Have you heard of Fire and Ice Therapy? Once considered a luxury treatment, it is great for anyone who keeps active, and may speed up recovery and even provide pain relief.
Fire and Ice is similar to a regular hot stone massage, where heated stones are massaged deeply into the muscles but in this case, alternated with icy cold stones, so that you get a real contrast. If this sounds a bit wild to you, you might be surprised to know that this remarkable treatment is actually really relaxing and much more refreshing than a hot stone massage on its own.
Why is the contrasted intense heat and cold beneficial?
‘Fire’, which in this case is heat applied to the body via the use of hot stones is a simple form of thermotherapy and ‘ice’, using icy cold stones is a form of cryotherapy. Alternating between them, the effect on the body is similar to the contrast bathing of a Turkish or Arabic bath, going from a hot pool to an icy one.
Heat from the hot stones relaxes the muscles and expands the blood vessels allowing more blood to the area being massaged. This brings essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, fascia and other surrounding tissues.
The icy cold stones then make the blood vessels constrict, pushing blood away and so flushing out toxins and stimulating your nervous system. Cold also decreases inflammation and reduces pain and spasm.
Alternating them produces a pumping effect, almost like a mini cardiovascular workout which improves circulation. It also works in the same way on the lymph system, removing stagnant fluid and waste products that are trapped in the body.
Need relief after a hard workout or sports injury?
How many of us sporty types have suffered from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) a day or two after a hard workout? A Fire and Ice treatment is likely to enhance your recovery, and reduce muscle swelling after intense activity in a more positive way than rest alone. After a sports injury, Fire and Ice can be used clinically in the sub acute or chronic stages. It may also help to
- Heal damaged tissues, reducing pain and relaxing the fascia (a type of connective tissue which runs throughout the body).
- Increase the circulation in areas where there is restricted blood flow, such as tendons and plantar fascia underneath the foot.
- Relax hyper-toned muscles that are in spasm or cramping.
- Unblock sinuses and assist with symptomatic relief of headaches or migraines.
A Fire and Ice treatment lasts 1.5 hours long and cost £65.
Visit Maria’s page to book your appointment.