We get asked the question: “I know this is supposed to be good for me, but how do sauna and then plunge actually benefit our health?” The answer is contrast therapy – a practice used worldwide, now backed by science.
Sauna Benefits (Heat)
- Improves circulation and lowers blood pressure.
- Reduces cardiovascular risk.
- Linked with lower dementia rates (Laukkanen et al., 2017).
Cold Plunge Benefits (Cold)
- Reduces inflammation and speeds recovery.
- Sharpens focus and mood with dopamine boosts.
- Trains mental resilience.
Why Together Works Best
Sauna relaxes; plunge awakens. The cycle builds adaptability, known as hormesis. Your nervous system learns balance, leaving you refreshed and alive.
At Wild Sauna in Hampshire, guests describe it as a “reset” – tingling skin, clear mind, light spirit. That’s why hot and cold therapy has endured for centuries.