Contrast therapy
Optimise your health with an invigorating combination of cold & heat therapy
Experience the amplified benefits of contrast therapy by combining the invigorating power of a cold plunge with the restorative warmth of a Finnish sauna. This powerful duo not only enhances the individual benefits of heat and cold exposure but also promotes deeper circulation, faster recovery, improved mental clarity, and a resilient immune system.
Feel alive,
feel invigorated
Our private sauna and plunge room is meticulously designed with your comfort in mind, featuring a personal shower, changing area, guided breathing meditation and a Bluetooth sauna speaker. This calm environment allows you to fully relax and focus on the therapeutic benefits. You won’t believe how alive you’ll feel after a contrast session.
Contrast therapy at a glance
Join the increasing number of people discovering the advantages of sauna and cold plunge therapy, endorsed by health experts and supported by extensive scientific research.
The Meraki approach
Detox in our sauna, heated to 90°C, to sweat out impurities and cleanse your body. Then, rejuvenate with a refreshing plunge in our Brass Monkey Ice Bath, set between 6-8°C, to accelerate recovery and elevate your mood.
Recommended protocol
Heat: 10-15 mins
Cold: 1-3 mins
Repeat: Once
The art of alternation
Using both cold and heat therapies in tandem—can amplify the results of both therapies, allowing for enhanced healing and a return to optimal function.
FEEL BETTER
Boost immunity
Improve cardiovascular health
Sleep better
Relieves chronic pain
Boosts your metabolism
THINK BETTER
Improve mental clarity & focus
Elevate mood
Increase energy levels
RECOVER BETTER
Increase blood flow
Reduce muscle soreness
Reduce inflammation & swelling
The science-backed benefits
of contrast therapy
Amplifies circulation & cardiovascular health
Alternating between hot and cold exposure forces blood vessels to constrict and dilate, promoting cardiovascular health and significantly improving circulation throughout the body.
Boosts recovery & reduces inflammation
Contrast therapy reduces muscle soreness and inflammation by flushing out metabolic waste in the cold phase and increasing nutrient-rich blood flow in the heat phase, helping muscles repair faster.
Increases endorphin release & elevates mood
The combination of heat and cold exposure triggers a surge of endorphins and dopamine, providing a natural mood boost and leaving you with a lasting sense of well-being and positivity.
Strengthens immune system response
Contrast therapy stimulates immune function by increasing white blood cells in the heat phase and enhancing immune cell circulation during the cold phase, helping to build resilience to infections.
Improves sleep quality & relaxation
The intense contrast between heat and cold relaxes the nervous system, promoting deeper relaxation and improving sleep quality, which helps to restore both body and mind.
Enhances resilience & stress adaptation
Switching between sauna and cold plunge trains the body’s stress response, strengthening the nervous system and helping build mental resilience, making it easier to handle everyday stressors.
Supports detoxification & skin health
Heat from the sauna opens pores and promotes sweating, helping to release toxins. Cold immersion then tightens pores, enhancing skin tone and reducing puffiness for a refreshed appearance.
Maximises metabolism & fat loss
Sauna use raises body temperature and calorie burn, while cold exposure activates brown fat, promoting a thermogenic effect that boosts metabolism and supports sustainable fat loss over time.
“The intense contrast between heat and cold relaxes the nervous system, promoting deeper relaxation and improving sleep quality, which helps to restore both body and mind.”
—Dr. Peter Attia
Contrast is for everyone
If you're looking to boost circulation, accelerate recovery, or simply feel more alive and recharged, contrast therapy may be ideal for you. Experience a new level of mental and physical resilience with this invigorating practice.
Contrast therapy can help you if you:
Want to enhance circulation and cardiovascular health
Are looking to recover faster and reduce muscle soreness
Seek a natural way to improve mood and reduce stress
Want to boost immune health and resilience to illness
Aim to support metabolism and long-term weight management
Are looking for deeper relaxation and better sleep
Want to increase energy and mental clarity
Contrast therapy FAQs
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We provide everything you need for a comfortable experience, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturiser, face wipes, deodorant, a hair dryer, and hair straighteners.
If you'd prefer, you can bring your own towel to avoid our £1.50 towel hire fee.
You’re welcome to bring a swimsuit, though it's optional as our facilities are private, and many guests choose to use them nude.
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Using both cold and heat therapies in tandem—can amplify the results of both therapies, allowing for enhanced healing and a return to optimal function. We call this the art of alternation.
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Our Brass Monkey cold plunge is typically maintained at a refreshing 6-8°C
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Our sauna is typically set to 90°C, with the option to raise the temperature up to 100°C for those who prefer extra heat.
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Our recommended protocol is:
Heat: 10-15 mins
Cold: 1-3 mins
Repeat: Once
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Our private sauna and cold plunge room can accommodate up to two people. If you've booked a two-person session, please note that the shower and changing area is shared, so you’ll need to be comfortable using these facilities together.
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Your session duration, includes time for showering and changing. So during a 50 min slot you would need to shower and change.
After your therapy, you're welcome to unwind in our beauty room, where you can use our facilities to style your hair, apply makeup, and enjoy complimentary tea.
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Individuals who are sensitive to cold temperatures or have circulatory conditions, open sores, or a pacemaker should avoid using the sauna and cold plunge. Pregnant individuals are also advised against using these facilities. If you're on medication or have any health concerns, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before your session.
If you're using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), be aware that heat exposure may increase oestrogen release, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances.
For full details, please review our sauna and plunge waiver.
Have any other questions before you visit?
Give us a call on 01224 379596 or email us at info@merakihealth.co.uk, we’re always happy to help.
Ready to awaken your senses and feel invigorated?
50 MIN SESSION
Sauna & cold plunge for 1: £42
Sauna & cold plunge for 2: £52
MEMBERSHIPS & PACKAGES
Becoming a Meraki member or buying a package means you can sauna for less. Combining a sauna with cold plunge and/or a float session is great value and even better for your health.
View package & membership options
GIFT CARDS
A great idea if you’re out of birthday present ideas or want to treat someone. You can easily purchase a gift card online for an instantly printable option, or visit our wellness centre in Aberdeen to pick up a physical card.