Heat or Cold Therapy? Here’s When to Use Each (And Why Mugwort Heat Is Special)

The Wellness World Loves Contrast—Here’s How to Choose What Your Body Needs

We’ve all been there: sore neck, tense shoulders, maybe a random ache that crept up after a long day at your desk. Your instinct might be to reach for an ice pack… or maybe something warm and cozy. But which one is right?

Both heat and cold therapy have their place in wellness—and knowing when to use them can make a big difference. And if you’re curious about that special category of herbal heat (hint: mugwort), we’ve got you covered there too.

Cold Therapy (Cryotherapy): Best for Fresh Pain or Inflammation

When to use cold:

• Right after an injury or workout

• To reduce swelling or inflammation

• When something feels sharp, hot, or throbbing

Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels and numbing nerve activity. It’s great for calming down acute inflammation—think twisted ankle, overused wrist, or that post-gym soreness.

But cold isn’t always comforting. It can feel harsh, and for some, it’s simply unpleasant to sit with.

Heat Therapy: Best for Stiffness, Tension, and Chronic Discomfort

When to use heat:

• When your body feels stiff or tense

• For chronic neck, shoulder, or back discomfort

• To relax muscles and promote circulation

Heat works by increasing blood flow and relaxing tight tissues. It’s ideal for easing long-term tension—the kind you get from hours at your computer or stress that settles in your shoulders.

Bonus: Heat also calms the nervous system, which is why it feels so soothing.

So, Why Mugwort Heat?

Now here’s where it gets interesting. With Artemisyn Flow, we’ve infused traditional heat therapy with something extra: compressed mugwort (Ai Ye). This ancient herb has a long history in Eastern wellness practices for its grounding, warming properties.

Instead of dry electric heat or sticky heat patches, our mugwort pods release a gentle, herbal warmth that feels organic and nurturing—almost like a warm hand on your neck.

No smoke. No mess. Just a clean, portable way to melt into your body again.

Final Thoughts

Your body knows what it needs. Some days, it’s ice. Other days, it’s warmth. And sometimes, it’s a quiet moment with a herbal heat device that helps you feel held—without leaving your desk or home.

Artemisyn Flow is our way of bringing that moment closer to you. Wherever you are, whatever your pace.