Fire & Ice
- BeWellLongevity
- By Be Well
Happy Friday!
In our quest for improved health and longevity, we’ve explored various wellness practices and brought them under the one roof at Be Well. However, one ancient technique that has stood the test of time and we couldn’t wait to offer it due to its remarkable benefits.
Hello, hydrotherapy or contrast baths, involving hot and cold-water immersion.
While research into the benefits of hydrotherapy is ongoing, emerging perspectives are promising as is some compelling areas of research and evidence:
● Cellular Health: Recent studies have highlighted the role of hydrotherapy in improved circulation and reduced inflammation in promoting overall cellular health. Healthy cells are more resilient and better equipped to withstand the aging process.
● Enhanced Immunity: hydrotherapy can boost the immune system by increasing the production of immune cells, particularly natural killer cells. This heightened immune response may help the body fend off infections more effectively.
● Pain Relief: A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain Research (2023) has highlighted the efficacy of hydrotherapy in relieving chronic pain. The alternation between hot and cold water can help reduce inflammation, soothe discomfort, and improve overall pain management.
● Stress Reduction: Studies published in the Journal of Psychophysiology (2022) have investigated the psychological benefits of hydrotherapy. Regular sessions were found to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, contributing to better mental health.
● Cardiovascular Health: A study in the European Heart Journal (2023) suggests that hydrotherapy has the potential to enhance cardiovascular function by promoting healthy blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving arterial flexibility.
● Pain Management: A longitudinal study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (2023) has highlighted the role of pain management in longevity. Chronic pain conditions can significantly impact the quality of life in older adults, and the pain relief provided by hydrotherapy can make daily activities more manageable and enjoyable.
With all that said and done hydrotherapy might still be your worst nightmare or your most exciting new gamechanger! Either way, you won’t know until you try it so we encourage you to give it a go!
Getting into the water
Our baths are set at the recommended 40C for hot water and 10C for cold water.
Here’s the recommended Be Well hydrotherapy protocol:
● Immerse your entire body or the warm water for 1 to 3 minutes.
● Immediately follow with a 1-minute dip in cold water.
● Repeat this process for up to 20 minutes, ending with cold water.
As you gain experience, you will find you are able to stay in the cold water up to 3mins. You can use hydrotherapy once a day, once a week or once a fortnight. It’s up to you.
Enjoy Be Well’s carefully curated health, wellness & longevity program.
It’s all part of what we call The New Healthy – and embracing the living younger, longer, better revolution!
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Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia. Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.