Strengthen Your Immunity with Contrast Therapy This Season

As the leaves change color and the air grows cooler, we enter the much-anticipated season of holiday gatherings. But the dreaded cold and flu season also comes with the joys of fall and winter. No matter how much hand sanitizer we use or how many immune-boosting supplements we take, we all know that sometimes it’s impossible to dodge those pesky seasonal bugs. However, what if there was a natural, effective way to supercharge your immune system and help keep illnesses at bay? Enter contrast therapy.

Contrast therapy is known for its health benefits, from reducing inflammation to enhancing recovery and boosting mental clarity. However, one of the most significant advantages, especially during cold and flu season, is its profound impact on your immune system. In this blog, we’ll explore how contrast therapy works and why it might be your secret weapon to stay healthy as temperatures drop.

The Science Behind Immunity and Contrast Therapy

1. Improved Lymphatic Circulation

One of the main systems responsible for fighting infections is the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system acts like a drainage network in your body, helping to filter out harmful toxins, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike your cardiovascular system, which uses the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system relies on movement and muscular contractions to move lymph fluid.

When you expose your body to the heat of the infrared sauna, blood vessels expand (vasodilation), and when you expose it to cold, they constrict (vasoconstriction). This alternating expansion and contraction of blood vessels creates a pumping effect that stimulates lymphatic flow, helping your body eliminate toxins and circulate immune cells more efficiently. The faster and more effectively your lymphatic system works, the better equipped you are to fight off infections before they take hold. 

2. Increased White Blood Cell Production

White blood cells are the front-line of your immune system. They are responsible for identifying and attacking harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Just one sauna session increases the white blood cells involved in fighting infections. Studies have shown that exposure to cold temperatures can stimulate the production of white blood cells. This increase in white blood cells enhances your body’s ability to defend itself against invading pathogens, making it less likely for you to catch that office cold or the flu that’s circulating in your community.

Contrast therapy not only boosts white blood cell production but also ensures that these vital immune cells are circulating effectively throughout your body.

3. Reduced Stress

Chronic stress is one of the leading causes of a weakened immune system. When you’re stressed, your body produces excess cortisol, which can inhibit the immune response. Contrast therapy, especially when incorporating the deeply relaxing benefits of infrared sauna sessions, helps lower cortisol levels and induce a state of deep relaxation.

By managing stress through regular contrast therapy sessions, you’re indirectly strengthening your immune system. Less stress means lower cortisol levels, which can lead to a better immune response. This is crucial during the cold and flu season when your body is constantly exposed to potential pathogens.

4. Enhanced Circulation

Good circulation is key to a strong immune system. When blood flow is optimized, oxygen and nutrients are delivered more efficiently to cells, including the immune cells that patrol the body for invaders. The rapid alternation between heat and cold in contrast therapy causes blood vessels to contract and expand, promoting optimal circulation.

The result? Your immune system functions more effectively because your body’s cells are well-nourished, oxygenated, and able to perform at their best. This enhanced circulation also helps to speed up recovery if you do happen to catch a bug, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.

A Routine is Key

Incorporating contrast therapy into your weekly wellness routine can be simple. Here’s our suggested schedule for maximizing the immune-boosting benefits:

• Start with a warm-up: Spend 15–20 minutes in the infrared sauna to get your blood flowing and relax your muscles.
• Cold plunge: Immediately follow up with a cold plunge for 1–3 minutes. This may sound intimidating, but the short duration is enough to kick-start your immune response. We encourage everyone to go for at least 3 minutes to get the most out of their plunge!
• Repeat: For the best results, have 2–3 contrast sessions per week, always ending on cold exposure. 57 minutes in the sauna and 11 minutes in the cold plunge are the optimum amount per week to experience the benefits.

Contrast therapy offers a unique, natural way to enhance your body’s defenses, improve circulation, and reduce stress. By making contrast therapy a regular part of your wellness routine, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever this season throws your way!