The basics
Dutch thrill-seeker Wim Hof popularised the use of ice as a form of mediative therapy, though the practice of alternating between hot and cold has been around for centuries.
The technique, generally called contrast therapy, has been noted for improving circulation, injury rehabilitation, kicking the immune system into gear and waking the participant up from the boring temperature they’ve been trudging around at. It’s suggested that the hot experience should be four times longer, while the ice-cold part should be exactly that: absolutely freezing.
Giving it a bash
Auckland’s Cordis Hotel offers complimentary contrast therapy or a ‘‘Tri-bathing’’ ritual to all spa users. The tranquil dressing room accommodates a herbal steam room, sauna, snail shower and ice feature.
My experience began with the steam room, which is set at a relatively mild 46 degrees Celsius with 100 per cent humidity. It also pumps out a blend of chrysanthemum, cloves and peppermint. My starting heart rate was 70bpm.
With a recommended exposure time of between 10-20 minutes, I set myself a limit of 15 minutes for each of the hot sections. It progressed as expected: the heat enveloped and inspired a sheen of perspiration. As the 15 minutes came to an end, I entered the main dressing room where the bottomless pile of shaved ice was ready and waiting to be scooped and splashed across my steaming bod. Applying the first handful was the hardest and my heart rate jumped to 140bpm accordingly. It was freezing yet invigorating. The shock soon resided and my heart rate dropped back to the mid-70s.
The sauna was humming at what seemed like a very excessive 80C. Having just covered my entire body with ice, the initial entry was very pleasant. Ten minutes later and my breathing started to deepen. At around 13 minutes my heart monitor shut down from overheating. I took this as a sign that I should probably leave.
The second round of ice bathing was noticeably more extreme and welcomed a light pins-and-needles sensation. I finished the session with the snail shower – a shower with jets squirting from every angle. Although set at 38C by default, it felt twice as hot as the sauna. Liquid magma hot. The whole experience was rejuvenating and I left supercharged from my normal slumber.
Why you should try it
Where ice baths shut the body down, contrast therapy is generally for quicker rehabilitation post- or between-workouts. Victoria Stewart from Chuan Spa Cordis Auckland says that the transition between hot and cold, ‘‘increases circulation and assists in building immunity. This stimuli is also helpful when recovering from muscle related pains and tension.
‘‘There are also the benefits associated with relaxation and calm which ensues,’’ she says. ‘‘The technique is low impact and a very accessible form of therapy that you could use at home or your local community pool/steam room,if you’re happy dragging along a bucket of ice.’’
Risk rating
Stewart says that most risks are related to over exposure. ‘‘Each person is unique and their individual tolerance levels for heat or cold will vary. The experience should be re-invigorating not uncomfortable. Sauna/jacuzzi or heat treatments of this nature are not suitable during pregnancy.’’ It’s also recommended not to use steam rooms and saunas while under the influence, and those with diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure should consult a medical professional first.
Find out more
For more information about the Tribathing ritual, visit Chuan Spa.
When my heart monitor shut down from overheating, I took this as a sign that I should probably leave.