I just experienced the best hot and cold therapy last week and I have to tell you all about it!
Firstly, let me begin by explaining what the heck hot and cold therapy is and why it’s good for you. As you know, I’m all about what’s good for you – and me!
Hot and cold therapy is the act of submerging your body in heat followed by cold. You can repeat the process a few times, or just once.
I’ve often been told about the benefits of hot and cold therapy by those who practice outside western medicine. The bottom line is that this ritual can increase the strength of your immune system, but from my experience, it just makes you feel fantastic. Alive. And ready to conquer the world.
I experienced this incredible journey at @othership and it definitely won’t be the last time I visit this beautiful invigorating space.
My First Breaths
I didn’t expect this rush of happiness to come to my senses so soon! From the moment I entered the doors, a warmth of a comforting scent made its way to my nose. “This place smells amazing… what is that?”
Yes, I bought a package of their incense right away.
The Sauna
After a brief explanation from our facilitator of what we were to expect, we entered the sauna. It was a very generous room that was warm and of course, also smelled amazing.
Little did I know that this 20-minute sauna experience was going to continue to delight my senses. Stimulate my thoughts and challenge my strength.
Large balls of ice, with different scents, were thrown onto the hot coal that was evaporated into the air for all of us to enjoy. Breathwork and powerful, empowering thoughts were shared and chanted. I normally really don’t like to cheer and clap during exercise classes, but for some reason, I was right in there, letting it all go. You never know what can surprise you.
And then, just as the heat increased, just a wee bit, the facilitator asked us to scream. Really loud. I let it rip. It felt wonderful.
The Ice Bath
I felt as if twenty pounds had been released from my shoulders. I sat there dripping sweat, ready for the next challenge. We were headed to the ice baths, and I have to admit that I was slightly nervous.
Ok, a lot nervous.
Why would I do this to myself? This is not going to be fun at all, I thought as I stood nervously by the tub. But I was there, and I knew about the health benefits. I knew this was the best hot and cold therapy and I wanted to try it.
And you know how I love to try new things!
That’s Cold!
To say the ice bath was cold, was an understatement. I don’t think I have ever been challenged like this before, and I really loved that.
For a whole two minutes, my body was submerged in extremely bitterly cold water. My body ached. It was uncomfortable. The facilitator coached us to push through the pain. And I joined in, yelling out loud:
- “YOU CAN DO THIS.”
- “PUSH.”
- “YOU ARE STRONG!”
Excuse me, but where did I go? Where was the shy Sharon that liked to be the quiet participant? Wild, right?
And then I was done. The two minutes were up and I exited the bath.
I ran to the sauna to warm up and as a bonus, an extra iced scent ball was thrown onto the coals. I closed my eyes and deeply inhaled the beautiful bergamot.
The Clarity
Once I got home, I hopped into the shower, then got into my jammies. As I looked around, my eyes seemed to see clearer. I was tired, but not exhausted. But it was time for bed, so I read a little bit and fell into a deep sleep.
I slept so well! Usually, I awake once or twice in the night. Not this time. I slept right through.
I’ll be back
You bet your booty I will be back. That was the best hot and cold therapy I have ever done. Not only did it make me feel fantastic and it gave my immune system a boost, but it made me realize how strong I am. That if I can put my mind to something, I can do it.
Don’t we all need this type of reinsurance right now?