In Nordic culture, the outdoor hot tub is a veritable institution. Scandinavians don’t hesitate for a second to brave the cold and snow to bask in it. And not without reason: this alternation of hot and cold has considerable health benefits.
But what are the health benefits of thehot/cold effect ? Where does this Nordic ritual come from? And how can you make the most of it right in your own home? Find the answers in this article!
Alternating hot and cold, a concentrate of health benefits
Alternating hot and cold is a real concentrate of benefits for the body. Heat encourages relaxation, while cold promotes circulation and the elimination of toxins… We tell you all about the benefits of the hot/cold effect below.
Elimination of toxins
The Nordic ritual consists of immersing yourself in hot water, then plunging into cold water. This hot/cold alternation stimulates blood flow and allows the body to perspire.
Increased blood circulation and sweating will helpeliminate toxins from the body. For optimum effect, we recommend you keep well hydrated before, during and after the entire process.
Muscle relaxation
Alternating hot and cold stimulates vasodilation and vasoconstriction, helping to combat inflammation (ideal for muscle injuries and tendonitis).
By increasing blood flow, heat relaxes muscles, reducing pain and promoting a state of relaxation. As for the cold, it will reduce blood flow and muscle contractions… All the while giving you a good dose of endorphins, the happy hormones!
Stimulation of the immune system
If practised regularly,alternating hot and cold is ideal for preventing winter ailments. Repeated exposure to cold helps . It strengthens the immune system and makes it more resistant to infection.
In fact, the Scottish shower is said to increase the production of white blood cells, necessary for immunity. But for this to happen, the body must be subjected to cold water for short periods of time. Thirty seconds or so of ice-cold water is enough. Otherwise, beware of colds!
Relaxed mind and better sleep
For Scandinavians, the Nordic bath is synonymous with total disconnection. You leave your phone behind, and observe the surrounding nature, while listening to the birdsong. It’s a truly timeless experience.
What’s more, thealternation of hot and cold invites you to live fully in the present moment. From the relaxing sensation of heat to the invigorating effect of cold, you can forget the little worries of everyday life. What’s more, ending with cold helps lower body temperature: ideal before bedtime, for a restful night’s sleep.
Beautiful skin effect
Finally, alternating hot and cold also has an effect on the skin, by stimulating circulation.
Heat opens pores, helping to release impurities. Cold water tightens pores, refining skin texture. The Nordic spa contributes to beautiful skin, restoring firmness and elasticity.
Alternating hot and cold, a Nordic tradition within your reach
This alternation between heat and cold comes straight from the Nordic countries. The aim: to cope better with winter, but also to heal and relax. Discover the ritual below, and how to enjoy it right from home.
The Nordic bath ritual
The Nordic tradition consists of alternating heat and cold for maximum well-being. The ritual is simple: Nordics get into the hot bath and bask in it for fifteen minutes or so… then jump into the snow or take a cold shower!
But don’t worry: you don’t have to be so bold to enjoy the benefits of the hot/cold effect. You can also take it easy. Start with a hot bath, then stand up and stand outside for 30 seconds at a cool temperature. Repeat 2 or 3 times, then wrap yourself in a bathrobe. Invigorating effect guaranteed!
The benefits of alternating hot and cold, right in your own home
Enjoy the benefits of the hot/cold effect at home with Atelier Nordic. We offer a wide range of wooden spas and outdoor saunas. Nordic tradition is within your reach!
Wooden spa
Made in France, our Nordic spas are heated by a wood-burning stove, for an incomparable moment of relaxation. With their rot-proof structure, they can be placed outside and used in the middle of winter, just like the Scandinavians.
Our spas offer a unique relaxation experience. They feature hydro/air massage jets, judiciously distributed to guarantee an intense, regenerating massage. After your session, don’t forget to finish off with a quick cold shower to benefit from the wellness effects of hot/cold.
Sauna
Our saunas are also specially designed to provide an incomparable experience of well-being. They produce dry heat that is beneficial to the body, using an electric or wood-burning stove.
Once you’ve fully relaxed in the heat of the sauna, all you have to do is take a cold shower. Or for the more adventurous, like the Nordics, take a roll in the snow! The outdoor or indoor sauna is perfect for enjoying 100% of the benefits of alternating heat and cold.
So, do you prefer a wooden spa or an outdoor sauna? Whatever your choice, these two products are perfect for enjoying all the benefits of thehot/cold effect right in your own home. Muscle relaxation, toxin elimination, improved immune defenses, better sleep, beautiful skin… Nordic-style well-being is within your reach!
