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Writer's pictureVanessa Smith

What is Hot/Cold Water Therapy and Why Does it Deserve a Spot in your Wellness & Self-care Routine?

Updated: Apr 11, 2022

Are you interested in a practice that builds willpower, enhances immune function, reduces pain and improves energy levels?


Introducing... Hot / Cold Therapy. It helps to relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms, enhances immune function, and will take your sports/workout recovery practice to the next level.

What Does the Therapy Involve?


Cold Water Therapy (CWT) comes in two formats: cold water immersion, involving cold water only (CWI) and contrast therapy (CT) which is alternating immersion between hot and cold water. Both practices can be paired with different breathing techniques to enhance the benefits of this powerful practice.


A hot/cold session is best paired with a 30 minute sauna. After the sauna you take a shower and plunge into the cold bath for 15 - 30 seconds followed by the hot bath. Then you keep alternating between hot bath and cold bath. You can try to increase your time in the cold bath each time or you can just stay with the 15 - 30 seconds time frame.


You may like to investigate the Wim Hoff breathing practice to help you adjust to the temperature of the cold bath -Breathing Exercises | Wim Hof Method


Just How Cold Are We Talking?


The cold bath is kept at a temperature of 12 degrees. That's 10 degrees colder than typical Australian ocean temperatures in winter.


How Does Hot/Cold Therapy Work?

With repeated exposure to the practice we become habituated to the cold.


Research has found cold habituated people have higher levels of white blood cells denoting higher immune function. Such people don't get as severe cold/flu symptoms.


Alternating between hot and cold temperatures gives the cardio vascular system a workout. When in hot temperatures the cardiovascular system's blood vessels dilate, and when cold the blood vessels constrict.


This alternating action between vasodilation and vasoconstriction helps with lymphatic drainage and boosts immune system function.


What Hot / Cold Therapy Packages Are Available at W Wellness Centre?


If you've been considering committing to a regular schedule with this life changing therapy, we offer the following packs:


• Hot/Cold Kickstart Pass - three hot/cold sessions in the same week


• Hot/Cold Performance Pass - five hot/cold sessions with a six month expiry


• Sauna + Hot/Cold Kickstart Pass - three sauna + hot/cold sessions in the same week


• Sauna + Hot/Cold Performance Pass - five sauna + hot/cold sessions with a six month expiry


Please call us on 6104 6520 or message us for pricing and to book.


*Disclaimer: The written article is based on a summary of existing literature on the topic of hot/cold therapy. The article is for educational purposes and the information provided below cannot be taken as a promise to help with acute health problems or diseases.

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