WHAT IS HOT & COLD THERAPY?
How heat and cold work in the body and why this combination supports real recovery
Hot and cold therapy has been used for centuries to support healing, reduce tension and reset the body. You do not need a science background to understand why it works. The way your body responds to temperature is natural, predictable and surprisingly powerful.
At Iremia, we have our Recovery Room which allows you to move between hot and cold easily at your pace in the one area.
Here is an easy guide to what actually happens inside your body during a hot and cold recovery session. When you are ready, book your session in here.
What heat does in the body
Heat helps your body relax and open up. When you warm the body through a sauna or heated pool, a few key things happen:
Blood vessels widen which increases circulation
Muscles soften and release tension
The nervous system shifts into a calmer state
Your heart rate increases slightly which supports oxygen flow
Sweating begins which may help the body flush waste products
This is why heat feels soothing, comforting and loosens tight or fatigued muscles.
What cold does in the body
Cold has almost the opposite effect which is why it pairs so well with heat. When you enter cold water or a cold plunge:
Blood vessels narrow
Inflammation decreases
The mind becomes focused and alert
Breathing deepens which activates the nervous system
The body produces feel good neurotransmitters that give a natural energy lift
Cold exposure creates a quick reset that leaves many people feeling refreshed and mentally clear.
Why combining hot and cold works so well
Hot and cold therapy is most effective when used together in a cycle. Moving between both temperatures helps the body switch between different physiological states, giving you a wider range of benefits.
This combination supports:
Faster recovery after training or physical activity
Reduced muscle soreness
Improved circulation
Better stress management
Deeper relaxation
A balanced nervous system response
Your body is designed to adapt. Alternating heat and cold taps into that natural response in a way that feels therapeutic, energising and deeply restorative.
The role of your nervous system
One of the most impactful benefits of hot and cold therapy is how it influences the nervous system. Heat encourages relaxation and safety. Cold encourages alertness and resilience. When you alternate between the two, you train your nervous system to move smoothly between these states. Over time this can help improve stress tolerance, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing.
Making it part of your routine at Iremia
At Iremia Recovery, hot and cold therapy is experienced through the magnesium pool, cold plunge and traditional rock sauna, aka The Recovery Room. In here you can move between each element at your own pace. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Your body will guide you toward what feels supportive and restorative. We do have some protocol examples pinned up in The Recovery Room for you to follow for guidance, or you are welcome to reach out to our friendly staff who can assist in making a plan for your session.
Whether you are here for muscle recovery, stress relief or simply a moment of calm, hot and cold therapy is a simple and effective way to reset the body and mind. Book your session in our Recovery Room here.