Water has long been celebrated for its healing properties, dating back to ancient civilizations that recognized its restorative power. While cold plunging has recently become a popular self-care trend, alternating between hot and cold water—known as contrast hydrotherapy—offers its own significant benefits.
In my quest to explore new wellness practices and enhance my self-care routine, I visited Body Blitz Spa in Toronto for a day of rejuvenation and relaxation. The gold standard for water therapies, Body Blitz, is an award-winning, women-only therapeutic waters spa that preserves the centuries-old European tradition of “taking the waters.” It skillfully combines traditional methods with modern techniques, providing a deeply relaxing experience with benefits that linger long after you’ve left.
The Body Blitz experience includes a circuit of water therapies, each with their own unique health benefits:
- Warm Dead Sea Salt Pool: Helps erase muscle aches, improve joint mobility and offset body stress and fatigue. The Dead Sea salts help eliminate toxins and replenish the body with essential minerals.
- Cold Plunge Pool: Reduces inflammation, increases the body’s energy level and tightens pores. Submerging in cold water helps the lymphatic system and keeps the body temperature at a healthy rate.
- Hot Epsom Salt Pool: Relieves muscle pain and joint stiffness, reduces inflammation, eases stress, calms the mind and deeply relaxes the body. The high magnesium content of Epsom salt improves sleep and regulates over 325 enzymes in the body.
- Eucalyptus Steam Room: The 100-percent humidity relaxes the body, increases circulation and cleanses and tones the skin. The eucalyptus infusion is beneficial for respiratory disorders and rheumatic pain, and it can clear congestion while providing a calming effect.
- Infrared Sauna: Promotes a sweating heat, which is three times more effective than a traditional sauna. Helps release toxins from the body, relax muscles and stiffness, ease joint pain and calm the mind.
In addition to being an excellent destination for solo self-care, it serves as a hub for community and connection where women come together to experience the waters, bond and enhance their wellness journeys. This sense of community reflects the tradition of water therapy found in Nordic cultures and other parts of the world.
I left my spa day feeling both relaxed and rejuvenated, a unique result of the effective blend of hot and cold therapies. On days when a spa visit isn’t possible, there are several ways to achieve the benefits of water therapy at home:
- Alternate between hot and cold water in the shower. Start with warm water for a few minutes, then switch to cold for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat this cycle to stimulate circulation and invigorate your body.
- Soak in a warm bath infused with Epsom salts. The magnesium can help relax muscles, reduce stress and soothe aches.
- Cold plunge in your bath: If you have a bathtub or a small inflatable pool, fill it with cold water and soak for a few minutes. This can help reduce inflammation and boost recovery after exercise.
- Create a steam shower: Enjoy a long, hot shower or run a steaming bath. The steam can help clear your sinuses, enhance circulation, and relax your muscles.
- Use a hot water bottle: For targeted relief, apply a hot water bottle to sore muscles or areas of tension. This localized heat can help relax and soothe discomfort.
Originally written for The Mom Halo Blog.