Hydrotherapy The Way to Relaxation – Eclipse Nordic Hotsprings

Eclipse Experience

Most people in North America bathe in hot springs for recreational purposes only. They like to have a nice, long hot soak, then go home. Our hot springs experience is inspired not only for recreation but also with our guests’ health in mind. Eclipse uses the concept of alternating hot and cold therapy with relaxation to achieve a state of health and mental well-being.

To elevate this blissful, health-supporting soak to a transformational level, we invite our guests to engage in a three-step ritual called” the Nordic cycle”. This cycle consists of hot therapy, followed by cold therapy, followed by a rest period. This process is also known as thermotherapy. Using the hot springs for thermotherapy- rather than just for a hot soak alone- can have a profound effect on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We invite our guests to try the Nordic cycle. This circuit will help to strengthen your immune system, purify your body, and soothe various aches and pains.

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Why is the Nordic Cycle Beneficial?

Heat Therapy

Heat dilates your pores and encourages you to sweat and cleanse your body. It also dilates your blood vessels, which improves blood circulation. This, in turn, increases cell oxygenation and increases nourishment to the cells, tissues, and organs. Also, as Eclipse visitors have attested over time, soaking in hot water helps block pain receptors in bones and muscles.

The health benefits of using the sauna and steam rooms have been known in the circumpolar countries for centuries. It has been shown that regular sauna use improves the function of the innermost layer of blood vessels in the body, which has a very good effect on blood pressure.

All our blood vessels have a muscular layer in their wall. As with every muscle in the body, muscles in the heart and blood vessel walls need an occasional workout. Recent studies have shown that having a sauna 4-7 times per week eliminates the risk of developing high blood pressure by 50%. Regular hot therapy provides the best training for your blood vessels’ muscles because the hot/cold constantly constricts and dilates blood vessels throughout the session.

Sauna and the steam rooms also help relieve nasal and lung congestion. This in turn helps people breathe easier.

Cold Therapy

The cold hydrotherapy, using cold showers and plunges, closes your skin’s pores and increases blood circulation. The cold stimulates the body and invigorates, increasing your adrenaline levels. This paves the way for your brain to release endorphins to flow through your body. You will feel immediate effects to your well-being.

Rest

Finally, there is a rest period. This is needed to bring the body closer to its normal temperature so the cycle can be repeated two more times. After you have completed 3 or more rounds of the thermotherapy cycle, the relaxation that you feel is deeply restorative. It will make you feel rejuvenated, reduce stress in the body, and give you an improved quality of sleep.

The Nordic Cycle at Eclipse

Start the cycle with a cleansing shower using our Yukon botanicals for your skin and hair. Next, try a hot therapy. Choose between the outdoor hot springs’ pools, the saunas, and the steam rooms. In the winter, if it is colder than -20°C (-4°F), we invite you to freeze your hair in our famous Hair Freezing Contest.

Next, try cold therapy. Take a cold shower. In the winter, if you are brave, try rolling in the snow. In the summer, sit in the cold plunge or stand under the bucket shower.

Finally, we have many special ways to relax. All year long, you can check out the heated loungers in the Relax Centre. Close your eyes and listen to the beautiful music and sounds of nature created by Yukon musician Mathew Lien. Or go upstairs to the yoga room and have a stretch. Have a cold soda or gelato in your robe at our Hot Rock Cafe.

In Summer, you can lounge on one of the outdoor patios. Become inspired by nature as you wander around the beautiful rock terraces and gardens. Perhaps a dip in the Hidden Pool or a soak in one of the Clay Tubs. Sip a glass of orange and lemon water on the deck by the fire.