While there are many benefits to your cedar hot tub, one of the most-talked-about things we’re hearing about from athletes and athletic therapists all over the globe doesn’t involve heat at all! We’re talking about cold plunge therapy, and how this breathtaking practice is finding its way into spas, homes, and gyms everywhere.
What is cold plunge therapy?
Simply put – it’s the practice of taking your body from a very hot environment into a very cold one…very quickly. Usually a steam room or sauna is used to heat the body up, before submersing yourself in a cold plunge tub – whether you decide on a few seconds or a few minutes is up to you!
What are the benefits of cold plunge therapy?
Going from hot to cold quickly numbs the nerves surrounding your muscles and joints. This causes the body to release endorphins, which can aid in eliminating muscle and joint stress. The cold water also quickly causes the blood vessels to contract, and reduces joint and muscle swelling.
Another benefit often associated with cold plunge tubs is that it can help to increase the body’s immune system. The cold water stimulates the body into producing a hormones called cytokines. Cytokines are widely known to boast the body’s immune system, and help to protect against virus and bacteria that can cause colds and flues. The restriction of the blood vessels is also known to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure.
The Chinese and Romans practiced cold therapy for 1000’s of years, though you will now commonly see this practiced as Nordik spas and physiotherapy clinics worldwide.
Add a cold plunge tub to your own backyard
With the help of an Arctic heat pump, you can easily switch your cedar hot tub back and forth between hot and cold settings, allowing you to use your hot tub for BOTH heat and as a chiller tub for cold plunge therapy.
Our chiller tubs utilize an Arctic Air Source Heat Pump specifically designed for water refrigeration units to do the cooling. An external circulation pump and filter results in the refrigerated water being circulated through the tub. The refrigeration unit also has its own digital temperature controller, thus not requiring a separate external controller, allowing you to use your cedar hot tub to heat and cool.
Arctic heat pumps have been developed not only for pool and spa use, but for in your home, too! To learn more about Arctic heat pumps all over your home and business, visit the Arctic Heat website to learn more.
Northern Lights has been crafting cedar hot tubs and cedar barrel saunas for over 25 years – contact us anytime, our team of experts can help you find a solution that works best for you and your cedar hot tub!