Therapeutic Thermal Therapy

Cold exposure functions by constricting blood vessels, diminishing blood flow to injuries, resulting in reduced inflammation and pain perception. Conversely, exposure to heat initiates a gradual rewarming of the body, causing blood vessels to dilate and thereby improving blood flow. This process induces muscle relaxation and promotes optimal nutrient delivery and waste removal throughout the body. The alternating cycles of hot and cold within a contrast therapy protocol generate a pumping action in the blood and muscles

Alternating between hot and cold treatments, enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, accelerates muscle recovery, and alleviates pain. It also boosts the immune system, aids in detoxification, and improves mental clarity and relaxation, offering a comprehensive approach to overall physical and mental well-being.

Bathers must be worn at all times

• You can cycle through all 3 the facilities at your leisure, or use our specially curated protocols based on your needs, be it to just relax, rejuvenate, or recover.
• If you want to sleep better at night, we recommend ending the session in the Infrared Sauna. If you want to feel energised, we recommend finishing with the ice bath.
• Please remember to drink plenty of water throughout your session.
• Listen to our Nova Holistic Spa wellness playlist and hire our safe water resistant headphones whilst using the Urban Oasis facilities. Or pair to your own device.
• If you’re using the facility communally, please respect others and use the equipment fairly.

• As with most things in life, consistency and commitment is required to see results.
• The frequency in which one engages in therapeutic thermal therapy (contrast therapy) will depend on their recovery and wellness needs. Individuals who are seeking to recover after gym may opt to do contrast therapy as much as 4 times a week. 
• Ask about our 5 for 4 session packages.

People with open or infected wounds, diabetes, high blood pressure, untreated epilepsy, those under the age of 16, or individuals who are pregnant are not advised to participate in contrast therapy. If you are ever unsure, always consult with your medical practitioner first when wanting to try new forms of therapy.

Despite popular belief, it’s not a case of “longer is better” in ice baths, as each person’s tolerance to cold will differ.

It’s crucial to prioritise safety, listen to your body, and take appropriate precautions to avoid any adverse effects such as hypothermia or other health complications.

While there currently is no “gold standard” for how long individuals should spend in an ice bath in a single session, studies show that the general recommendation is one minute of cold immersion per degree (e.g., 6 minutes maximum for our 6 degree ice bath), not only is this sufficient time to gain the benefits of ice baths but also ensures no adverse effects are seen.

If you tend to experience pain in the peripheral areas you can wear neoprene booties & gloves. You’ll need to take them off though if you switch between facilities. But this would be find if you prefer to do the ice bath at the end of the circuit.

This all depends on your wellness/fitness goals.

If strength and size are your primary training goals, research suggests that you should refrain from using cold exposure to aid recovery by at least 4-6 hours after training. This is because cold exposure will blunt the muscular adaptions following strength training necessary for muscle growth.

Comparatively,for individuals wanting to recover their muscles and improve their athletic endurance, cold exposure straight after training can assist greatly in reducing inflammation, and enhancing muscle recovery.

Individuals with open or infected wounds, diabetes, high blood pressure, untreated epilepsy are under the age of 16 or are pregnant are not recommended to engage in ice baths. If you are ever unsure, always consult with your medical practitioner first when wanting to try new forms of therapy.

When you expose your body to cold water, it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is associated with the “fight or flight” response. This activation can lead to increased alertness and a feeling of wakefulness. Additionally, intentionally exposing the body to cold temperatures in the morning amplifies the body’s natural processes associated with the wake-up phase of the circadian rhythm. In line with this, in order to make use of the increased energy, focus and wakefulness provided by cold exposure, we recommend utilising ice baths in the early hours of the day.

While regular infrared saunas offer significant health benefits, a full spectrum infrared sauna provides a more comprehensive approach by incorporating the benefits of near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths.

This broader range of wavelengths can lead to improved overall health and well-being. The full spectrum approach works by penetrating the body at different depths, with each wavelength targeting specific health areas:

• Near Infrared (NIR): Focuses on skin health and cell rejuvenation.
• Mid Infrared (MIR): Enhances circulation and pain relief.
• Far Infrared (FIR): Promotes detoxification and relaxation.

A magnesium hot tub is beneficial because magnesium is absorbed through the skin, promoting relaxation, relieving muscle tension, improving sleep quality, and reducing inflammation. It also supports heart health, boosts skin hydration, and aids in detoxification, enhancing overall well-being and physical recovery.