Thermalist® Method
The Thermalist® Method is the culmination of years of scientific research by Susanna Søberg into metabolism, cold and heat exposure, and the body's natural ability to heal and adapt through temperature regulation. This comprehensive method is built on the principles of deliberate exposure to cold and heat, combined with specific protocols that are designed to optimize your metabolism and reduce stress. A cornerstone of the Thermalist Method is the Søberg Principle, a scientifically backed principle that encourages the body to naturally reheat itself after cold exposure, activating brown fat and boosting metabolism.
What is the Thermalist Method?
The Thermalist Method is a unique approach to health and wellness that integrates cold exposure, heat exposure, and breathwork into a structured protocol. This method is based on Susanna's extensive research as a PhD in metabolism, where we studied how these natural interventions can activate metabolic pathways, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
The science behind the Thermalist Method is rooted in how your body responds to temperature changes. By systematically alternating between cold plunges and sauna sessions, this method trains your body to adapt to stressors, enhancing both physical and mental resilience. The benefits are well-documented: improved fat burning, enhanced circulation, and a significant reduction in stress. In fact, our latest data shows that after just 3 months of following the Thermalist Method, participants experienced a 21% reduction in stress.
Stress Reduction: Our New Data (2024)
Besides the metabolic effects, we wanted to explore the mental benefits of using this method. Our research on the Thermalist Method, has reach a 1 year and so far reveals a significant reduction in stress after consistent practice over three months. Participants in our study experienced a 21% reduction in stress levels!
This method combines cold and heat exposure to create a powerful synergy that improves both physical and mental well-being. The results highlight the scientific benefits of deliberate thermal exposure, including the positive effect on stress reduction.
As you can see from the graph, the most significant drop occurred by the third month of regular practice, demonstrating that sustained engagement with the Thermalist Method leads to profound improvements in stress management.
The Søberg Principle
The Søberg Principle is at the heart of the Thermalist Method. It is based on the idea that to enhance the metabolic benefits of cold exposure, you should allow your body to reheat itself naturally rather than relying on external sources like towels or saunas. This forces your brown fat—a type of fat that burns energy to produce heat—to activate, thereby improving your metabolic rate and overall health.
This principle isn’t just about braving the cold; it’s about strategically using the body’s natural responses to temperature for long-term health benefits. Scientific studies, including my own, have demonstrated that this protocol not only boosts metabolism but also has a profound impact on reducing body fat and improving glucose metabolism.
Scientifically Proven Benefits
The Thermalist Method is backed by science. Through rigorous research and clinical trials, we have observed the following benefits:
- Improved metabolism: By activating brown fat, the method enhances fat burning and helps regulate glucose levels.
- Reduced stress: Participants in our recent study reported a 21% decrease in stress levels after following the method for just three months.
- Enhanced mental clarity: Regular practice of cold exposure and heat therapy has been shown to increase focus and reduce brain fog.
- Improved immune function: Cold water therapy has been linked to stronger immunity, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects and improved circulation.
How the Thermalist Method Works
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Cold Exposure: Cold plunges with the adaptation program are the first step in the method, where you immerse yourself in cold water for a specific duration. This exposure triggers a cold shock response that activates brown fat and boosts metabolism.
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Heat Exposure: After the cold plunge, you transition into a sauna session, allowing your body to slowly reheat following a gentle heat adaptation program. This contrast between hot and cold trains your circulatory system and enhances your body’s resilience.
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The Søberg Principle: Instead of using external heat to warm yourself after the cold exposure, you allow your body to naturally reheat. This crucial step maximizes the metabolic benefits of the method.
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Breathwork: Breathwork exercises are incorporated to enhance the stress-reducing effects of the method, helping you stay calm and focused during cold exposure.
Join the Thermalist Method Movement
The Thermalist Method is not just about cold and heat; it’s about using the body’s natural systems to optimize health. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve your metabolism, or enhance mental clarity, this method offers a proven, scientifically grounded path to better health. And we continuous to research this at Søberg Institute.
Incorporating the Thermalist Method into your life is more than just a practice—it’s a lifestyle. Learn more about the method and how you can incorporate it into your wellness journey by signing up for our Thermalist Education Program at the Søberg Institute or you can offer the Thermalist Method in your spa or workshops.