After a sauna session, the ice grotto provides the necessary refreshment
When you hear the word ice cave, the first thing you probably think of is a natural ice cave. In such natural ice caves, temperatures are below freezing even in summer. However, natural glacial caves are very rare (although fascinating and definitely worth a visit).
They are therefore unsuitable for cooling down after a sauna session. What we are talking about here are artificially created ice caves. These are cold chambers, such as those set up in some saunas. In the air-conditioned room, sauna guests can cool down in a variety of ways.
Wonderful refreshment after the sauna session in the snow cave
An ice grotto is a wonderful way to cool down after a sauna session. As you would expect, it is icy cold in such a grotto. Temperatures in a cold room range from -15 to -12 degrees (5 to 10,4 °F), depending on the type of ice chamber:
- The simpler variant of the cold room has no claim to correspond to the natural model. But here, as a rule, you will find at least one ice fountain. This is a fountain that produces crushed ice (so-called crushed ice). The ice is meant to be rubbed on the body. You can also use ice showers to cool down in the cold sauna.
- The furnishings of more luxurious ice caves, on the other hand, sometimes come quite close to nature’s model. Walking through icy fog or sleet leaves a tingling sensation on your skin. In some ice rooms, there is even real snow!
Strengthening the body’s defenses in the ice grotto
Cooling down the body after sweating in the sauna is indispensable. Only through the stark temperature differences, the defenses are strengthened. The cold room is the perfect way to get this cooling down. Blood circulation and circulation are thus stimulated and we harden.
Sweating in the sauna widens the pores of the body. The cold shock in the cold sauna closes them again. This is an effective training for the skin and important for our health. After all, in winter we are constantly exposed to extreme temperature differences.
Awakens new life forces
The ice grotto is the perfect alternative to the usual cooling under the cold shower. The special thing about it is that not only the skin is cooled down, but also the air we breathe. Very beneficial also, especially in summer. So why not try a sauna with a cold chamber the next time you visit the sauna?
Rub yourself with ice cubes and enjoy the cold. You’ll really be doing your body some good. Let it run, literally, ice-cold down your back. The cold awakens new life forces! More refreshment and relaxation is not possible.
More reasons and summary why an ice grotto can be good for your health. These include:
- Reduction of inflammation: Cold helps reduce inflammation in the body. This can help with conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, and skin conditions.
- Improved circulation: cold stimulates blood flow, which leads to better oxygen delivery to cells. This can help with conditions such as angina, heart attack and stroke.
- Strengthened immune system: cold strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to disease.
- Improved mood: cold can make you feel and be in a better mood. This can help with depression, anxiety and stress.
- Pain relief: cold relieves pain, especially muscle and joint pain and headaches.
- Improved skin health: cold makes for firmer and smoother skin. This can help with acne, wrinkles, and aging skin.
Side effects and contraindications of ice caves: Who are they unsuitable for?
Ice caves offer a refreshing and often therapeutic experience, but they are not suitable for everyone. Individuals suffering from certain vascular conditions should carefully consider the potential risks before entering such an environment.
People with vascular damage, such as that caused by diabetes, are more susceptible to problems associated with extreme temperature changes. The body’s ability to constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction) may be affected by this damage, increasing the risk of complications in the cold of an ice cave.
In addition, patients with pacemakers should take special care. Ice caves present an extremely cold environment that can interfere with the normal operation of a pacemaker. Therefore, it is recommended that these individuals check with their doctor or a professional beforehand to determine if it is safe to visit the ice cave.
Also, individuals with circulatory problems or other damage to blood vessels may have difficulty adjusting to the drastic temperature changes in an ice cave. Since the body may not be able to regulate the temperature efficiently in such cases, serious health complications could result.
Conclusion
The ice grotto is much more than just a way to cool down after a sauna session: it’s a fascinating combination of refreshment and health benefits. From boosting the immune system to improving skin texture, it offers a nature-based experience that both invigorates and heals. The Ice Grotto is an invitation to enjoy the invigorating cold while balancing body and mind – an experience that goes far beyond the traditional sauna visit.
