We Tried It: Ice Baths & Red Light Therapy

We Tried It: Ice Baths & Red Light Therapy

For the first week of Wellness Month, the team tried Cold Exposure and underwent daily sessions of Red Light Therapy (RLT). Two completely different health hacks working towards one common goal — wellness. 

An individual's experience will differ from person to person, on one hand, we have Allira who has been using Red Light Therapy regularly over the past year, to some team members who were either sceptical or hadn’t even heard of it up until now. Some of us loved the exposure to extreme cold while others hated it. Read on to hear the final verdict!

Are Ice Baths Really Worth the Torture? 

“A strong mindset is important to realize your inner strength”
— Wim Hof

Now, taking an ice-cold bath may sound extremely painful and one of the hardest things for a human being to do, but the benefits are endless. However, while it boasts a wide range of benefits, ice baths are not for everyone and not exactly pleasant.

“I have cold showers every morning… But this was on another level!”
— Allira, Wholesale Accounts

Ice baths work to reduce inflammation and improve recovery by changing the way your body's blood flows through the body. When submerging the body in cold water, your blood vessels constrict, upon exiting, they dilate. This causes your body to flush away any toxins and lymphatic drainage. However, the biggest challenge is your mindset. From a mental standpoint, you are exposing your body to different stresses and extreme conditions. This is where controlling your breathing becomes significantly important, it is the most instrumental part of the bodies autonomic nervous system.  

"Cold showers every morning helps kick start the day. For me it's more about controlling the mind and finding comfort through breath work in what is generally a very uncomfortable temperature... especially in winter. If you can make yourself do that, the rest of the day seems relatively easy."
— Jaryd, Co-Founder & Director

“The ice bath was actually invigorating.  Initially, it was a shock to the system and I found the easiest way to deal with the cold was to slow down the breath and focus on that.  After getting out of the ice bath, I felt a burning sensation in my skin, however not painful. I felt like I had a lot of energy afterwards.”
— Allira, Wholesale Accounts

Watch the IGTV now to see the team try an ice bath 🥶

Is Red Light Therapy Really The Fountain of Youth?

Red Light Therapy has incredible healing, anti-ageing and rejuvenation benefits and many studies have proven it to be one of the most beneficial treatments for achieving healthier, glowing skin.
It’s not just any red light that you can get from your local Bunnings. Much rather two concentrated wavelengths that deliver light to your skin and cells using the same wavelengths as natural light from the sun without the harmful UV rays - specifically mid-600 nanometer range and near-infrared light in the mid-800 range. 

The 660-nanometer range is quickly absorbed by the skin, making it ideal for cosmetic treatments and skin health, while the 850-nanometer range penetrates deeper into your body to help with muscle recovery, thyroid function, collagen production, joint pain & inflammation, and full-body health.

“Personally, when I first heard about RLT I thought what a load of bollocks, how can a red light cure everything? I may have been a little bit ignorant, however, after hearing all the wonderful benefits and the science behind it, I thought, why not just give this a ‘red hot crack’.
As someone who struggles to get a full night’s sleep, let alone 4 hours of undisturbed sleep, I was extremely curious to hear that these concentrated wavelengths of natural light help promote a deeper and improved nights sleep. After just two days of using Infraredi, I managed to sleep for at least 3 hours before waking up in the middle of the night, I also noticed that I was able to fall asleep much quicker than I have all year.”
—Nikki, Social Media Manager

“I have been using infrared and red light for the last 12 months and love the results I have felt. Personally, the most noticeable benefits I have is better, deeper sleep, improved thyroid function and muscle recovery. I also feel it has helped my skin a lot too. There is a very calming sensation when using the red light which I love.”
— Allira, Wholesale Accounts

Red Light Therapy also boosts circulation throughout the body, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your cells and tissues. Research shows that it helps to improve everything from acne, muscle recovery, pain relief and inflammation, it’s a beneficial treatment for achieving healthier, glowing skin! 

So, is RLT really the holy grail of overall health and wellness? Let us know via socials if you give Red Light Therapy or Cold Exposure a try or the benefits you have experienced!

IG: @beforeyouspeakcoffee

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