The Proper Way To Do Contrast Therapy with
Oasis Infrared Sauna and Cold Plunge
Restore. Renew. Rebalance.
Experience the art of contrast therapy—where the soothing warmth of a near-infrared sauna meets the invigorating refresh of a cold plunge. This refined hot-to-cold ritual supports circulation, eases inflammation, and promotes deep physical and mental renewal.
Designed for those who value intentional wellness, contrast therapy transforms recovery into a restorative escape for the body and mind.
What is Contrast Therapy?
Contrast therapy is a wellness practice that alternates between heat (such as a sauna) and cold (such as a cold plunge or ice bath).
This hot–cold cycle helps:
• Improve blood circulation
• Reduce muscle soreness and inflammation
• Support faster recovery
• Boost energy and mental clarity
By moving from warmth to cold, the body is gently stimulated to reset, refresh, and heal—making contrast therapy a popular ritual in luxury spas, athletic recovery, and modern wellness routines.
Why Use a Dry Far Infrared Sauna?
Dry Far Infrared (FIR) saunas use advanced infrared technology to gently heat the body from within, rather than simply warming the surrounding air like traditional saunas. This allows the heat to penetrate deeper into muscles and tissues, supporting more effective detoxification, pain relief, and improved circulation—without the discomfort of extreme ambient heat.
Far infrared energy can penetrate up to two inches beneath the skin, delivering therapeutic benefits beyond surface warmth. These include improved muscle recovery by relieving tension and post-exercise soreness, natural relief from joint pain and inflammation, enhanced detoxification through deep sweating that helps eliminate toxins and heavy metals, and healthier, more youthful-looking skin by supporting collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Because the environment remains dry and comfortably warm, FIR saunas are well-suited for longer sessions and regular use, making them ideal for daily relaxation and holistic wellness.
Why Use a Cold Plunge?
A cold plunge involves immersing the body in cold water, typically between 6°C and 10°C, and is also known as cold water immersion. This practice offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits, especially for recovery and resilience.
Cold plunging helps reduce inflammation and swelling, making it highly effective for post-workout recovery and muscle repair. It also stimulates the nervous system, enhancing mental clarity, focus, and alertness. The sudden cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress, while providing a natural boost of energy that leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Benefits of Combining a Dry Far Infrared Sauna and Cold Plunge
Using a Dry Far Infrared sauna followed by a cold plunge creates a powerful contrast therapy routine that amplifies overall wellness benefits.
Enhanced Recovery
Alternating between heat-induced vasodilation and cold-induced vasoconstriction improves blood circulation, helping flush out metabolic waste while delivering fresh oxygen and nutrients to muscles.
Boosted Metabolism
Switching between hot and cold environments encourages the body to work harder to maintain balance, temporarily increasing metabolic activity.
Improved Lymphatic Health
The temperature contrast stimulates the lymphatic system, supporting efficient waste removal and strengthening immune function.
Increased Mental Resilience
Exposure to alternating heat and cold challenges both physical and mental endurance, helping reduce stress and build mental toughness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contrast Therapy with Oasis Dry Far Infrared Sauna and Cold Plunge
1. Prepare for the Session
Before beginning contrast therapy, proper preparation is essential. Ensure you are well-hydrated, as both sauna heat and cold immersion can lead to fluid loss through sweating. Drinking water beforehand helps maintain hydration, supports circulation, and prevents dizziness or fatigue.
Wear comfortable swimwear or lightweight, breathable clothing that allows easy movement between the sauna and cold plunge. Remove jewelry or accessories that may retain heat or cold, and have a towel or robe ready for quick drying.
Mental preparation is just as important. Contrast therapy involves sudden temperature changes, so approaching the session with calm focus will enhance both physical and mental benefits.
2. Warm Up in the Dry Far Infrared Sauna
Begin your session with 15–20 minutes in the Dry Far Infrared sauna.
This initial heat exposure helps to:
- Boost circulation and gently elevate heart rate
- Relax muscles and prepare the body for cold exposure
- Encourage deep sweating to support natural detoxification
- Sit comfortably and minimize distractions. Focus on slow, deep breathing to enhance relaxation. As the far infrared heat penetrates deeply into muscles and tissues, you’ll begin to feel a soothing, restorative warmth. Stay hydrated and listen to your body—if you feel lightheaded, step out and rest before continuing.
3. Transition to the Cold Plunge
Immediately after the sauna, move into the cold plunge for 1–3 minutes. The sudden temperature drop delivers a powerful stimulus: blood vessels constrict, circulation is redirected toward the core to protect vital organs, and inflammation and muscle soreness are reduced.
This invigorating shock also triggers the release of endorphins, enhancing mood, focus, and energy levels. The initial cold may feel intense, especially for beginners. To help your body adjust, focus on slow, controlled breathing. Within moments, your system begins to acclimate, and the experience becomes more manageable and refreshing.
For most individuals, 1–3 minutes is sufficient to achieve the benefits without overloading the body. Exit the plunge if you feel dizzy, overly chilled, or uncomfortable.
4. Return to the Dry Far Infrared Sauna
After the cold plunge, return to the Dry Far Infrared sauna for an additional 10–15 minutes. This second heat phase allows your body to gradually rewarm while further stimulating circulation.
The hot-and-cold rhythm enhances the flushing of metabolic waste and promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The gentle infrared heat also supports deeper muscle relaxation and continued detoxification through sweating.
At this stage, many people experience a profound sense of calm and rejuvenation as the body adapts to the contrast cycle. Use this time for mindful breathing and relaxation, allowing the warmth to restore balance and release tension.
Repeat the Cycle For optimal results, the sauna and cold plunge sequence may be repeated 2–3 times per session. Beginners may start with just one cycle and gradually increase as tolerance improves.
Always pay attention to your body’s signals, adjusting duration and intensity to suit your comfort level. Gradual progression ensures safe adaptation while maximizing both physical and mental benefits.
5. Repeat the Cycle
For optimal results, the sauna and cold plunge sequence may be repeated 2–3 times per session. Beginners may start with just one cycle and gradually increase as tolerance improves.
Always pay attention to your body’s signals, adjusting duration and intensity to suit your comfort level. Gradual progression ensures safe adaptation while maximizing both physical and mental benefits.
6. Cool Down and Rehydrate
After completing your session, allow your body time to return to its normal temperature. Rest in a comfortable position, focus on slow breathing, and let your system fully relax.
Rehydrate with water or an electrolyte-rich drink to replenish fluids lost through sweating. This final cooldown phase helps stabilize circulation, reduce residual tension, and extend the restorative effects of contrast therapy.
Tips for Optimizing Your Contrast Therapy Routine
Start Slowly – Begin with shorter sauna and cold plunge sessions, increasing duration gradually as your body adapts.
Listen to Your Body – Pause or stop if you experience dizziness, nausea, or excessive discomfort.
Be Consistent – Aim for 2–3 sessions per week and adjust based on recovery needs.
Consult a Professional – If you have medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or circulation issues, consult a healthcare provider before starting contrast therapy.
Final Thoughts:
Contrast therapy—combining the deep, penetrating warmth of a Dry Far Infrared sauna with the revitalizing chill of a cold plunge—is a powerful practice for supporting both physical and mental well-being. By embracing the rhythm of heat and cold, you can improve circulation, accelerate recovery, reduce inflammation, and sharpen mental clarity.
When practiced consistently and mindfully, contrast therapy becomes more than a recovery method—it evolves into a refined self-care ritual that promotes balance, vitality, and long-term wellness.