organic birch mineral hydrotherapy soaking plunge

the finnish sauna tradition revolves around heating and cooling the body. after heating the body to stimulate perspiration inside the sauna, bathers plunge themselves into icy cold water or cover themselves in fresh powdery snow to cool down. the repetition of heating and cooling is known as contrast therapy. heat dilates the blood vessels while cold water constricts to increase blood flow. this process stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic system, to ease muscles, relieve nerves, and increase white blood cells to boost the immune system. as it normalizes the endocrine system, it reduces anxiety and calms nervous disorders for an overall soothing soak. "numerous studies have examined potential immunomodulatory effects of hydrotherapy treatments with promising results. a study testing the immune effects of cold water therapy in cancer patients found statistically significant increases in white blood cell counts in subjects post-treatment compared with pre-treatment values." - naturopathy and the primary care practice: clinics in office practice, sara a. fleming, nancy c. gutknecht. "tired muscles reap two main benefits from the bath: relaxation and improved circulation. The later disperses lactic acid and ensures a swift recovery from fatigue. it may also help to remove fluid that has seeped into tired muscles from blood vessels during the stress of exercise." - stephen young, new scientist magazine.