SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — If you’re daring enough to experiment with the forces of extreme heat and freezing cold, a sauna tucked away behind a brewery in Somerville has the thing for you.
First, you sweat it out in a steam room that’s almost 200 degrees. Then, it’s straight to submerging yourself in a 40-degree cold tub.
WBZ NewsRadio spoke to Mark Peloquin, owner of Moki Sauna, which is now temporarily homed right next to Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville.
The sauna allows guests to experience the Nordic Cycle, a process that involves switching between hot and cold temperatures.
“It’s been great I think overall, people are craving something like this,” Peloquin said.
Peloquin added that the social appetite for the burning and freezing sensation that comes with the practice has increased in popularity.
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“[It’s] an activity to do during a traditionally dreary, depressing and isolating time of the year.”
The Moki Sauna recommends those who are experiencing the cycle for the first time start out with 10-15 minutes of heating, 1-3 minutes of cooling, and five minutes of relaxation.
Peloquin said that the practice offers numerous health benefits, like muscle recovery, inflammation, and better sleep. But at first, it’s about braving the mental challenge of endurance.
“They say [you’re supposed to] stay for a minute but I can’t do it yet!” said one woman, shrieking as she shivered in a cold tub.
The sauna concept has been around a long time, too.
“We’ve been doing some version of this for thousands of years,” said Peloquin.
The Moki Sauna will be open to visitors from now through April.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports: