Contrast Therapy (Infrared Sauna + Cold Plunge)
Heat up, plunge, chill
This Infrared Sauna will get hotter than our Halo-IR and provide many of the same sauna benefits for your mind and body while paired with our Cold Plunge so that you can cycle through both and get all the benefits of Contrast Therapy. Bring a friend or partner and see how long you can beat the freeze, then heat back up and feel the bliss of these special cycles.
What is the Cold Plunge and Contrast Therapy?
A cold plunge is a form of hydrotherapy where a person immerses themselves in very cold water for a short period of time. Typically, the water is kept at temperatures ranging from 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius) and the person will submerge themselves for up to a few minutes.
The idea behind cold plunges is that the cold water causes the body to release endorphins and other natural chemicals that help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and boost energy levels. Cold plunges are often used by athletes to help speed up recovery after intense exercise.
Contrast therapy, on the other hand, involves alternating between hot and cold temperatures to help stimulate the body’s natural healing response. One way to do this is by combining cold plunges with an infrared sauna.
To do contrast therapy with an infrared sauna and cold plunge, a person would spend a certain amount of time in the infrared sauna (usually around 10-15 minutes), then immediately immerse themselves in the cold plunge for a few minutes before returning to the sauna. This cycle is repeated several times, with the entire session lasting an hour.
The idea behind contrast therapy is that the hot and cold temperatures cause the blood vessels to dilate and constrict, which helps to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, leading to a variety of health benefits.
Reduced Inflammation
Cold water immersion can reduce inflammation and swelling, which is beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Increased Energy
Cold water immersion can stimulate the release of adrenaline and other hormones, providing a natural energy boost and reducing feelings of fatigue.
Stress Relief
Cold water immersion can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Enhanced Immune Function
Cold water therapy has been shown to improve immune function, including an increase in white blood cell count and improved activity of immune cells.
Athletic Recovery
Contrast therapy can be beneficial for athletes, as it can reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.
Improved Circulation
Alternating between cold and warm water can improve blood flow and circulation, which can benefit the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure.
Experience it for yourself now
Detoxification
Sweating is the body's natural way of eliminating toxins, and infrared saunas can help promote sweating to support detoxification.
Immune System Support
Regular use of an infrared sauna helps support the immune system by increasing circulation and promoting the elimination of toxins from the body.
Pain Relief
Infrared sauna therapy may help reduce muscle and joint pain, as well as inflammation, by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to affected areas.
Weight Loss
Some studies suggest that infrared sauna therapy may help support weight loss by increasing metabolism and burning calories.
Skin Health
IR saunas improve skin health by increasing blood flow to the skin, promoting collagen production, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Stress Relief
The relaxation induced by the heat of an infrared sauna can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are sessions?
All Contrast Therapy sessions are 60 minutes.
Do I need to shower?
Yes, there is a shower in the room and we require a brief rinse off in between the cycles of sauna and cold plunge.
What do I wear?
You can wear a bathing suit or be in the nude for maximum exposure.
Do I need to bring anything?
Nope, just yourself and a water bottle to make sure you stay hydrated. Towels are provided.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely. We have space in the Infrared Sauna for up to 3 people. Each person can join for an additional $30 (members only pay $24 to bring a friend). The cold plunge is large enough for two people at the same time or feel free to take turns as you’re cycling through.
How hot does the IR Sauna get?
This sauna gets hotter than our other sauna with halotherapy (up to 150°F).
How cold does the Cold Plunge get?
The water in the Cold Plunge is around 50°F.
Are there any contraindications for Infrared Sauna?
Infrared sauna therapy is generally considered safe for most people, but there are some contraindications that should be considered before using an infrared sauna:
- Cardiovascular Issues: Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease or heart problems should consult with their healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna, as the heat can increase heart rate and put additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
- Medications: Certain medications may interact with the heat from an infrared sauna, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using an infrared sauna if you are taking any medications.
- Skin Conditions: People with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may find that the heat from an infrared sauna aggravates their condition.
- Alcohol Use: Drinking alcohol before or during an infrared sauna session can be dangerous, as it can increase the risk of dehydration and dizziness.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid using an infrared sauna, as the heat can be harmful to the developing fetus.
- Acute illness: Individuals with an acute illness, such as a fever or flu, should avoid using an infrared sauna, as the heat can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of dehydration.
Overall, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before trying an infrared sauna, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.
Are there any contraindications for the Cold Plunge or Contrast Therapy?
Cold plunge or contrast therapy can be beneficial for most people when done correctly and safely. However, there are some contraindications that you should be aware of.
Firstly, people with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes should consult with their doctor before attempting cold plunge or contrast therapy. These conditions may make it dangerous to immerse oneself in cold water or expose oneself to extreme temperatures.
Additionally, individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should avoid cold plunge or contrast therapy, as the sudden temperature changes may trigger their symptoms.
Pregnant women and individuals with open wounds or injuries should also avoid cold plunge or contrast therapy, as it may increase the risk of complications.
Lastly, people with a history of seizures or epilepsy should avoid cold plunge or contrast therapy, as the sudden temperature changes may trigger a seizure.
It’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any new form of therapy or treatment, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.