Why on earth are people choosing to suffer in sub freezing or 100+ degree temps? Again, my hormesis definition is “do something for a short period of time that makes you feel like you’re going to die to actually increase the length and quality of your life.” Outside of fasting, cold exposure is often the thing highest on the list that makes people feel like they’re dying.
If you follow any health influencers or energy optimizing business coaches, then you have likely heard of a cold plunge, or Wim Hof and his method, or cryotherapy. Why? Immersing yourself in the cold for a short period of time spikes the feel good chemicals in your brain such as endorphins and dopamine. Also, warming your body back up to its core temperature takes lots of energy, hence burning calories passively. On top of the weight reducing and mood enhancing benefits, cold also reduces inflammation and improves lymphatic drainage. For many folks, this means that their achy knees, hips, or spine feel better after a cold plunge or cryotherapy.
On the other end of the temperature spectrum, many people see great benefits from using either a traditional or infrared sauna. Sitting in the hot space (anywhere from 180-220 in regular sauna, or 100-130 in an infrared sauna) elevates the heart rate to over 100-150 bpm. This increases circulation and blood flow, and promotes sweating and detox through the skin. This is said to improve cardiovascular health, often helps reduce pain and tight muscles, and elevates the core temperature of the body. Heart rate may increase to 100-150 beats a minute while using a sauna. Many people feel relaxed and at ease after sauna use. Asthmatics, people with skin conditions, and people who have MTHFR and don’t detox very well benefit even more from saunas.
An infrared sauna, though less hot than a traditional one, has the benefit of the infrared heat wavelength targeting the sweat glands even more, creating an even greater detox effect. Though the temperature is lower, the other benefits still remain: skin, cardiovascular, decrease in pain and muscle stiffness, and easier breathing. Many people notice that they get sick less often when they frequent infrared saunas.
What’s your jam - hot or cold? For me, the benefits of both are undeniable. I hit up an infrared sauna for my workout a few days/week and take a 2-minute cold shower every morning! They are both something I've come to look forward to and help me feel great almost every day.