Have you taken the plunge lately? That powerful combination of hot then cold - it’s more than just a trend—it's a new approach to health and well-being that’s brilliant for all of us - not just fitness enthusiasts. The sauna & cold plunge is like hitting the reset button for your body and mind. Let me break it down for you.
Why Sauna?
Our traditional Finnish sauna, that sanctuary of warmth, isn't just about sweating it out. It's a ritual; an enveloping heat that whispers to your muscles, "relax, release, renew." This isn't about enduring the heat; it's about embracing it. The heat works its magic, easing tension, flushing toxins, and preparing your body for the exhilarating contrast that's to come.
Cold Plunge: A Leap into Vitality
Then, the cold plunge—a moment where time seems to stand still as you immerse into chilling waters. It's not just a shock to the system; it's a wake-up call to your very essence. This isn't about the shiver; it's about awakening a vitality within you that you might not have known existed. It's here, in this stark contrast, that the magic happens: enhanced circulation, reduced inflammation, and a vibrant, almost electrifying sense of aliveness.
Heart Based Healing Centre’s Chill and Thrill
At Heart Based Healing Centre, nestled within our Sauna/Spa Garden, this powerful combination is not just experienced; it's celebrated. Our traditional 5-person Finnish sauna offers not just a session of warmth but an invitation to a journey of wellness. We also have an unheated saltwater pool and about this time of the year the contrast of going from sauna to cold plunge in the pool is just awesome. Our Sauna /Spa Garden also has a 6 person hydrotherapy spa - this rejuvenating wellness ritual can be booked at $20 per person for an hour. You have exclusive, private use of the Sauna/Spa Garden & pool.
Why This Combination?
Why does this contrast between heat and cold work such wonders? It's about balance. The sauna's heat prepares the body, opening pores, relaxing muscles, and setting the stage for the invigorating cold. The cold plunge then resets the system, tightening pores, invigorating the circulation, and enhancing muscle recovery.
The History
The practice of using alternating hot and cold temperatures for health benefits has been around for centuries, it’s a long-standing tradition in many cultures, including Japan, where people frequent the onsen (hot and cold springs). This traditional practice, known as "toban-yoku," involves switching between hot springs and cold environments, which enhances circulation, boosts immune function, and promotes overall well-being.
Hot and cold therapy in the West was popularised by Wim Hof, known as "The Iceman." You may have seen him climbing Mt Everst in a pair of shorts! Wim taps into the health benefits of exposing the body to extreme temperatures. His method includes alternating between hot environments or applications and cold exposures, such as ice baths or cold showers. Well worth doing some research about him, if you haven’t come across him before.
The Science
Scientific research supports the benefits of sauna & cold plunge, particularly the benefits related to improved circulation and the activation of the body’s thermoregulatory processes. The immersion in hot water leads to vasodilation, which is when your blood vessels widen, giving you better blood flow and reducing muscle soreness. And, exposure to cold water causes vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels, which helps to decrease inflammation and stimulate the nervous system.
Who’s It For?
This wellness ritual is for anyone who seeks more than just recovery or relaxation. It's for those battling the stress of packed schedules, for athletes seeking optimal recovery, and for anyone in need of a deeper, more restful sleep. It's also fantastic for people navigating depression or anxiety, offering a moment of clear-headed calm and a spark of inner joy.
Giving It a Go
At Heart Based Healing Centre, we’re all about making wellness accessible and fun. So, whether you’re a fitness fanatic, someone bogged down by the daily grind, or just looking to try something new come and experience our sauna & cold plunge - you’ll be glad you did.
