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WELLNESS MODALITIES
FOR BETTER HEALTH BY MIA STINEMETZ Wellness modalities are therapeutic treatments used in holistic, integrative and even traditional medicine to treat a variety of physical and emotional mental health issues. While many are rooted in ancient wisdom and practices, some have sprung up in the modern era. Cryotherapy has been used for thousands of years in the form of ice therapy and while IV vitamin treatments are relatively new, the idea that vitamin deficiencies are at the root of many ailments is a long held belief. If you’re new to the world of wellness, we’ve rounded up a handful of popular therapies and techniques along with an explanation of the process, the benefits of each and a few local practitioners that offer the treatment. If you see something that sounds interesting, give it a try —you’re worth it!
IV Drip “Banana bags” are in! Gone are the days when only hospital patients received IV drip therapy treatments as its benefits have reached the general population. IV drip therapy infuses needed nutrients directly into the bloodstream and bypasses the digestive system so your body can absorb as much as it needs before passing along the rest to the kidneys. A few of the benefits of IV drip therapy include promoting faster weight loss, curing hangover symptoms, treating nutrient deficiencies, cleansing the body of toxins, increasing energy levels, promoting better cardiovascular health, easing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Each drip therapy spa offers different assortments of nutrients for you to choose what would best accommodate your needs. The Drip Parlor located on 151 Main St has a variety of options. A few of the IV drips that are popular at the Drip Parlor are
the Detox Drip which focuses on cleansing the liver of toxins, the AfterParty Drip which contains Zofran, calcium and fluids to help cure hangovers and the Beauty Drip, which contains vitamin C and B-Complex to help restore collagen levels and stimulate elastin.
Cryotherapy Cryotherapy, which literally means “cold therapy,” is an innovative wellness technique that typically entails sitting in a cryotherapy booth that reaches sub-zero temperatures for 3 to 5 minutes. The practice is a non-medical treatment, although some doctors utilize cryotherapy or cryoablation as a method to freeze off warts or skin tags. Cryotherapy reduces blood flow to certain areas of the body, which can help to significantly reduce inflammation and swelling that causes pain around joints or tendons. It has been known to help athletes recover from
soreness after intense workouts and can temporarily reduce nerve activity to help relieve pain. Some of the benefits of cryotherapy include reduced recovery time and muscle soreness, managing persistent pain and inflammation, relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, an increase in metabolism and reduced signs of aging. Chill Cryotherapy, LLC is located in downtown Pensacola’s historic Seville Quarter and is highly recommended for beginners.
Infrared Sauna Love the benefits of a sauna but don’t love the intense heat that a sauna provides? An infrared sauna may be the perfect option for you. Unlike a traditional sauna, infrared saunas do not heat the air within the space; instead, they use infrared lamps that emit electromagnetic radiation to warm the body directly. Although infrared saunas still operate at temperatures
that can range between 120 F and 140 F, users often claim that the heat penetrates more deeply into the body creating a more intense sweat at a lower temperature than typical saunas. The medically supported benefits of infrared saunas are similar to those experienced with a traditional sauna: better sleep, relaxation, detoxification, weight loss, relief from sore muscles, relief from joint pain, clear and tighter skin and improved circulation. If you are thinking about giving infrared a try, Stay The Spa, located in downtown Pensacola, offers clients the use of their infrared sauna. They suggest planning a massage or facial before or after the heat therapy for complete relaxation.
Massage Therapy Massage therapy is on the rise and is becoming widely accepted as a means to cope with both pain and stress. A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissue of
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