Employed by humans across the world and throughout history, thermal therapy is heralded as a proven way to relax and rejuvenate. Whether its a steam sauna, infrared, hot spring, or cold plunge, immersing the body in varying temperatures is an age-old wellness practice that, among other benefits, is said to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and aid in pain management.
Today, "contrast therapy" has been whole-heartedly embraced in North America, evidenced further by a recently opened 34-foot-wide, 148-foot-long, 1 million-pound barge in the inner harbor of Victoria, B.C. that features two stories of saunas, cold plunge tubs, and hot tubs. Called HAVN, the project is inspired by public Nordic saunas, where spa-goers spend hours amongst amenities both as a wellness and community activity.