Hot or Cold? Finding the Right Water Therapy for Women’s Wellness

At Sensate spa, we believe in the healing power of water — in all its forms. Whether it’s the deep, soothing comfort of a hot tub or the bracing vitality of a cold plunge, each therapy offers something unique.

But for many women, especially those navigating hormonal shifts, high stress, or even illness, warm and cold therapies can affect the body in very different ways.

Let’s explore how to listen to your body — and find the right water ritual for your needs.

The Power of Warm Water

Hot tubs and warm hydrotherapy aren’t just about luxury — they’re deeply

therapeutic, especially for women.

Warm Water Can Help:

• Soothe muscles and joints affected by PMS, perimenopause, menopause, or chronic tension

• Support hormonal balance and reduce cortisol (stress hormone) by up to 22%

• Promote deep sleep and emotional calm by triggering melatonin release

• Increase circulation and relieve inflammation

• Encourage relaxation of the nervous system for mood and mental

  health.

A Note on Cancer Recovery & Warm Therapy

Some guests come to us while navigating cancer treatment or recovery. While we do not offer medical treatments, we honour their journey.

Warm water therapy may feel supportive as part of a personal wellness routine — especially for:

• Easing fatigue or pain related to treatment

• Promoting relaxation during high-stress periods

• Supporting gentle detox and circulation

• Creating a sense of emotional comfort and calm

💡 In some integrative cancer approaches, patients may explore hyperthermia therapy — a clinical process of raising body temperature to support treatment. While our spa does not offer medical hyperthermia, many guests use hot tubs and saunas as a complementary, non-medical ritual to help feel more grounded and supported during recovery.

Always consult your care team if undergoing active treatment.

The Benefits of Cold Water

Our cold plunge is a favorite among guests who want to feel clear, focused, and recharged. We use epsom salts and aromatherapy oils to enhance the benefits of the cold water.

Cold exposure can:

• Stimulate circulation and immunity

• Improve mental clarity and resilience

• Reduce inflammation and muscle soreness

• Boost mood and energy — fast!

A 2024 study from University College London found that nearly half of menopausal women who practiced cold water therapy reported reduced anxiety, improved mood, and fewer hot flashes.

Women may be more sensitive to cold due to hormone fluctuations or lower internal heat, so start slowly:

Try 30–60 seconds at first

Focus on calm breathing

Warm up afterwards if needed

Warm or Cold? Listen to Your Body

Choose Warm Therapy If…	Try a Cold Plunge If…
You’re feeling anxious, fatigued, or cold	You’re sore, foggy, or low on energy
You’re on your period or in menopause	You’re post-workout or craving a mood lift
You’re healing, recovering, or emotionally sensitive	You want to feel alert and refreshed
You need emotional comfort or nervous system reset	You’re building resilience & stress tolerance

A comparison of benefits for women's wellness

Benefit	Warm	Cold
Hormonal Support	Lowers cortisol, supports balance during PMS/menopause	May reduce hot flashes and mood swings in menopause
Stress & Anxiety Relief	Activates parasympathetic system, calms nerves	Boosts dopamine and norepinephrine for mood lift
Sleep Quality	Promotes melatonin release and deeper sleep	Indirectly improves sleep via mood and stress relief
Muscle & Joint Relief	Eases chronic tension, arthritis, fibromyalgia	Reduces soreness and inflammation post-exercise
Circulation & Heart Health	Improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure	Stimulates circulation and immune response
Emotional Comfort	Provides warmth, grounding, and emotional safety	Builds resilience and mental clarity

Every Body is Different. Every Day is Different.

We invite you to tune in — not to trends, but to your nervous system, cycle, mood, and healing needs. Whether you immerse in warmth or embrace the cold, water can be your medicine.

You deserve a place to pause, reconnect, and renew. We’re here — every soak, every plunge, every step of the way.

We would love to hear your experiences!

When do you crave warm water therapy the most?

• 0%During my cycle with hormonal shifts
• 0%When I’m stressed or anxious
• 0%After a long day or workout
• 0%All of the above!

You can vote for more than one answer.

How does your body usually feel after a cold plunge?

• 0%Energised and clear headed
• 0%A bit shocked but refreshed
• 0%Too intense for me
• 0%I haven't tried it yet!

You can vote for more than one answer.

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References

1.      University College London Study (2024). Post Reproductive Health Journal.

2.      Hooper, P. L. (1999). Hot-tub therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. New England Journal of Medicine.

3.      Biro, S. et al. (2003). Clinical implications of thermal therapy in lifestyle-related diseases. Experimental Biology and Medicine.

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