Blog

Introduction

When it comes to hydrotherapy, the benefits of warm water are widely known for their stress-relieving, pain-soothing, and circulation-improving effects. But have you considered the advantages of cold water therapy? The fusion of warm and cold water submersion introduces a new level of benefits that might surprise you. Contrast bath therapy, an ancient practice dating back to civilizations like Greece and Rome, offers a unique approach to harnessing the power of hydrotherapy. In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of contrast therapy and guide you through the process of incorporating it into your routine.

Benefits of Contrast Therapy

Before diving into contrast bath therapy, it’s essential to consult a medical professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions. The benefits of contrast therapy are so widely known there are endless articles sharing the research. With one simple Google search you can quickly become overwhelmed with all the support backing the science. Now let’s dive into it.

How To Practice Contrast Bath Therapy

Remember, the guidance provided here is general, and it’s crucial to adapt the routine to your specific needs and health conditions. Here’s a basic outline to get you started:

1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need access to warm water (between 95-104°F) and cold water (between 50-59°F). Fantasy Spas are built with high insulation to keep your water temperature at the perfect setting over time. They also come with the 110v plug-in and space-saving design to fit into almost any space.
2. Warm Water Immersion: Begin by immersing yourself in your Fantasy spa for about 1-3 minutes. Take advantage of those built-in jets to soothe areas of soreness.
3. Cold Water Transition: Swiftly move to the cold water and immerse yourself for about 1 minute. The temperature difference between warm and cold water is crucial to the effectiveness of contrast therapy.
4. Repeat: Alternate between your Fantasy spa and cold water immersions for up to 20 minutes. Remember to listen to your body and adjust the timing based on your comfort level.
5. End with Warm Water: Conclude your contrast bath therapy session in your Fantasy spa. This helps prevent sudden temperature changes that might strain your body. With the zen-like sound of the waterfall and calming lights, this will be the perfect way to take any stresses away.

Conclusion

Contrast bath therapy is an age-old practice that continues to demonstrate its potential benefits in modern times. Whether you’re seeking relief from muscle soreness, injury recovery, improved circulation, or even mental health benefits, this unique hydrotherapy technique could be a valuable addition to your wellness routine. However, always prioritize your health and consult a medical professional before starting any new therapy. As you embrace the invigorating contrast of a Fantasy spa and cold water, you’re tapping into a tradition that spans centuries, promoting well-being from the inside out.

Shop our lightweight and portable spas to start your contrast therapy journey today!

Getting enough quality sleep can be challenging in our our fast-paced, tech driven world. Often times it seems as though there’s not enough hours in the day to get everything done, and once bedtime rolls around it can be difficult to unwind. However, sleep is one of the most important ways to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health.  If you have been struggling to fall and stay asleep, try these tips.

Soak before bed

If it’s tough to fall asleep at the end of a full day, a nice soak in a hot tub or bath can be the perfect way to relax your body and mind. Try setting a calming environment by dimming the external lights, setting the jets to a comforting level, or lighting a candle. Turning on the fountain in your hot tub can offer a tranquil experience similar to the sounds of a Zen garden. After about 20 minutes in this environment, it’s likely you’ll be ready to melt into your pillow.

Avoid screens 1 hour before bed

Let’s be honest, most of us have a favorite show to stream or enjoy scrolling through social media to unwind from the day. It’s a great way to forget any lingering stresses.  Sometimes the blue light from those screens prevents our brains from actually shutting down, making it difficult to fall asleep. Try reading a book instead of watching screens, or if you must indulge in pre-bed screentime, invest in blue light blocking glasses and wear them while you watch.

Set your circadian rhythm

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. In other words, your body and mind respond to the natural rhythm of light and dark throughout the day. Setting a regular bedtime and waking time will help your routine. In addition, if you allow your eyes to be exposed to natural sunlight within the first 20 minutes of waking up it can help your rhythm.  Learn more about how to time light, food, & exercise for better sleep by Dr. Andrew Huberman here:

https://hubermanlab.com/dr-samer-hattar-timing-light-food-exercise-for-better-sleep-energy-mood/

Create a good sleeping environment

Improving your quality of sleep can be as simple as setting a comfortable, cool temperature in your bedroom or investing in some black out curtains to make it extra dark. You can try putting on some white noise as well.

Drink a calming tea before bed

Sometimes a soothing tea or calming supplement can hit the spot when it comes to settling before bed. Avoiding alcohol before bed can help improve your quality of sleep as well.

These are just a few suggestions to help you find the quality sleep needed to maximize wellness in your life. Looking to take your sleep habits to that next level? Your local Freeflow Spas dealer is your “wellness consultant,” helping to connect you with the correct spa for your needs. Request pricing from your local dealer to start your wellness journey here.

The winter months bring shorter days, colder temperatures, holiday festivities, and extra busy schedules. Spending time in your hot tub can be the perfect way to de-stress, create new memories and keep warm. Follow these tips on how to get the most out of your hot tub this winter.

1. Update your soaking sanctuary.

Fantasy Spas come fully equipped with LED lighting, sleek colorways, and a serene waterfall on most models. The mood for relaxation is already set; however, if you want to take your soaking sanctuary to the next level, here are a few items you can invest in.

– String lights to hang overhead.

– Waterproof speaker to play your favorite music or meditation.

– Non-slip grip mats and slippers to stay safe around those icy patches.

– Extra warm robes

– Outdoor heater

2. Stay active with muscle recovery.

What better way to finish a day of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or even household chores than to rejuvenate your body in a warm water oasis?. Our Entice® Sport and Premier models come with a comfortable lounge seat offering jets in all the right places, especially on the lower back and calves. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day and while hot tubbing with your favorite electrolyte enhanced beverage.

 3. Take advantage of the evening hours, disconnect from your devices to reconnect.

Schedule a time with yourself or a loved one to unplug from your device and practice presence. When schedules get busy and the days get shorter, enjoying your hot tub while under the stars can be a magical experience.

4. Entertain holiday guests with a splash.

Invest in an extra set of robes, towels, or festive drinkware to provide the ultimate holiday gathering entertainment. When close family or friends come over, tell them to bring a suit! You’ll be sure to make new memories that will last.

Now that you know how to get the most out of your hot tub this winter we hope you take time to relax and unwind while enjoying each other’s company.

If you’re looking for a way to create new memories this winter, invest in a Fantasy Spa for as low as $3,999. Visit your local Fantasy Spa dealer or request pricing below: