Breath, Cold & Sauna
Breath
There are certain experiences that we cannot think our way through, we have to feel our way through them with breath.
Let's start from the beginning, why do we breathe?
- To bring oxygen (O2) into the body
- To expel carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body
More specifically, we breathe to CREATE ENERGY!
It is truly our energy and life source.
There are many mechanisms that co-depend on each other within our bodies to continue to inhale and exhale. Breathing can also be slightly manipulated in different patterns to create different states within our minds and bodies as well.
It is the gateway to stress regulation and state shift.
By breathing with intention we can reverse-engineer our nervous systems tone, and therefore facilitate a meaningful impact on our physical state, mindset and mood.
“Breathing awakens body intelligence”
- Dan Brule
2. Cold
Cold exposure has so many benefits!
In my opinion however, I would rank #1 being mental health.
Here are a few of the mental health benefits that this routine can provide:
- A boost of energy when you are feeling drained
- An increase in your mental health, helping you to feel calm and light
- A decrease in feelings of depression and anxiety
- A feeling of accomplishment, knowing you completed something out of your comfort zone (in the discomfort there is growth)
- A way to build mental resilience
Physiological Benefits:
- Pain and inflammation management
- Increased circulatory system and blood flow
- Boost for the immune system and improve cellular function
- Powerful recovery tool
- Activates metabolism and increased brown fat stores
And lastly, the cold can often act as a catalyst to a journey of
improved health and optimal state of wellbeing.
“When we embrace the cold, this is when magic happens”
- Wim Hof
3. Sauna
Saunas feel amazing and create a space of pause and peace
The regular use of saunas can also have an incredible number of benefits which include:
- Improved skin health
- Stress relief/relaxation
- Pain relief
- Muscle relaxation
- Enhanced flexibility
- Mental wellbeing
- Lymphatic drainage and detoxification
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Heat shock protein release (can have a protective effect on the brain)
- Improved immune function
Are you ready for your sauna session to compliment your healing journey?
“The thoughts and feelings that emerge from being on the sauna bench, could never appear being anywhere else in the world”
- F.E. Sillanpää
