Benefits of
Contrast Therapy
Reyt Sauna isn’t just about hot and cold - it’s about recalibrating your system, reconnecting with yourself, and restoring balance in a fast-paced world. ​​
Regular sauna and cold plunge use is not just a trend — it’s a practice with deep roots and powerful benefits. When used together (known as contrast therapy), the effects go even deeper. Alternating between heat and cold helps train your nervous system, build resilience, while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
But perhaps most powerful of all — it’s shared. Reyt Sauna is a space to connect with others, to feel part of something bigger, and to be reminded that you’re not doing this alone.
Whether you're coming for the calm, the challenge, or the chat after a plunge — you're part of a growing community of like-minded souls choosing to live well, together.
Here’s what the science and your body have to say;
Connection to Nature
Set on farm in West Yorkshire, Reyt Sauna brings you back to the elements. Time spent in natural environments has been shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and boost mood and immunity. From the open skies to the birdsong and fresh air, nature itself is part of the therapy. Simply being outdoors helps calm the nervous system and deepen your experience of rest.
Nervous System Regulation & Stress Relief
Contrast therapy helps shift your body from ‘fight or flight’ (Sympathetic response) to ‘rest and digest’ (parasympathetic response). Regular contrast therapy trains your nervous system to adapt to stress more effectively - meaning you're calmer, more resilient, and better equipped to handle life’s demands.
Mood & Mental Health
Contrast therapy can give your brain a natural boost. The cold triggers the release of endorphins, dopamine, and norepinephrine - neurochemicals linked to increased focus and elevated mood. Research suggests dopamine can increase by 250% after just a few minutes of deliberate cold exposure.
Cardiovascular Health
Sauna sessions mimic mild aerobic exercise - raising your heart rate, increasing circulation, and improving vascular function. Cold plunges, cause blood vessels to constrict and sauna causes them to dilate - which supports healthy blood flow and reduces inflammation. Research has shown regular sauna is linked with an up to 50% reduction in risk of fatal cardiovascular disease.
Muscle Recovery & Inflammation
Cold plunges reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after training, while sauna promotes circulation and detoxification. Together, they help reduce chronic inflammation and support overall recovery - ideal for active lifestyles or simply balancing life’s demands.
Immune Support
Research suggests regular sauna use has been shown to lower the incidence of colds and respiratory infections. Cold exposure may also enhance immune surveillance, helping your body respond to threats more efficiently.
Better Sleep
Struggle to switch off at night? Both sauna and cold exposure help support a healthy circadian rhythm. After a session, your body naturally drops into a deeper state of rest - improving both sleep quality and duration. Many people report falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed after a contrast therapy session.
Backed by ancient traditions. Proven by modern science.
From Japanese onsens and Finnish saunas to Indigenous sweat lodges and Roman baths, hot-cold practices have been used across cultures for thousands of years to heal, strengthen, and restore. At Reyt Sauna, we honour those roots — and bring them to life in the heart of Yorkshire.