Further information about the positive effects of the snowsauna treatment

Transcription

1 Further information about the positive effects of the snowsauna treatment

2 Blood vessel training Irrespective of the outside temperature, the body uses energy to regulate the body temperature (homeothermy) and to maintain it at a tolerable level. In the warm environment of a sauna, for example, the body increases the blood supply to the surface in this case the skin in order to cool it. In a cold environment like the SnowRoom, the body reduces the blood flow to the periphery of the body and at the same time restricts the return flow of the blood which has cooled near the skin. The metabolism is increased in order to produce additional internal heat. The blood vessels in the skin react in turn by constricting rapidly. This constriction of the blood vessels is followed by an increase in blood circulation controlled by reflex arcs, in that the cold-induced hyperemia causes the blood vessels to dilate at the end of the cooling phase (hyperemia is present when the blood flow to an organ or tissue is excessive). Repeated hot and cold stimuli, especially in sequence, lead to an increase in the return flow rate of the blood to the veins and to an improved valve function and therefore to a better overall performance of the venous system. The training of the blood vessels can be pictured as being like real muscle toning exercise because the blood vessels actually consist of elastic connective tissue and smooth muscle cells. This effect is very advantageous for people with circulatory disorders of inorganic origin, and women with low blood pressure stand to benefit in particular from regular use of this training method. Training of the cardiovascular system The cardiovascular system is progressively stimulated by the cooling process in the SnowRoom. After leaving the Snow- Room, the heart rate actually falls below the level it was at before entering the sauna in most cases. The pulse rate increases from 70 to 90 during the sauna, for example, and falls to 65 beats per minute after leaving the SnowRoom. These conditions actually create a kind of physiological stress situation for the heart similar to that occurring during physical exercise. The use of the SnowRoom is roughly equivalent to the physical exertion experienced by a person weighing 75 kg walking at 8 km/h on a flat surface for about 20 minutes. For this reason alone, it is obvious that the SnowRoom is only suitable for people without any underlying heart conditions. A doctor should always be consulted in case of heart problems.

3 Muscle training and stimulation of the metabolism Alternating between hot and cold stimuli is also a way of training our muscles according to the method promoted by Dr. Thuile. The muscles work harder in the SnowRoom because they have to produce heat. This additional work is also reflected in our energy levels in that the more energy we need for the muscle work, the more calories we burn. This is basically an additional stimulus for our metabolism in order to break down fat and thereby generate heat. Cold is especially good for minor muscle injuries, such as bruises or pulled muscles. Oxygen supply An improved blood flow also results in a better supply of oxygen to our tissue. This is associated with a general increase in performance of our cells, the smallest building blocks in the body. This improved metabolic situation also boosts the removal of waste products from the cells, otherwise referred to as the detoxification effect. The promotion of blood circulation may help in the medical treatment of conditions like poor circulation, blood pressure, lack of energy, chronic fatigue, migraine and certain aging processes of the skin, but it can also strengthen the defenses of the tissue in the entire body. Strengthening of the immune system In addition to the general strengthening, there is also an improvement in the body s defenses. This is due, on the one hand, to improved circulation and, on the other hand, to the resulting increased oxygenation of the tissue. Harmful free radicals can be better neutralized and the first line of defense with macrophages (= scavenger cells; derived from the Greek makròs (large) and phagein (eat)) is spurred on to improved migration through the tissue. One possible way of illustrating the effect is to imagine that the police officers on watch in our immune system are better equipped and step up their patrols. Every cold is annoying, whether manifest in a blocked nose, coughing or aching limbs. That is why a healthy immune system is so important. The SnowRoom is among the most powerful factors in stimulating the immune system alongside sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and a healthy gut.

4 Skin The improved circulation, which is particularly evident in our largest organ, the skin 2m², leads to a detoxification accompanied by a strengthening of the tissue at the same time as an increase in elasticity brought about by the training effect. This has a pleasant and aesthetic side effect in that the skin becomes firmer and silkier. This training method may also have a preventive effect against cellulite (orange-peel skin). The cooling effect is described as pleasant and soothing by people who suffer from inflammations of the skin, such as eczema or acne. In Hollywood, the cold treatment is hugely popular in aesthetic medicine. Superstars swear by cold treatments to achieve and retain smoother and healthier skin with fewer wrinkles. As is always the case, the results can only be effective given regular, long-term treatment. Joints Many users have noticed that chronic joint or back pain is alleviated or even eradicated altogether through exposure to the sub-zero temperatures in the SnowRoom. The dry cold temporarily reduces the sensation of pain in the body, often spelling an end to aching joints. As a result, the body releases endorphins and serotonin. Joints and muscles become more mobile after just a few minutes in the SnowRoom. However, for this to have a long-term effect on injured joints and muscles (and this basically applies to all chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system which respond well to cold treatment, such as rheumatism), the treatment must be as intensive as possible, preferably applied on consecutive days and even lasting several weeks. The recommended cycle is 14 days to 3 weeks of intensive treatment every three months. Many opportunities have arisen in the area of the musculoskeletal system where dry cold can contribute to an improved quality of life. Particular success has been reported in the case of fibromyalgia which is often very hard to treat. It is important to emphasize in this regard that people should approach this method cautiously at the start and take care not to overdo it. It is essential for the cycle to end with heat treatment for fibromyalgia patients, in particular, as they also enjoy the sensation of heat. Respiratory tracts Dry snow and dry cold have a gentle effect on our respiratory passages. The cleansing effect on the air is another component which matters most to allergy sufferers.

5 Benefits for athletes The SnowRoom is especially beneficial for athletes because it can enhance their motivation and performance but, first and foremost, it improves regenerative ability in that the body can recover more quickly after intensive exercise, training or competitive sport. This is achieved primarily by the vascular training and the associated detoxifying effect on the muscles. One pleasant side effect is that cold is known to be an effective means of relieving inflammation, pain and swelling. It should be stressed once more that this is achieved by rubbing dry snow generously on the affected parts of the body. The general rule in this regard is the earlier, the better, and the more often and longer, the more effective. Dry cold can also be of interest to amateur athletes because it can help to banish aching muscles more quickly. Anyone who uses our method after a strenuous hike, a sailing trip or extreme skiing or mountaineering, for example, will not only recover more easily but will hardly be aware of stiff or tired muscles. Another benefit of dry snow is that the friction on the skin is much gentler and is a more pleasant experience than applying ice, for example. Pain Users report considerable improvements even with pain caused by wear, such as arthritis. This also applies to their mobility, which is improved by the rapid alternation of heat and dry cold. Dr. Thuile s method also helps with chronic pain, such as tension headaches or migraines, sleep disorders, restlessness and circulatory disorders. These treatments are particularly beneficial for women who often suffer from cold hands and feet. Women going through the menopause claim to find great relief through this method. Health and well-being Cortisol is released with every change in temperature and is also known as the stress hormone because its production increases significantly under conditions of psychological or physical stress, such as after extremely long and intensive physical exertion. Its release has a positive effect on all bodily functions and offers the organs maximum support. The pituitary gland controls the endorphin mechanism, and heat stimulation evidently results in an increased secretion of substances which have an effect similar to morphine, being both analgesic and exhilarating. This effect, where the body produces its own happiness hormones, can result in total insensitivity to pain an effect which has many potential uses.

6 Increase in mental strength Alertness and responsiveness are other interesting parameters which normally decrease in relatively hot saunas, but cooling using dry cold or dry snow brings about a reduction in reaction times and therefore also leads to increased attentiveness and concentration. The dry cold has a balancing effect on our autonomic nervous system in particular, improving concentration and retentiveness. The stimulating effect is experienced immediately after treatment. Heat tends to lead to inertia, fatigue and exhaustion whereas even short periods of exposure to cold stimulate activity and have a calming influence on states of heightened agitation. The use of cold is to be very highly recommended to combat stress. Improvement in adaptability The regular use of the SnowRoom has a positive effect on sensitivity to changes in the weather because the body is trained to become accustomed to, and tolerant of, sudden variations in temperature. Improvement in sleep The use of dry cold also has a positive impact on sleep disorders. This important factor was also seen as significant by the trial participants in view of the fact that, in addition to providing relaxation, refreshment, rest and recovery, sleep is the time for processing the events of the day. Increase in sexual desire Some test subjects claimed to have experienced an increased desire for physical intimacy during or immediately after spending time in the SnowRoom. There are very many theories on this subject among psychologists. One possible explanation for the fact that the cold brings on a desire for sex is that cold is generally associated with retreat while one word which might be used to sum up heat is approach. If we spend time in the SnowRoom with close friends, especially our partners, the reaction to cold seems to change to a desire for warmth and therefore for closeness. Health care Regular use of the TechnoAlpin SnowRoom is a simple method for the prevention of illness. The simplest of all long-term uses of dry cold is to build resilience. Not only does it stimulate and improve blood flow but it also strengthens the immune system.

7 Comments and explanatory notes The cold treatment is special in that the more often you use the SnowRoom, the more pleasure you will derive from the sensation of cooling through the use of dry cold. You get used to the cold, so to speak, and can tolerate it for longer. You become an expert in regulating the treatment time yourself without any trouble. Regardless of whether it is winter or summer, it is advisable to use the SnowRoom more often, perhaps once or twice a week, in order to gain additional health benefits. You must not begin treatment in the SnowRoom if your blood sugar is low or if you are hungry or overfull. You should take 10 minutes before entering the SnowRoom to warm up a little or to just rest so that the hot and cold stimulus is not too stressful for the body. Not everyone sweats at the same rate or to the same extent because the immune system works differently from person to person. The key is to listen to your body, trust your instinct, take care not to overdo it, and to spend as much time in the sauna and in the SnowRoom as is conducive to your own personal comfort. Pregnant women can safely use the SnowRoom, provided there are no other health problems. Children of school age can also use the SnowRoom. Please note that the times stated should be halved for children under the age of 10. Two sessions in the SnowRoom are enough for children and you should arrange in advance for adequate fluid replacement. The SnowRoom should be used with caution if you suffer from any of the following Circulatory disorders High blood pressure Asthma problems Inflammation of internal organs Kidney disease Dizziness Claustrophobia As is the case with any other sauna sessions, we recommend that you consult your doctor before using the SnowRoom.

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