Sauna and Cold plunge

[Guest guest]

Hi Daniel & All,

 

> I have often wondered precisely what a Sauna (followed traditionally by

> jumping in the snow or ice cold water naked) does in terms of Chinese

> Medical physiology. Obviously, it very powerfully opens the pores and

> triggers sweating, followed, in the case of jumping in the snow, with

> closing the pores. It must invigorate the Wei Qi circulation mechanism.

> Any other thoughts. When might one consider it particularly indicated,

> contraindicated?

 

A very hot sauna [Dryness Heat, though sometimes one creates Damp

Heat by pouring water on the hot stones] triggers automonic reflexes,

notably superficial vasodilation, sweating, increased heart rate

[sometimes tachycardia] and decreased BP.

 

Plunging into near-freezing water (or rolling in snow) triggers

opposite reflex responses of the ANS, notably superficial

vasoconstriction, cessation of sweating, shivering.

 

http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/100/6/2057 says:

" Immersion of an unprotected body in cold water produces a large and

fast fall in skin temperature, which, in turn, evokes the initial

responses to cold immersion, given the generic name " cold shock. "

This is probably the most dangerous response associated with

immersion in cold water, having the potential to be a precursor to

drowning or cardiovascular problems. It includes an " inspiratory

gasp, " hyperventilation, hypocapnia, tachycardia, peripheral

vasoconstriction, and hypertension (see Fig. 1; Refs. 40, 42, 70).

The responses reach a peak within 30 s of immersion and adapt over

the first 3 min of immersion in most individuals. "

 

Alternating sessions of heat and cold [some people take 3-4 sessions

of heat + cold in one sauna session] is an excellent way to condition

the ANS and help the body's homeostatic mechanisms to fend off colds

and chills in winter.

 

In Daniel's terms, it invigorates the Weiqi circulation mechanism.

For me it also acts to Calm Shen and relax body.

 

Sauna is especially good to detox the body, especially after a hard

night's partying. If, having drunk hard liquor until 0200h, a

lecturer must give the 0900h lecture next morning, I would advise

three specific actions:

 

(1) Get into a hot (90 degC) sauna, with a few plunges in the cold

pool from 0630 to 0730h.

 

Cool off for 20-30 minutes before showering and dressing.

 

(2) Between 0800 and 0830h, have a good breakfast, with 2 cups of

coffee.

 

(3) Take 2-3g Concentrated extract of Korean Red Ginseng

http://www.redpanax.com/new/daedong_mn2_2.htm

 

Ginseng has a miraculous effect on hangover - sometimes working in

less than 20 minutes. So take the ginseng about 30 minutes before you

mount the podium!

 

> When might one consider it particularly indicated, contraindicated?

 

(1) People with known heart problems, or diagnosed hypotension should

take sauna with caution, and never enter a sauna unaccompanied. They

can sit on the lowest bench and get out at the first sign of

dizziness or tachycardia.

 

However, a Japanese study " Effects of Repeated Sauna Treatment on

Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure "

http://tinyurl.com/2w2yk7w concluded: " Repeated sauna treatment [at

60 decC] improves ventricular arrhythmias in patients with CHF. (Circ

J 2004; 68: 1146 -1151) "

 

Phil's comment: NOTE that the temperature in many saunas is much

higher than 60 degC; typical Finnish sauna temperature is 80-90 degC,

but can be 100 degC; people with heart problems should avoid very hot

saunas]

 

(2) Jumping straight into ice-water can trigger a reflex cardiac

arrest, even in healthy people. A Nordic friend told me that

immersion of a foot to the mid calf in ice-water for about 30 sec

before plunging in can block that cardiac reflex, and such foot

immersion is recommended before total immersion

 

People with known heart problems, or hypertension, should take the

cold plunge with caution, or avoid it altogether.

 

Best regards,

 

1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

Tel: (H): +353-(0);

Tel: (M): +353-(0)

 

 

 

 

" Man who says it can't be done should not interrupt woman doing it " -

Chinese

Proverb

[Guest guest]

Ack! Saunas should never be dry - that's an American bastardization of Finnish

cultural heritage. When you pour water on the stones of a sauna stove it

creates löyly (the steam) which decreases the temperature and causes the pores

to open on the skin, that's when the bathing starts. Jumping back and forth

from the sauna to the cold water or rolling (naked) in the snow afterwards turns

you into a pile of jello... my guess is it scatters your Qi. After the sauna,

you sit in the adjoining cool down room and enjoy some snacks and probably some

vodka or other hydration. After the cool down your pores close and I believe

you are less prone to wind invasion.

 

Just as a side note, saunas are baths that were traditionally done on the

weekend after a hard week of work (also where children were birthed, cheese

made, etc).. and also shared amongst friends especially during parties (coed or

not) and NEVER with clothing. Saunas in Finland have signs stating a no bathing

suit policy (imagine the shock when the sauna lady comes in and tells you take

your suit off.. :-). Saunas were usually the first building that would go up

when one would build a house. When we were kids growing up in Vancouver BC - we

would go up in the North Shore Mountains by Horseshoe bay to get spring branches

from the birch trees to make a " vihta " . You would tie the base of the

branches together, soak in water, and then during the bath, grandma (Mummu)

would take the bundle, tap it on the stones to heat it up, and then she would

tap them on your back. What great memories, and probably would be a great Wind

Cold treatment to boot.

 

Best,

Geoff

 

, " " < wrote:

>

> A very hot sauna [Dryness Heat, though sometimes one creates Damp

> Heat by pouring water on the hot stones] triggers automonic

[Guest guest]

I was once practicing martial arts in my college gym and watched a women run out

of the sauna and dive into the pool. She died right there. Now probably she had

a weak heart, but it did make an impression on me.