The Maldives, a tropical paradise, was the unexpected setting for my first cold plunge experience. After a blissful sound bath session at the Four Seasons, I was led to a wooden tub filled with ice-cold water. Despite the initial resistance, I slowly submerged myself, battling the numbing pain and overwhelming sensations. As the shock subsided, a sense of calm washed over me, and the initial discomfort transitioned into a tingling sensation that coursed through my entire body.
The practice of cold plunging, often associated with Wim Hof’s method, is gaining popularity, with various wellness centers in Singapore embracing contrast therapy. These facilities, such as Arctic Fitness, Rekoop, and Sphere, offer a combination of infrared saunas and ice baths or cold plunges, providing a comprehensive approach to health and well-being.
Diana Kraemer, co-founder and wellness director at Rekoop, emphasizes the importance of individualization when it comes to contrast therapy. She advises that the recommended time and frequency vary based on personal health conditions and tolerance. A typical approach involves spending 2-5 minutes in the ice bath followed by 15-30 minutes in the infrared sauna, repeating the cycle for 2-3 rounds if desired.
Beyond the physical benefits, which include reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and aiding in recovery, contrast therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for mental well-being. The experience of plunging into icy water triggers a release of endorphins, leading to a euphoric feeling and a heightened sense of awareness.
Bowen You, co-founder of Sphere, explains that contrast therapy has been shown to improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and enhance cognitive function. The cold exposure significantly increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels, which are associated with improved mood, focus, and cognitive performance.
Sphere offers a comprehensive contrast therapy experience, featuring a spacious suite equipped with a Bluetooth speaker for personalized music and a carefully curated regimen for optimizing the benefits within a one-hour session. The regimen involves alternating between infrared sauna sessions and cold plunges, incorporating elements of relaxation and invigorating cold exposure.
My personal experience with contrast therapy, particularly the cold plunge, has been transformative. The mental stimulation, the sense of accomplishment, and the accompanying physical benefits have solidified its place as a vital component of my wellness routine. Whether it’s the euphoric rush of endorphins or the overall sense of rejuvenation, contrast therapy has become a powerful tool for improving my physical and mental well-being.
