Our Location

      9220 James Ave S.,

      Bloomington, MN 55431

      Contrast Bath Therapy
      One Agora Integrative Health Clinic in Bloomington, MN

      Contrast Bath Therapy

      Contrast Bath Therapy is a combination of Cold Water Immersion (CWI) Therapy and Sauna that can have a powerful impact on a myriad of health conditions. The alternating exposure to cold and heat is often used specifically to treat pain and inflammation and improve conditions like arthritis and other joint conditions, edema, muscle spasms, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trauma. It has tremendous sports medicine benefits, successfully treating injuries and swollen, sore muscles, but Contrast Bath Therapy has countless other applications.

      Cold Water Immersion (CWI) Therapy, alone, is a simple yet powerful healing protocol that can improve cardiovascular health, aid weight loss, reduce pain and inflammation, manage stress, build immunity and improve sleep. The practice dates back as far as 3500 BC, and Hippocrates documented his use of cold water medicinally and as an analgesic. More recently, the Wim Hoff Method, focused on a combination of breathing and cold-water exposure, teaches that CWI not only strengthens – mentally and physically – but can activate the body’s natural healing powers and bring tremendous health improvements and resiliency.

      The use of saunas for health benefits dates back almost as far, and provides relief for tension and stress, chronic pain and arthritis, fibromyalgia, respiratory issues, and a host of other conditions. Recent studies have shown saunas can reduce risk of pneumonia in people as they age.

      When combined, the two protocols have even more applications and increased effectiveness. The ancient Greeks were renowned for their use of cold and hot therapies and saunas for health reasons.

      One Agora Integrative Health uses Contrast Bath Therapy to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Over time, when practiced on a regular basis, the positive effects of Contrast Bath Therapy – using CWI and Sauna treatments - can relieve symptoms and powerfully impact circulation, mental health, immune function, cardiovascular conditions, weight loss, sleep regulation, pain, inflammation and stress reduction. Contrast Bath Therapy utilizes our sauna, as well as ice baths or cold showers, and a specialist will work with you to ensure a healthy, controlled exposure.

      Begin your Contrast Bath Therapy today. Call ☎ (952) 234-5898 or contact us online to make an appointment.

      What is Contrast Bath Therapy?

      Contrast Bath Therapy is the use of cold water – in ice baths or showers – alternating with exposure to sauna heat to relieve the symptoms of various medical conditions. It can improve circulation, strengthen immune and cardiovascular function, treat chronic pain and inflammation, reduce stress and sleep problems, and improve conditions like arthritis and other joint conditions, edema, muscle spasms, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trauma.

      How Does Contrast Bath Therapy Work?

      Contrast Bath Therapy works through different physiological mechanisms, depending on the condition being treated. For instance, the increase in blood flow improves the healing process by the heightened oxygenation of blood and the expedited removal of waste products through the blood stream. CWI and Sauna sessions have been utilized individually and in combination for athletes to treat injuries, speed recovery after intense workouts, and enhance performance.

      Is Contrast Bath Therapy Safe?

      Before using Contrast Bath Therapy, it is necessary to obtain a correct diagnosis of the condition being treated. It is possible that it may not be helpful or may be contraindicated for use in certain conditions. Individuals with hydrophobia (fear of water) and claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) may not tolerate the bath or sauna.

      Contrast Bath Therapy is not ideal for individuals with certain medical conditions, like pregnancy. It may also need to be avoided by people with:

      • High blood pressure
      • History of cardiac arrhythmia issues, autonomic dysfunction, or other very specific medical criteria, like the use of a pacemaker
      • Open, untreated or infected wounds
      • Poorly managed diabetes or epilepsy

      Your One Agora Integrative Health specialist will work with you to determine if Contrast Bath Therapy is right for you.

      What Conditions Does Contrast Bath Therapy Treat?

      Contrast Bath Therapy can be beneficial for a wide array of symptoms and conditions, including:

      • Chronic Pain and Inflammation
      • Fibromyalgia
      • Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Depression and other mental conditions
      • Sleep problems
      • Weight loss and metabolism
      • Circulation issues
      • Cardiovascular conditions
      • Respiratory conditions
      • Edema
      • Mental function/clarity
      • Sports injuries
      • Swollen, sore muscles
      • Inflammation
      • Stress
      • Immune Function
      • And many other conditions

      What Can You Expect from Your Contrast Bath Therapy Sessions?

      Your Contrast Bath Therapy will be provided in our office and a special treatment protocol will be tailored to your individual needs. The longevity of Contrast Bath Therapy benefits will likely depend on the condition being addressed. You should not experience any side effects. Your One Agora Integrative Health specialist will discuss any before or aftercare you might need.

      Request Your Appointment

      Find out what Contrast Bath Therapy could do for you. Call ☎ (952) 234-5898 or contact us online for your first session.


      Our Location

      One Agora Integrative Health Clinic
      9220 James Ave S.
      Bloomington, MN 55431
      Phone: (952) 234-5898

      Integrative medicine clinic serving patients in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, Eden Prairie and the surrounding Hennepin County, Minnesota communities.

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