Lasse Eriksen: contrast therapy is gaining attention for its healing effects

Recognition of the curative benefits associated with heat and cold treatments is leading to contrast baths are a growing global trend.

It is increasingly used to provide wellness therapies, sports performance and medical interventions, due to the benefits it offers when used for recovery, pain management and whole body rejuvenation.

A growing number of research studies offer a deeper understanding of their physiological effects on the body, as well as of its positive impacts on mental well-being.

Addicted to contrast therapy
The professional sauna master, Lasse Eriksenis a contrast therapy addict and enjoys regular sessions for his own health: "My personalised approach to contrast therapy allows for a whole-body immersion into the experience, creating a complete and enjoyable session that embraces both relaxation and the beneficial effects of temperature fluctuations on the body," he explains.

Cuando se trata de brindar el elemento frío de la terapia, Eriksen cree que el ambiente de la sala de nieve ofrece el enfriamiento perfecto para equilibrar las fases calientes de la experiencia, diciendo que brinda un beneficio de “bienestar” de pies a cabeza a los huéspedes y es refrescante. sin riesgo de mareos. “El frío de una sala de nieve es suave, controlado y confortable”, explica.

Aquí Eriksen comparte su experiencia “perfecta” con la terapia de contraste y señala que si es posible una sesión de sauna más larga, esto puede mejorar la experiencia.

Lasse Eriksen's perfect contrast therapy session
“Empiezo la sesión con aire fresco para permitir que mi cuerpo se adapte al entorno”, dice. “Si no hay aire exterior más fresco, me doy una ducha ligera para humedecer la piel o disfruto de un rato refrescándome en un cuarto de nieve inhalando el aire frío.

"My first sauna session is at a lower temperature to gently introduce my skin and cardiovascular system to the rising heat," he continues. "After this, I might take a light shower at a moderate temperature or return briefly to the snow room.

"Then I gradually increase the intensity of the contrast therapy by increasing the temperature in the sauna and extending the duration of the coldest part of the session, such as the time in the snow room.

"If the environment and my body allow it, I finish with a strong steam session in the sauna (aufguss for example), followed by a bath in a cold environment (either a sea bath, a cold pool or a snow room) where I can apply snow on my hands and skin - as the contrast of extreme temperatures is very invigorating.

"After the intense contrast, I let my body slowly adapt to a normal temperature, either by taking a warm shower or by relaxing in a comfortable environment," he concludes.