Snow sauna

The blood vessels dilate in the sauna, and the rapid cooling afterwards causes the vessels to contract. Repeated hot and cold stimuli, especially in sequence, lead to an increase in the return flow rate of the blood to the veins and to an improved valve function and therefore to a better overall performance of the venous system. The training of the blood vessels can be pictured as being like real muscle toning exercise because the blood vessels actually consist of elastic connective tissue and smooth muscle cells. This effect is very advantageous for people with circulatory disorders of inorganic origin, and women with low blood pressure stand to benefit in particular from regular use of this training method.

The cardiovascular system is progressively stimulated by the cooling process in the snow room. After leaving the snow room, the heart rate actually falls below the level it was at before entering the sauna in most cases. The pulse rate increases from 70 to 90 during the sauna, for example, and falls to 65 beats per minute after leaving the snow room. These conditions actually create a kind of physiological stress situation for the heart similar to that occurring during physical exercise. The use of the snow room is roughly equivalent to the physical exertion experienced by a person weighing 75 kg walking at 8 km/h on a flat surface for about 20 minutes. For this reason alone, it is obvious that the snow room is only suitable for people without any underlying heart conditions. A doctor should always be consulted in case of heart problems.

The metabolism is stimulated by the alternation of heat and cold, and this supports the fat burning and detoxification processes. The changing states of hot and cold also stimulate the muscles. The muscles work harder because they have to produce heat. This is an additional stimulus for the metabolism.

The snow room routine can provide relief for chronic muscle and joint pain. Snow is applied to the painful area and massaged in (unless the skin is broken). After a break the application is repeated twice. The cold temporarily reduces the sensation of pain, often spelling an end to aching joints. As a result, the body releases endorphins and serotonin. There is an improvement in mobility after just a few minutes. Regular use of the method (every two weeks) is recommended for long-term results.

An improved blood flow results in a better supply of oxygen to the tissue. This is associated with a general increase in performance of our cells, the smallest building blocks in the body. The improvement in the metabolism promotes detoxification and the strengthening of the tissue while at the same time increasing elasticity. The skin becomes firmer and smoother. Regular use is recommended for long-term benefits.

In addition to the general strengthening, there is also an improvement in the body’s defenses. This is due to the improved circulation and the increased oxygen supply. Harmful free radicals can be better neutralized and the first line of defense with macrophages (= scavenger cells; derived from the Greek makròs (large) and phagein (eat)) is spurred on to improved migration through the tissue. Every common cold is annoying, whether it is a blocked nose, coughing or aching limbs. That is why a healthy immune system is so important. A cold treatment like the snow room is among the most powerful factors in stimulating the immune system alongside sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and a healthy gut

Alertness and responsiveness are other interesting parameters which normally decrease in relatively hot saunas, but cooling using dry cold or dry snow brings about a reduction in reaction times and therefore also leads to increased attentiveness and concentration. The dry cold has a balancing effect on our autonomic nervous system in particular, improving concentration and retentiveness. The stimulating effect is experienced immediately after treatment. Heat tends to lead to inertia, fatigue and exhaustion whereas even short periods of exposure to cold stimulate activity and have a calming influence on states of increased agitation. The use of cold is to be very
highly recommended to combat stress.

The snow room is especially beneficial for athletes because it can enhance their motivation and performance but it is most notable for improving regenerative ability. The body will recover more quickly after exercise. This is due to the vascular training and the detoxifying effect on the muscles. The use of snow can also relieve inflammation, pain and swelling. In this case, snow is applied to the affected areas, starting with three short and vigorous applications to the muscle for approximately 5-10 minutes in the snow room (only on healthy skin) followed by a rubbing down with a towel.