a host of physical and mental benefits that can make you feel like a whole new person.
Benefits of Contrast Therapy
- Accelerates muscle recovery and injury healing
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves lymphatic circulation
- Reduces inflammation
- Increases red blood cell count
- Strengthens endurance and recovery
- Amps up cardiovascular health
- Eliminates heavy metals and toxins
- Nurtures peaceful sleep
- Reduces stress
- Promotes calm
- Aids weight loss
- Increases metabolism
What to Expect in Your First Session
- During your first-ever sauna and cold plunge experience, things might feel intense.
That’s normal.
- Get ready to breathe your way through it, and start small before you work your way up to longer stints.
- Kick off with a 10-15 minute sauna session, followed by a quick, refreshing dip in the cold plunge for 60-90 seconds. As your body gets used to the temperatures, you can gradually extend your time in both the sauna and the cold plunge. If you find yourself shivering a bit too much in the cold, don’t push it—shorter is fine until your body builds up resilience.
- Once you’re feeling more comfortable, aim for 15-30 minutes in the sauna and 2-5 minutes in the cold plunge. Consistency is key here—try to fit in at least one session a week, but if you can make it 3 or 4, you’ll really start to notice the difference!
- Most importantly, listen to your body. There’s no need to rush. If you ever feel lightheaded or just a bit off, step out, take a breather, and let your body adjust. Typically, 2-4 rounds of hot and cold are plenty for each visit.
FAQ’s
Is contrast therapy safe?
For most healthy individuals, yes! However, if you have any medical conditions like heart issues, high blood pressure, or if you’re pregnant, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before starting.
How hot and cold will the temperatures be?
Our Full Spectrum Infrared Suanu is set to 140 degrees F, and our Ice Bath stays around 45-47 degrees F.
How long should I stay in?
Begin with 10-15 minutes in the sauna, then hop into the cold plunge for 60-90 seconds. As you build up tolerance, you can extend to 15-30 minutes in the sauna and 2-5 minutes in the cold plunge. Repeat these cycles for the duration of your session. Always listen to your body—if it feels too intense, shorten the time.
Can I do contrast therapy alone?
Absolutely, but it can be more fun with a partner! Especially if you’re just starting out, having someone there can be helpful in case you feel dizzy or need encouragement. Plus, it’s a great way to share the experience and motivate each other.
The healing process following a Laser Photo Facial will vary from patient to patient, but most patients can expect to experience redness for 2 to 5 days.
Expert Tips for Your First Session
Stay Hydrated
Drink up before, during, and after your session to keep dehydration at bay.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush between the hot and cold—let your body adjust naturally.
Listen to Your Body
If something doesn’t feel right, take a break. There’s always next time.
Eat Light
Keep it light before your session to avoid any discomfort.
Breathe Deeply
Deep, steady breaths can help you stay calm and build resilience during the session.
Get in touch
Feel free to reach out and ask us anything!
Let Athena Cryo Studios Put Together The Perfect Plan For You!
Book your Free consultation.