Contrast bath therapy involves alternating hot and cold temperatures in a cyclical pattern, which stimulates the body's natural healing response, increases white blood cell count (Cells that help fight infection and other diseases), and boosts NK cell activity (cells that recognise and kill various types of malignant cells).​​​​​​​​​

Benefits of Contrast Therapy:

1) Releases Dopamine: 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in many functions in the body, including movement, learning, motivation, and mood. It is often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.

When dopamine is released in the brain, it binds to receptors on neurons in the reward system. This activates the reward system, which is a network of brain regions that are involved in processing rewards and motivation. The activation of the reward system leads to a number of positive effects

 

2) Improves Blood Circulation:

Hot temperatures dilate blood vessels, while cold temperatures constrict them. This alternating dilation and constriction of blood vessels helps to increase blood flow throughout the body.

Increased blood flow can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and remove waste products. This can be helpful for a number of symptoms, such as muscle soreness, inflammation, and pain.

 

3) Reduces Inflammation:

Cold temperatures have the ability to reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels and decreasing blood flow to the affected area. This can result in a reduction of swelling, pain, and stiffness.

 

4) Increases Norepinephrine:

Norepinephrine is a hormone/neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of functions, including:

Vigilance: Norepinephrine activates the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response.

Focus: Norepinephrine helps us to focus, by increasing the activity of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for executive function.

Attention: Norepinephrine helps us to pay attention to important stimuli, by increasing the activity of the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions.

Mood: Norepinephrine is also involved in mood regulation. It helps to keep us feeling positive and motivated.

 

5) Increases Prolactin Levels:

Prolactin is a hormone that enhances brain function by stimulating myelin growth and repairing nerve cells. It can protect neurons from damage caused by stress, inflammation, and toxins. It also stimulates myelin growth and repair, which can improve brain function.

Prolactin can also increase the production of white blood cells and help to fight infection.

 

6) Improves Cognitive Function:

Contrast therapy help to increase blood flow to the brain. This can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which can help to improve cognitive function.

Contrast therapy can also help to increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that helps to promote the growth and repair of neurons. This can help to protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function.