Heat, Cold & Calm: Are You Ready for the Winter Contrast Therapy Challenge?

By Dr Zoe Braund

We forgot to tell you something…

Hidden at the back of our office is something very special — and it is being very underused!

We have a sauna and ice bath, and we are on a mission to share this experience with our wonderful clients. Whether you are ready to embrace the full heat-and-cold challenge, or you simply want to warm up because you are a self-confessed cold frog, this is your invitation.

I have known about the benefits of sauna, ice baths and contrast therapy for years. But like most of us, life gets busy, and my own recovery and downtime often fall to the bottom of the list.

For the past month, I have been using the sauna and ice bath three times per week, and I am genuinely feeling the difference.

I spend around 35 minutes in the sauna, giving my body time to sweat, rest and reset. It has become time for me to clear my mind, breathe, listen to powerful music and completely switch off.

Then comes the ice bath.

I have been doing 3 minutes at 12 degrees, which is a great starting temperature, especially for women and beginners. At first, it was challenging — I am not naturally a cold-water person! But with deep breathing, it is getting easier. I can now sit for 4–5 minutes, which I never thought I would be able to do.

Afterwards, I hop back into the sauna for 5 minutes to warm up.

The feeling afterwards is amazing: invigorated, energised, calm and clear all at the same time. I am sleeping better, my energy feels better, and I simply feel good.

Why contrast therapy?

We were not designed to live in the same comfortable temperature all year round. Gentle stress from heat and cold can be incredibly supportive for the body and nervous system.

Contrast therapy may help support:

• Nervous system regulation

• Vagal nerve tone

• Recovery after exercise or treatment

• Sleep quality

• Energy and mental clarity

• Circulation and lymphatic flow

• Sweating and natural detox pathways

• Mitochondrial function — your cellular and brain energy powerhouses

The heat helps the body soften, sweat and relax. The cold challenges the nervous system in a controlled way, helping you practise calm under stress through your breath.

And the best part? You do not have to be brave to start.

We will keep the ice bath at 12 degrees for beginners, and you can start with just 45 seconds, then slowly build towards 3 minutes. Or, if the ice bath feels like too much, you are welcome to simply enjoy the sauna.

Join our Winter Contrast Therapy Challenge

Until 1st September, we are offering this special experience at a massively discounted rate for our clients because we want you to feel the difference.

• 45 minutes in the Mitochondria Room — $30

• 10-pack — $250, only $25 per session

We encourage you to add a session after your chiropractic care and experience the power of heat, cold, breath and recovery for yourself.

Your mitochondria will love you.
Your nervous system will thank you.
And you might surprise yourself with what you are capable of.

Ask us at your next appointment or speak to reception to book your Winter Contrast Therapy Challenge session.