World renowned aufguss-master, Lasse Eriksen, talks about contrast therapy / photo: Farris Bad
Recognition of the healing benefits associated with hot and cold treatments is making contrast bathing a growing global trend.
It’s increasingly being used to deliver wellness therapies, sports performance and medical interventions, due to the benefits it delivers when used for recovery, pain management and full-body rejuvenation.
An increasing number of research studies offer a deeper understanding of its physiological effects on the body, as well as its positive impacts on mental wellbeing.
Contrast therapy convert Professional saunamaster, Lasse Eriksen, is a contrast therapy convert, enjoying regular sessions for his own health: “My personalised approach to contrast therapy allows a full-body immersion into the experience, which creates a comprehensive and enjoyable session catering to both relaxation and the beneficial effects of temperature fluctuations on the body,” he explains.
When it comes to delivering the cold element of the therapy, Eriksen believes the snowroom environment offers the perfect cooling to balance the hot phases of the experience, saying it delivers a head-to-toe ‘feel-good’ benefit to guests and is cooling without the risk of diziness. “The cold of a snowroom is gentle, controlled and comfortable,” he explains.
Here Eriksen shares his ‘perfect’ contrast therapy experience, noting that if a longer sauna session is possible, this can enhance the experience.
Lasse Eriksen’s perfect contrast therapy session “I begin the session in fresh, cool air to allow my body to adjust to the environment,” he says. “If cooler outdoor air isn’t available, I take a light shower to moisten the skin or enjoy some time cooling off in a snowroom by inhaling the cold air.
“My first session in the sauna is conducted at a lower temperature to gently introduce my skin and cardiovascular system to the increasing heat,” he continues. “Following this, I might take a light shower at a moderate temperature or briefly step back into the snowroom.
“I then gradually increase the intensity of the contrast therapy by increasing the temperature in the sauna and extending the duration of the cooler part of the session, such as time in the snowroom.
“If the environment and my body allow, I finish with a strong steam session in the sauna, followed by a plunge into a cold environment – whether it’s an ocean dip, a cold plunge pool or a snowroom – where I can apply snow to my skin – as the contrast of extreme temperatures is very invigorating.
“After the intense contrast, I allow my body to slowly adapt back to a normal temperature, either through a warm shower or by relaxing in a comfortable environment,” he concludes.
The TechnoAlpin Snowroom offers an invigorating winter-themed, -10°C cool-down experience in dimensions and designs to suit any setting.
Users can benefit from the gentle cold in winter-themed settings and enjoy hand-to-skin, snow massages.
The TechnoAlpin Snowsky room offers an eye-catching snow-fall feature, creating a calm, relaxing experience for users in wellness environments as snowflakes fall gently from the ceiling.
Water and power consumption are kept to a minimum in all cases.
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World renowned aufguss-master, Lasse Eriksen, talks about contrast therapy / photo: Farris Bad
Recognition of the healing benefits associated with hot and cold treatments is making contrast bathing a growing global trend.
It’s increasingly being used to deliver wellness therapies, sports performance and medical interventions, due to the benefits it delivers when used for recovery, pain management and full-body rejuvenation.
An increasing number of research studies offer a deeper understanding of its physiological effects on the body, as well as its positive impacts on mental wellbeing.
Contrast therapy convert Professional saunamaster, Lasse Eriksen, is a contrast therapy convert, enjoying regular sessions for his own health: “My personalised approach to contrast therapy allows a full-body immersion into the experience, which creates a comprehensive and enjoyable session catering to both relaxation and the beneficial effects of temperature fluctuations on the body,” he explains.
When it comes to delivering the cold element of the therapy, Eriksen believes the snowroom environment offers the perfect cooling to balance the hot phases of the experience, saying it delivers a head-to-toe ‘feel-good’ benefit to guests and is cooling without the risk of diziness. “The cold of a snowroom is gentle, controlled and comfortable,” he explains.
Here Eriksen shares his ‘perfect’ contrast therapy experience, noting that if a longer sauna session is possible, this can enhance the experience.
Lasse Eriksen’s perfect contrast therapy session “I begin the session in fresh, cool air to allow my body to adjust to the environment,” he says. “If cooler outdoor air isn’t available, I take a light shower to moisten the skin or enjoy some time cooling off in a snowroom by inhaling the cold air.
“My first session in the sauna is conducted at a lower temperature to gently introduce my skin and cardiovascular system to the increasing heat,” he continues. “Following this, I might take a light shower at a moderate temperature or briefly step back into the snowroom.
“I then gradually increase the intensity of the contrast therapy by increasing the temperature in the sauna and extending the duration of the cooler part of the session, such as time in the snowroom.
“If the environment and my body allow, I finish with a strong steam session in the sauna, followed by a plunge into a cold environment – whether it’s an ocean dip, a cold plunge pool or a snowroom – where I can apply snow to my skin – as the contrast of extreme temperatures is very invigorating.
“After the intense contrast, I allow my body to slowly adapt back to a normal temperature, either through a warm shower or by relaxing in a comfortable environment,” he concludes.
The TechnoAlpin Snowroom offers an invigorating winter-themed, -10°C cool-down experience in dimensions and designs to suit any setting.
Users can benefit from the gentle cold in winter-themed settings and enjoy hand-to-skin, snow massages.
The TechnoAlpin Snowsky room offers an eye-catching snow-fall feature, creating a calm, relaxing experience for users in wellness environments as snowflakes fall gently from the ceiling.
Water and power consumption are kept to a minimum in all cases.
Sponsored: Highest French distinction for RKF's CEO
After receiving the highest civilian award for services to the French nation, Riadh Bouaziz, CEO of RKF Luxury Linen, reflects on his company’s many achievements and considers what lies ahead
Association focus: Thermal Heritage
Jane Kitchen finds out how two key associations – the European Historic Thermal Towns Association and the Great Spa Towns of Europe – are protecting and promoting the unique cultural relevances of Europe’s spa towns
Interview: Paul Simons
As he retires from the Great Spa Towns of Europe, the industry leader reflects on his long and esteemed career
Sponsored: New ways with water
Working globally with architects and interior designers allows Myrtha Wellness to embrace the latest trends in the international hospitality sector, as director Stefano Cattaneo explains
Sponsored: Cutting edge
Ara Patterson from Equinox Hotels talks about a partnership with
Gharieni that’s delivering ROI and innovative treatments for guests
Interview: Niamh O'Connell
What does Jumeirah’s first vice president of wellbeing have planned for the Middle East-based hospitality group?
Sponsored: Lasse Eriksen on contrast therapy
Contrast therapy is gaining attention for its healing effects. We ask aufguss and sauna expert Lasse Eriksen to share his views on the perfect experience
Nature spas: Tree of life
Lisa Starr discovers two retreats in Austria and Italy which base their wellbeing concepts on forests
Sponsored: Spirit of Excellence
Rupert Schmid and Pierre-Louis Delapalme, owners of Biologique Recherche, discuss the global rollout of its ‘Ambassade’ flagship spas
Sponsored: Outstanding performance
Bicester Hotel & Spa is working with Matrix Fitness to enable wellness guests to train like athletes with a unique offering
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