Nordic cycle participants doing a cold plunge. Photo: Chaiel Schaffel
DUXBURY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A centuries-old Scandinavian practice, called the Nordic Cycle, came to the South Shore over the weekend. It involves taking a sweat in a hot sauna and then immersing oneself in 40 degree water to cool off.
It was part of an event held by Island Creek Oyster Farm in Duxbury and Saltwater Soul Sauna, a mobile wood-fired hot house. A bitter 100-foot walk separated the heat of the sauna and three icicle-covered tubs. One participant called it "rejuvenating;" another said it took their "breath away."
Johnny Walsh owns Saltwater Soul Sauna. He says business has exploded since he opened in May of last year. "I've had recovering addicts say to me, 'this is the best I've felt since I was sober,'" he said.
Saltwater Soul Sauna's mobile wood-fired hot house. Photo: Chaiel Schaffel
Some studies have shown that there are health benefits to the hot/cold cycle, including possible immune system benefits and stress reduction.
But Walsh says that's not all. "It can be used for... recovery from injuries, muscle soreness, recovery from working out. There are so many benefits."
Walsh plans to hold another Nordic Cycle event at Island Creek Oysters Feb. 16-18.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports
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