The Well Virginia Beach

Experience the Healing Wonders of the Arctic Desert

Our Service

Journey to Ultimate Wellness with Arctic Desert Therapy

What is Arctic Desert Therapy?

Our self-service Arctic Desert Contrast Therapy offers a personalized approach to holistic wellness. This therapy alternates between short sessions in an infrared sauna and brief immersions in a cold plunge. The cold plunge helps reduce swelling and inflammation, while the infrared sauna warms your muscles, promoting relaxation and boosting blood flow to enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Together, these therapies improve both physical and mental well-being, creating a comprehensive and rejuvenating wellness experience.

The versatility of contrast therapy allows it to be tailored to individual preferences and tolerance levels. The duration and intensity of both the cold plunge and sauna sessions can be adjusted to suit each person’s comfort and needs. This flexibility makes contrast therapy accessible for everyone, accommodating varying levels of experience and physical conditions. Clients can control their experience, choosing to enjoy the therapy in either 30 or 60-minute sessions

What to expect?

45/75

30 or 60 minute sessions

(Add up to three people to your session for an additional $25/person/session)

Our infrared saunas operate at temperatures between 140 – 162 degrees, and our cold plunge operates at 45°-52° which provides maximum benefit for this treatment.  At The Well, we recommend three cycles, alternating between 10 minutes in the sauna and 3 minutes in the cold plunge. However, feel free to adjust the timing based on your personal needs and goals for the session. You’ll have access to a private room with a shower, allowing you to customize your experience to suit your preferences fully

The Benefits of Arctic Desert Therapy:

Improves sleep & reduces pain

Improves Sleep and Reduces Pain by alternating between hot and cold temperatures, which helps regulate body temperature and promote relaxation. This process Enhances Circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while Reducing Inflammation and muscle tension. Additionally, the therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, which can alleviate pain and support a more restful sleep.

increases stress tolerance & elevates mood

Increases Stress Tolerance and Elevates Mood by stimulating the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which promote feelings of well-being and relaxation. The shock of alternating temperatures can activate the body's stress response initially, leading to improved resilience over time as the body learns to adapt. This combination of biochemical changes and physiological adaptation helps enhance overall mood and coping mechanisms in stressful situations

enhances lymphatic drainage & Immune system

Enhances Lymphatic Drainage by promoting the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of lymph vessels during temperature changes, facilitating the removal of toxins and waste products from the body. This improved circulation also helps Boost the Immune System by increasing the flow of immune cells and antibodies, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections.

faster muscle recovery & reduced fatigue

Aids in Faster Muscle Recovery and Reduces Fatigue by enhancing blood circulation, which promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles while facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products like lactic acid. Additionally, the therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, which can alleviate pain and improve overall recovery time.

Reduce inflammation & swelling

Arctic Desert Therapy's contrast therapy techniques promote the reduction of inflammation and swelling in the body, providing relief from discomfort and enhancing overall comfort.

drains lactic acid & enhances circulation

This therapy encourages efficient lactic acid drainage and improved circulation, facilitating faster recovery and muscle revitalization.

FAQs

We’ve compiled some common questions about Arctic Desert Therapy to help you prepare for this unique experience:

Arctic Desert Therapy is generally safe for most individuals. However, it's essential to inform our team of any medical conditions or concerns before your session, as certain conditions may require special considerations.

You are welcome to have on swimwear or you may elect to go thru therapy fully disrobed.

We offer 30 minute or 60 minute sessions, the frequency of sessions depends on individual goals.  However we recommend multiple visits per week for maximum benefit.

Arctic Desert Therapy can be enjoyed by individuals of various ages except minors.

After your Arctic Desert Therapy session, it's advisable to rest and rehydrate to maximize the benefits. 

For teenage athletes we recommend no more than 30 minute sessions.

Guests are invited to create their own personalized service plan in our private room, tailoring the experience to their individual preferences. However, we do recommend starting with a soothing period in the sauna, allowing the body to warm up and promote relaxation. This is followed by a brief plunge into cold water, which invigorates the body and stimulates circulation. The alternating heat and cold stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance detoxification while encouraging muscle recovery and reducing inflammation. We allocate more time in the sauna than in the cold plunge to maximize the benefits of heat exposure, ensuring a deeper release of tension and promoting overall well-being before concluding the session with another round of warmth.

Athletes, anyone recovering from injuries, or experiencing muscle tension or soreness, suffering from depression, anxiety, or looking for a natural way to increase dopamine, or a positive mood booster.

Most people can safely use contrast therapy, however, those with certain conditions such as but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, or pregnancy, should consult a healthcare professional before trying it. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Yes! Our private Arctic Desert Therapy rooms can accommodate up to 3 guests at a time, offering to those who need encouragement, support, or just to experience something unique together.

We allow children under the age of 18 be accompanied by an adult and no one under the age of 8, with the max time of thirty minutes.

If you prefer not to participate in the sauna or cold plunge portions of the contrast therapy, that is absolutely fine, as you are welcome to customize your experience in the private room as you see fit. However, please note that to achieve the full benefits of contrast therapy, it is recommended to engage in both the heat and cold components, as they work together simultaneously to enhance recovery and overall well-being.

Doing contrast therapy once a week can provide cumulative benefits by promoting consistent improvements in circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing muscle recovery. Regular exposure to alternating temperatures helps maintain optimal lymphatic function and supports the immune system, contributing to overall health. Additionally, this weekly practice can aid in stress reduction and mood enhancement, fostering better physical and mental well-being over time.