Immersing the entire body in a large tub of near-freezing water is not everyone’s go-to favorite thing to do. Nonetheless, ice bath therapy has received a lot of attention from celebrities, athletes, trainers, and health influencers for its reported benefits. What are the secrets and benefits of this frigid therapy? Our content writer, Vinnie, will tell you all about them by recapping his latest fire & ice therapy session.

What Is Ice Bath Therapy?

If you’re familiar with Wim Hof, a.k.a. The Ice Man, the philosophy of soaking in cold water is to put the body into a fight or flight state. With the rush of endorphins and adrenaline, the natural instinct is to stress and jump out of the water. Remaining in the ice bath not only helps the body adapt to stress, but it also works to improve circulation, enhance immune function, and reduce inflammation. 

On my most recent adventure, I went to Remedy Place in West Hollywood, California. The entire facility is one of the most tranquil places I’ve ever been to, especially on The Adventures of V-Man. The entire facility houses various healing modalities. From hyperbaric oxygen therapy pods and infrared saunas to massages and ice baths, Remedy Place has it all. I opted to experience the one-two punch combo therapy that is fire and ice. This combo immerses the body in ice cold water for three to six minutes, followed by a 45-minute infrared sauna session. 

Arriving At Remedy Place

Am I allowed to say that everyone in this facility was beautiful? Entering this building was like wandering into a place where beautiful people congregate. Sorry, but I’m allowed to admire, right? Anyways, that says nothing about the facility. Remedy Place is chic, modern, dimly lit and intended for healing the body. The knowledgeable and friendly staff member, James, gave me a tour of the facility before showing me to the ice bath station. 

Typically, for the fire and ice therapy combo, a person starts with the ice bath therapy and then transitions to the infrared sauna. It’s possible to reverse the order, but James did not recommend that for my first go around. One doesn’t just change and enter the ice bath, though. The mind is not ready for that shock. For this reason, the person engaging in the therapy goes through an 11-minute breath work session. 

The Ice Bath Therapy

I mentioned Wim Hof earlier in the article. The breath work is similar to that of Wim Hof’s teachings, in that the goal is to oxygenate and alkalize the body. During this breathing, which essentially a form of guided meditation, you essentially prepare the body for the cold. The idea behind it is so that the mind can take over and make it so the body can handle the cold. I sat near the ice bath and practiced the breathing exercise. 

Before I knew it, it was time to submerge in the ice water. In the video, the water doesn’t look cold, but the tub of water remains at a cool 39º F by an electric cooling system. There is no ice in the water, but trust me when I tell you that it’s brisk. James, my ice bath coach, queued up a song that I wanted to listen to for motivation. And then I plunged in, leaving all but my head submerged in the water. My first instinct was to get out immediately because it was freezing. James encouraged me to recall that breathing to help calm my mind and just sit still in water. 

At one point, my forearms started to cramp a little, so I lifted them out of the water. James noticed that I started shaking after a while, so he suggested that I exit the water. I made it five and half minutes out of the maximum six-minute time limit. No big deal. I felt like I was ready to run through a wall after emerging from the cold. I was energized, hyped, and felt rejuvenated. 

Infrared Sauna Therapy

It was a very interesting transition to transfer from such an electrifying state to an immediate state of relaxation. The intense cold was lively and exhilarating and the sauna brought me down several levels. It was the fanciest sauna that I ever sat in. There was bluetooth capability! So I started up a podcast and relaxed in the space. 

One of the greatest things about the infrared sauna is that you can stay in there for a while without experiencing any feelings of discomfort. I didn’t feel like my breathing suffered from the heat or anything like that. The infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat the space, and this light can benefit the cells in the body more easily than a traditional sauna. Infrared saunas use infrared light to optimize the body’s ability to relax and promote detoxification. It’s not oppressive or uncomfortable; rather, the infrared sauna experience is restorative, especially after an ice bath session. I could have gone to sleep in there. That’s how relaxing I felt during that therapy. 

I felt like a new man after leaving Remedy Place and encourage people to check out the facility if they live in Los Angeles, CA. They have memberships, but all of the therapies are available for individual purchase. Please check them out and see how the other healing modalities can assist you in achieving the healthiest body possible. We are only on this planet for a limited time, so treat the body well and help it recover whenever possible. 

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In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie plunges into an ice bath and finds ultimate relaxation in an infrared sauna.

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The use of saunas or sweat huts to promote toxin elimination is not a new therapy. For centuries, various cultures have used concentrated heat to maintain optimal physical health. In fact, researches suggest that saunas are one of the most beneficial tools to assist with the elimination of heavy metals and toxins. They also help to increase oxygenation and improve immune function, which is why many health experts support the use of saunas to fight cancer. 

Over 2,000 years ago, Parmenides, a famous Greek physician, said “Give me the power to create fever, and I will cure any disease.” This has been observed in cancer treatment centers around the world. Cancer patients who develop fevers occasionally enter remission. The idea behind this is that inducing a fever encourages an immune response that causes the body to fight existing cancer cells. This is why cancer treatment centers incorporate infrared sauna therapy into treatment plans. Exposing the body to heat is a safe and effective method that is both controllable and tolerable for the patient. 

What Is An Infrared Sauna?

Dr. JH Kellogg incorporated infrared technology into his “electric light bath” over 100 years ago at the 1893 World’s Fair. In the 1980s, infrared saunas became popular in the United States, but experts have refined this technology since then. Unlike a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna does not heat the air around you. Using infrared lamps that use electromagnetic radiation, infrared lights directly warm the body. The light can penetrate human tissue while operating at a lower temperature than a traditional sauna. 

What Is The Benefit Of Heating The Body?

By using heat and light, infrared saunas help to optimize the body’s ability to relax and promote detoxification. Sweating encourages the elimination of toxins, but what’s more interesting is that infrared saunas encourage whole-body hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is a popular method that disables weaker, heat-sensitive cancers. Infrared saunas can heat the body a couple degrees, inducing a fever in a gentle way. Health experts typically apply hyperthermia locally, focusing a laser or heat source directly at the cancerous area. However, raising the body’s temperature by a mere two degrees can enhance immune reactions and put pressure on cancer cells. 

How Do Infrared Saunas Fight Cancer?

Stress Reduction

Health experts say that constant stress causes the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. When the sympathetic branch of the nervous system is in high gear, it can inhibit digestion, immune response, and natural eliminative organ function. Essentially, the body is in a fight or flight state, and remaining in this state increases the risk of cancer development. Studies show that infrared saunas inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, which is a necessary step towards cancer recovery. Additionally, infrared saunas activate parasympathetic nervous activity, which helps promote alkalinity, pain mitigation, depression, and immune function. One of the main benefits, then, is creating an alkaline environment so that cancer cannot thrive.

Direct Cancer Cell Death

The first thing to know about cancer cells is that they are weaker than healthy cells. Hyperthermia is an effective method for fighting cancer cells because they are less tolerant of heat. Higher temperatures often kill cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. Studies show that tumors have a reduced ability to adapt blood circulation to the effects of higher temperatures. This means they are more susceptible to heat damage. In fact, a clinical study in 2009 monitored infrared’s effects on human cancer cells in vitro and on cancer cells in mice. Far infrared therapy was able to reduce tumor volumes by 86% within a month. 

Organ Decongestion

Detoxification pathways are inhibited if the liver, kidneys, and other internal organs are congested. This means that the body holds on to more chemical toxins, which can be a problem for cancer patients. Infrared sauna therapy assists with detoxification by improving circulation throughout the body. Besides the ability to increase blood flow to the body’s extremities, infrared sauna therapy also helps to decongest internal organs. By eliminating congestion, you increase the function of these organs, thereby improving their ability to get rid of toxins. The infrared heat also promotes the release of toxins from fat layers beneath the skin. According to several studies, infrared saunas produce sweat that consist of 80-85% water and 15-20% fat soluble toxins. The toxins include ammonia, sodium, uric acid, heavy metals, and sulfuric acid. 

Immune System Activation

More often than not, conventional cancer treatments suppress immune function. Infrared sauna therapy, on the other hand, actually enhances immune function. A German professor, Rolf Issels, theorized that hyperthermia produces heat shock proteins on the surface of cancer cells. This makes them more prone to an attack by the body’s immune system. Other health experts explain that heat from infrared light distinguishes cancer cells from healthy cells, allowing the immune system to attack the unhealthy cancer cells. 

The infrared sauna seems to be the most effective and safest method for generating hyperthermia in the body. It’s a proven therapeutic method to optimize immune function and increase the chance of cancer cell death. 

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In the latest episode of The Adventures of V-Man, Vinnie went to Zen Wellness LA to receive chiropractic care and somatic trauma therapy. Owned and operated by women, Zen Wellness LA is located in the neighborhood of Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA. The women at this facility offer a variety of services, including chiropractic care, somatic trauma therapy, prenatal massage, massage therapy, pediatric chiropractic, yoga, and pilates physical therapy. You can also experience infrared sauna, postpartum care, and purchase Usana supplements.

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Red light therapy is the hot new treatment that may help improve skin tissues with the use of low wavelength red light. Even though it has gained popularity within recent years, it was used in the early 1990s to help plants grow in space. Researchers believe that this type of therapy can help reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and even dark spots. Red light therapy is gaining mass attention, but some people are still skeptical of the benefits. For the most part, this therapy seems very promising and we want to tell you all about it.

What Is Red Light Therapy And How Does It Work?

Many people are aware of infrared light, which is an energy that your eyes cannot see. Your body can feel the heat of infrared light (such is the case for infrared saunas) and absorb the benefits. Red light, on the other hand, is near-infrared light that your eyes can see. Low wavelength red light can actually penetrate the deep tissues of the skin, where cells can absorb it and use it. One study found that the mitochondria in skin cells produced more adenosine triphosphate, the energy source for cells, after exposure to red light. This means that it could be an effective way to reduce muscle atrophy, accelerate wound healing, and combat bone density issues. 

Does It Actually Work?

Beauty blogs and alternative therapy enthusiasts preach the benefits of red light therapy. While some studies have confirmed certain benefits, red light therapy is definitely not a cure for everything. The claims with little to no evidence are about red light therapy’s ability to promote weight loss, fight dental infections, treat cancer, improve neck or back pain, and treat depression. It does, however, have many skin-boosting benefits. 

Who Can Benefit?

Even though red light therapy isn’t new, limited studies on the potential benefits are available. It’s different from laser therapy or intense pulsed light therapy because it doesn’t damage the skin. In reality, it actually improves the health of your skin. It’s a painless, non-invasive procedure that is safe for all skin types. There are no known adverse side effects and it’s safe for all ages. Athletes with limited range of motion, elderly people with wrinkles, or young women who want flawless-looking skin can all benefit from red light therapy. You can read about some of the most documented benefits below. 

Benefits Of Red Light Therapy

Reduces Acne

Many factors contribute to the behavior of sebaceous glands. The sun, for example, can alter the way these glands produce sebum. If they produce too much sebum, pores become clogged and acne results. Studies have shown that sunlight can also calm overactive sebaceous glands. The problem with excessive ultraviolet light exposure is that it increases the risk of skin cancer. Red light therapy is a potential remedy for acne because it penetrates deep layers of skin tissue, affecting sebum production and reducing inflammation in the specific area. Red light therapy on its own may reduce inflammation associated with acne, but this therapy may be improved when combined with blue light therapy. 

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

The reason why red light therapy helps reduce inflammation is not exactly clear. Experts believe that the deep penetration of tissues and organs is the reason. As of now, there is minimal research on the anti-inflammatory effects of red light therapy, in regards to numerous inflammatory conditions. Several studies place a lot of importance on the connection between wavelengths and inflammation reduction. Further research is necessary to determine how red light therapy benefits people with Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, psoriasis, obesity, and tendinitis. 

Improves Overall Skin Health

From increasing collagen production and protecting cells to reducing fine lines and increasing circulation, red light therapy primarily boosts overall skin health. It’s a great therapy if you want to reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, improve skin texture and tone, and stimulate cell health. The reason that it is so great for the skin is because it increases fibroblast production, which encourages collagen production. One clinical trial used red light therapy on people with basic skin problems. The results indicated that the test subjects experienced improved complexion, tone, and overall feeling of skin. 

Red light therapy shows promising results but there needs to be more research and studies within the scientific community to determine how beneficial it is. Right now, some people really love it and others are skeptical. It’s okay to fear the unknown, but please understand that this therapy is showing promising results on skin care. If you have questions about this therapy, ask your doctor before trying it. 

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Fitness enthusiasts rushed through the doors of the Los Angeles Convention Center at 10 a.m. on the dot on Sunday, January 26^th, 2019. Determined to grab free swag, protein samples, and autographs from some of the leading names in fitness, people formed lines throughout the convention center. It was a mad house, but it was encouraging to see so many people excited about new methods of recovery, workout tools, supplements, and more.

There were hundreds of booths at the LA FitExpo, and we navigated the entirety of the complex maze. We spun some wheels to win free blender bottles, workout towels, and stickers, and we even sampled plant-based bars, electrolyte powders, monk fruit sweeteners, and breadcrumbs made from pea protein. Oh, and we can’t even get into the amount of keto-approved snacks and supplements that we saw. It’s the keto revolution!

Since our last coverage of the 2019 LA FitExpo, we know that one thing is for certain: CBD IS HERE TO STAY! We discussed the many CBD products in our last report of the LA FitExpo, and it is amazing to see what is permissible to sell now that laws changed about the distribution of CBD products. Aside from the CBD invasion, many booths focused on new recovery products, plant-based nutrition, and hydration. You can see what products we loved below.

Improve Circulation With Cupping

Before Olympian Michael Phelps generated gossip about his circular dark spots all over his body, cupping was a practice that many cultures used for muscle relaxation and detoxification. Within the past 20 years or so, cupping has become an integral recovery technique of many athletes and non-athletes alike. Whether the person is dealing with stress, digestive discomfort, poor circulation, or sore muscles, cupping therapy is a fantastic alternative medicine to help. We purchased a silicone cupping set from Lure Essentials, and they are very easy to adhere to the body by yourself. Move stagnant lymphatic fluid, decrease scar tissue, and loosen connective tissue with these cups! Lure has made it so this traditional therapy can be done by yourself whenever you need it. No scheduling appointments or special services required. Simply press them onto your skin and let the suction begin.

Personal Infrared Sauna

If you have a little extra money that you want to invest in self-care and recovery, you can with your very own personal infrared sauna. While a traditional sauna ranges from 150-180 degrees F, an infrared usually heats between 120-140 degrees F. The infrared panels on the inside help to penetrate human tissue, focusing 80% of the heat on the body and 20% of the heat on the surrounding air. One of the primary benefits of infrared saunas is that they increase blood circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, assisting with the elimination of heavy metals and built-up toxins. Infrared saunas also contribute to faster recovery, relieving inflammation or soreness and supplying muscles with increased circulation to repair.

Alkaline Water Bottle

We aren’t talking about bottled alkaline water, here. We are talking about a reusable, BPA-free, double-walled vacuum insulated water bottle that can keep water cold for up to 24 hours. Purchasing cases of alkaline water can be expensive, so you can now buy one reusable bottle, which is better for the environment, that contains an alkaline diffuser. This diffuser has alkalizing minerals that can increase filtered water to have a pH level of 9 or higher. If you fill the 32-ounce bottle a couple times a day, you will need to replace the alkaline diffuser every three months. The name of this bottle is Dyln, and the bottle is $56.

Those were the most exciting products we found at the 2020 LA FitExpo, and we can’t wait to see what the vendors show up with next year.

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