Exploring Popular Wellness Treatments: Red Light and Contrast Therapies
In celebration of Wellness Week, the team from Fox & Friends discussed trending health therapies with hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Adam Klotz. They highlighted two popular treatments: red light therapy and contrast therapy using hot and cold plunges.
Ainsley focused on the advantages of red light therapy, which is touted for its benefits in improving skin health, promoting collagen production, and aiding in muscle recovery. Adam shared insights about contrast therapy, which involves alternating between hot saunas and cold baths to enhance both physical recovery and mental alertness. To gain a deeper understanding, they spoke with Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, who outlined the potential benefits and some risks associated with these therapies.
Red Light Therapy: What’s It All About?
The journey began at La Reserve Esthetics and Wellness in New York City, where red light therapy was on the agenda. A staff member explained how the treatment works by using special light bulbs that emit heat. This warmth helps the body recover and boosts cell production.
The therapy is advertised for its potential to reduce inflammation, assist in muscle recovery, aid in weight loss, and slow the aging process by enhancing collagen synthesis. Ainsley described the experience as warm, similar to lying in a tanning bed, but noted it is far safer because it doesn’t involve harmful UV exposure.
Dr. Siegel explained that red light therapy uses LED light that is close to infrared but is safer than sunlight. Regular sessions might lead to enhanced skin healing and collagen production, although results could take three to four weeks to become noticeable.
The Intense Experience of Contrast Therapy
After exploring red light therapy, the team moved on to test contrast therapy. Adam Klotz began with a 190-degree Fahrenheit sauna session for 15 to 20 minutes, creating what he described as a stress response, which was immediately followed by a jump into an ice bath with water temperatures between 46 and 48 degrees.
The cold plunge triggered an “immediate stress response” that forced him to breathe through the shock. Afterward, Adam expressed feeling an invigorating rush and noted that the experience helped clear his mind and lift his mood.
Dr. Siegel mentioned that a long-term study from Finland showed regular practice of this kind of therapy can reduce mortality rates by 40% to 50%. However, he cautioned viewers to check with their doctor before trying cold plunges, as it’s important to ensure hearts are healthy enough for such extreme temperatures.
The segment stressed the importance of seeking medical advice before diving into high-stress therapies, even if they show promise for muscle recovery and reducing inflammation.
Looking Ahead
As Wellness Week continues, the show plans to explore other health trends, including IV nutrient drips, wearable health technology, and sensory deprivation tanks. The goal is to help viewers make informed choices in the ever-changing world of wellness trends.
