I Did 30 Days Of Cold Plunges & Here’s What Happened
by Cassie Cassidy
For 30 days, I embarked on a chilly adventure: a cold plunge every single day for a month at Renu Lounge.
Like anyone starting out for the first time, I was apprehensive and took it slow with 30 seconds-1 minute plunges in the 50-degree water. Slowly but surely I worked up to 5 minutes in the cold plunge with the goal to reduce inflammation, boost energy and dopamine, and enhance mental resilience.
Here’s what actually happened:
Alleviated Back and Joint Pain:
Before this experiment, chronic back and joint pain were my constant companions. Post-plunge, I noticed a significant reduction in discomfort and less achiness in my everyday life.
Boost in Energy Levels
Incorporating a midday plunge turned out to be a game-changer. It was like hitting a reset button; the cold immersion provided a jolt of energy, which was super helpful in preventing midday sluggishness.
Improved Sleep Quality
Restful nights became a reality. Each night, I found myself slipping into a deeper, more uninterrupted sleep.
Adaptation to Cold Temperatures
Gradually, my body acclimatized to the cold, an especially helpful result for Vermont winters. This newfound comfort in colder temperatures extended beyond the plunge, making winter days more bearable.
Better Mood
I noticed a difference in my moods after each plunge - more optimistic, focused and overall happier than life before the plunges.
How You Can Do It Too
It was definitely a chilly month, but totally worth it. If you're considering taking the plunge, here's some advice to ease into it that I’ve learned after plunging for 30 days straight:
Start Small & Stay Consistent
Begin with just a minute and gradually increase the duration. Let your body adapt at its own pace. Once you keep practicing, aim for 11 minutes per week for the most benefits.
Set the Mood with Music
Create a playlist of tunes that calm or energize you. Music can significantly enhance the experience, making it more enjoyable and less daunting.
Dim the Lights for Zen
Soft, dim lighting can create a tranquil environment, helping to soothe the mind before and during the plunge.
Don't Overthink, Just Plunge
Hesitation only builds apprehension. Approach the plunge with a 'just do it' mindset. The less you ponder, the easier it becomes to take that initial step.
The cold plunge has taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unfamiliar, and that, hey, I can stay strong in moments of stress - a key benefit of mental resilience while cold plunging. If you're considering a similar challenge, I encourage you to take the plunge – you might just be surprised at how much you gain from it.
Infrared Light Therapy vs. Red Light Therapy
Shedding Light on the Differences
In the realm of therapeutic light, both infrared light therapy and red light therapy offer unique benefits, each harnessing specific wavelengths for distinct purposes. Let's illuminate the key differences between these two popular forms of light therapy:
Wavelength Range:
Infrared Light Therapy: Encompasses wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum, typically ranging from 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). Infrared light is further divided into near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared, each with specific applications.
Red Light Therapy: Primarily utilizes wavelengths in the red and near-infrared spectrum, typically ranging from 620 nm to 850 nm. This range is within the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Penetration Depth:
Infrared Light Therapy: Penetrates deeper into the body, reaching tissues and muscles. This depth allows for potential benefits in terms of circulation, joint health, and muscle recovery.
Red Light Therapy: Penetrates less deeply compared to infrared light, primarily affecting the skin and cells closer to the surface. It is often used for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and promoting cellular energy production.
Heat Generation:
Infrared Light Therapy: Often associated with the generation of heat, especially in the case of far-infrared therapy. This heat can contribute to relaxation, improved blood flow, and potential detoxification through sweat.
Red Light Therapy: Does not generate significant heat, making it a non-thermal therapy. This characteristic allows for a comfortable and cool treatment experience.
Therapeutic Applications:
Infrared Light Therapy: Commonly used for pain relief, improved circulation, muscle recovery, and relaxation. It finds applications in infrared saunas, clinical settings, and sports therapy.
Red Light Therapy: Widely recognized for its benefits in skin health, collagen production, wound healing, anti-aging, and reducing inflammation. It is applied through specialized devices such as LED panels or lasers.
Treatment Duration:
Infrared Light Therapy: Sessions can vary in duration, typically lasting around 20 to 45 minutes in the case of infrared sauna sessions. The goal is to induce a therapeutic level of heat and sweat.
Red Light Therapy: Sessions are generally shorter, ranging from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the specific treatment goals and the intensity of the light used.
While both infrared light therapy and red light therapy harness the power of light for therapeutic purposes, their differences in wavelength, penetration depth, heat generation, and applications make them suitable for distinct therapeutic goals. Whether seeking deep tissue benefits or surface-level cellular effects, understanding these differences allows individuals to tailor their light therapy approach to specific health and wellness objectives.
What The Heck Is Red Light Therapy?
…And Why Should I Care?
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, is a revolutionary treatment that has been gaining attention for its potential to boost your well-being.
The Science Behind Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy involves the use of low-level red or near-infrared light to stimulate specific cellular processes. Here's what's happening at the cellular level:
Cellular Energy Production: Red light therapy enhances the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of our cells, by stimulating the mitochondria.
Improved Blood Flow: It increases blood flow and the formation of new capillaries, facilitating the transport of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Red light therapy can lower oxidative stress by increasing the body's production of antioxidants, potentially protecting cells from damage.
The Astonishing Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy offers a broad spectrum of benefits, and here are some of the remarkable ways it can help you:
Enhanced Skin Health: Numerous studies, including one published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, have shown that red light therapy can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote collagen production, leading to a more youthful appearance.
Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation: Research in the journal Pain Research & Management indicates that red light therapy may alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, making it an attractive option for those suffering from conditions like arthritis.
Accelerated Wound Healing: Scientific studies, such as one in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, demonstrate that red light therapy can expedite wound healing by stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation at the wound site.
Mood Enhancement and Mental Health: Some research, like a study in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that red light therapy may have a positive impact on mood disorders, including depression, by influencing the brain's neurotransmitters and reducing symptoms.
The Future of Wellness
Red light therapy is a scientifically validated method to improve your skin, alleviate pain, boost mental health, and promote overall well-being. The research-backed benefits of red light therapy are opening doors to a new era of self-care, where a simple yet powerful light can illuminate a healthier you.
Come embrace the therapeutic potential of red light therapy at Renu Lounge.