It’s a chilly October day in London and we’re at Bhuti, Bingham Riverhouse for some soul health! Bhuti serves as a great antidote to the modern western lifestyle, a place to breathe, heal and reduce stress.
Today we’re meeting Women’s Health Practitioner Elizabeth Sergeant to talk about supporting women’s health through the ancient practices of heat and cold exposure.
Ancient cultures have long recognized the healing powers of temperature extremes, utilizing practices like ice swimming, sauna sessions, and sweat lodges not just as rituals but as vital components of health and longevity. As modern science begins to catch up, we are uncovering the remarkable benefits these methods offer, particularly for women.
 “At the forefront of this exploration is the understanding that women’s bodies respond uniquely to both heat and cold, creating an opportunity to tailor these practices for optimal health benefits.”
Elizabeth shares that given the cyclical nature of women’s bodies, it’s crucial to recognize how hormonal fluctuations influence temperature perception and response.
A cold swim experienced on one phase of the menstrual cycle can feel drastically different just a week or two later, underscoring the importance of listening to one’s body and adjusting practices accordingly.
(Sama – Founder of Bhuti)
How does heat & cold help our bodies?
Heat and cold exposure have been found to stimulate shock proteins—our body’s own cellular repair systems. Heat exposure boosts heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are essential for cell protection, inflammation reduction, and enhanced energy efficiency. On the other hand, cold exposure activates cold shock proteins such as RBM3, emerging as a key protector of brain function, especially beneficial for women facing the challenges of perimenopause.
How was it for me?
Embracing cold exposure in a controlled manner initially felt challenging! But as I dipped for the third time – it got easier. My body’s cold shock response was triggered and consistent practice has been shown to decrease cortisol levels—our main stress hormone—over time. I also felt a rush of endorphins afterwards that was wonderful! Cold water therapy is something I hope to invest in, adding to my other daily/weekly wellness protocols; especially during the winter when SAD can kick in!
Other benefits of dipping in cold water include:
– Reduced inflammation and joint pain
– Boosted circulation and immune support
– Lowered stress + cortisol levels
– Improved mood, sleep, and resilience
Bhuti at Bingham Riverhouse are currently offering Urban Ice Tribe cold plunges and infrared sauna treatments as part of their newly launched treatment space, sitting alongside wellbeing classes and treatments.
Ice bath at bhuti : £20 for 30 minutes non members | free for members. Our ice bath is from Urban Ice Tribe a luxury steel ice bath set in the gardens of bhuti at Bingham Riverhouse.
Infrared Sauna: £50 for 30 minutes non members | free for members. Our sauna uses Solocarbon 3-in-1 is the only sauna heater on the market that can provide all three infrared wavelengths in one place. The infrared spectrum consists of near (NIR), mid (MIR), and far (FIR) waves, each with distinct characteristics and frequency ranges.