Experience Contrast Therapy

Immerse yourself in a Cold Plunge between sessions in the Infrared Sauna.

Contrast Therapy is an ancient tradition that challenges your body to withstand contrasting temperatures.

A typical routine will be 10-15 minutes in the sauna and 30 seconds to two minutes in the cold plunge, with 2-3 rotations.

Many studies show that Contrast Therapy can help to live a longer, happier life.

What is a Cold Plunge?

Cold plunge, or cold water immersion, entails quite literally plunging yourself into bone-chillingly cold water — 45 degrees to be exact. People have been immersing themselves in cold, icy water for centuries to reap various health benefits.

Immersing yourself in cold water has been proven to improve overall health, reduce chronic pain and inflammation, boost energy, increase blood flow, and more.

The American Heart Association does not recommend that people with pre-existing heart conditions participate in cold plunges or contrast therapy.

They also suggest that anyone considering contrast therapy or cold water immersion should acclimate their bodies through increasingly colder showers.

Benefits of Cold Water Immersion

  • Boosts your immune system.

  • Combats inflammation and arthritis with anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Boosts your metabolism and helps with weight loss.

  • Improves your circulation.

  • Promotes lymphatic drainage.

  • Stimulate the vagus nerve.

  • Increases thermogenesis (control your own heat).

  • Heightens your discipline and focus.

  • Increase your happiness!

How can Cold Water Immersion make you happy?

The answer is quite simple, the cold water gives you a rush of Norepinephrine:

Norepinephrine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that acts as both a stress hormone and neurotransmitter.

It helps regulate mood, anxiety, and other functions. It helps mobilize the brain for action and can improve energy and attentiveness.

It is also effective in treating mood disorders like depression, aspects of bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.

Benefits of Spending Time in the Infrared Sauna

Our Infrared Saunas generate a soothing heat that penetrates the body on a deeper level, reaching the tissues, muscles, and joints.

  • Detox the body

  • Lower blood pressure

  • Burn calories

  • Relieve pain

  • Improve circulation

sauna in a room with a shower

Contrast Therapy at Hope Floats

Our 150-degree infrared sauna will leave you desiring a plunge into the 45-degree icy water.

You will be given everything you need to have a successful session including a private space, a shower, towels, slippers, a pre-heated sauna, and a pre-cooled ice bath.

You can either choose to experience the cold plunge on its own or as a hot/cold combination therapy in conjunction with our infrared sauna.

How to get the most out of your Contrast Therapy session

How long does one need to experience cold water immersion before seeing and feeling the benefits?

Dr. Susanna Søberg, a cold and heat scientist from Denmark, recently published a study that found how long it takes for the body to physically react to (and see the benefits of) cold and warm exposure.

The Søberg Principle explains how your body’s temperature regulation patterns can impact overall health and wellbeing.

Watch Videos about Cold Water Immersion & Contrast Therapy

Send a healing, relaxing experience

Hope Floats, located in Bethesda, Maryland provides healing and relaxing experiences for all walks of life. From flotation therapy to deep tissue massage, there is something for everyone to enjoy.