From the steamy heat of a traditional sauna to an ice-cold plunge, contrast therapy is gaining momentum as one of the more popular trends in health and wellness. For good reason, this recovery ritual has made its way to neighborhood yoga studios, like Somos Yoga.
“I like to stay up to par with the latest health and wellness trends,” said co-owner Ryan Adames—that’s how he discovered contrast therapy. Growing up an athlete, Adames was familiar with ice baths to recover after football games, but never really understood the science behind it.
When it started becoming the latest craze, Adames began researching the scientific benefits of the cold plunge. His research led him to discover the Wim Hof method and why it’s beneficial; he then realized he needed to incorporate it into the studio.
Contrast therapy is the alternation between heat and cold exposure. Somos Yoga incorporates an infrared sauna that heats your body directly, rather than a regular sauna, which heats the air around you.
“We learned so much information. [Some studies show] infrared sauna lessens your risk of heart attack and stroke by 50-61% if practiced two to three times per week for at least 20 minutes, which helps with the blood flow and circulation; combined with a cold plunge, which helps with inflammation in the body,” said Adames. Together, they release endorphins for ultimate relaxation and mental clarity. This experience offers tangible results that can help with anxiety, depression and stress management.
Adames and co-owner Maricela Gonzalez advocated for contrast therapy when they brought the service to their studio. It was a service they truly wanted their members to experience due to the potential benefits the ritual has to offer. Alongside contrast therapy, Somos offers glow therapy and a salt cave that makes use of aroma and sound therapy. These services combined are a total reset for the whole body and mind, beyond the yoga mat.
Somos has two locations that each have their own personality. The OG studio in the Six Points area is a smaller, intimate location that practices a more traditional yoga, known as asana, at all temperatures and all levels. You can find the same practices at the Southside location, along with all the wellness therapies that are only offered there.
Thanks to Somos Yoga, this viral wellness trend is available for those looking to see what it’s all about. Supporting a local business while managing your stress and anxiety? That’s a win-win.
