Benefits of the Sauna
Sauna bathing combines tradition and science, offering benefits for body, mind, and long-term wellbeing
Simple Overview
A quick look at what happens in your body — and how you’ll feel after a sauna.
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Circulation increases – Your heart rate rises, blood vessels widen, and fresh oxygen flows through the body.
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Muscles relax – Heat eases tension and supports recovery after activity.
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Deep cleansing sweat – Sweating helps refresh the skin and flush out impurities.
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The mind unwinds – Endorphins flow, leaving you calmer, lighter, and more grounded.
How You’ll Feel
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Relaxed yet alert
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Muscles softened
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Skin glowing
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Calm, clear, and renewed
The Science of Sauna
A closer look at the research and what science says about regular sauna use.
Physical Benefits
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Heart function & circulation – Sauna improves ejection fraction, which measures how efficiently the heart pumps blood with each beat. It also lowers blood pressure (both systolic — when the heart pumps — and diastolic — when the heart relaxes). Over time, heat improves arterial elasticity, helping blood vessels stay flexible and healthy.
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Post-exercise recovery – Sauna heat boosts circulation and helps clear lactate (the by-product that causes soreness), speeding up muscle recovery.
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Immunity – Heat stimulates the production of white blood cells, helping your body fight infections. Long-term users report fewer colds and flu.
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Metabolism – The rise in heart rate and circulation during sauna mimics light exercise, giving your metabolism an extra boost and burning additional calories.
Mental Benefits
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Stress relief & nervous system balance – Sauna calms the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”), lowering stress hormones like cortisol.
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Mood & mental clarity – Heat stimulates endorphins (the body’s “feel-good” chemicals), creating a sense of calm alertness. Long-term use is linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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Improved sleep – After sauna, body temperature gradually falls as you cool down — a natural signal that helps you drift into deeper, more restorative sleep.
Long-Term Wellness & Longevity
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Cardiovascular health & lifespan – Large Finnish studies show frequent sauna users (4–7 times a week) have significantly lower rates of fatal heart disease and all-cause mortality.
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Brain health & dementia risk – Regular sauna use is linked with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, likely through improved circulation and reduced stress.
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Diabetes & metabolic health – Sauna improves insulin sensitivity (how efficiently your body uses sugar for energy), helping reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Cellular repair & resilience – Sauna activates heat shock proteins, which act like tiny repair crews in your cells — fixing damage, protecting against stress, and supporting longevity.
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Mitochondria & energy – Heat strengthens the mitochondria, the “power plants” of your cells, giving you more energy and resilience.
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Brown fat activation – When combined with cold plunge, sauna stimulates brown fat — a special type of fat that burns calories to produce heat, supporting metabolism and blood sugar balance.
Contrast Therapy Insights (Dr Susanna Søberg & Finnish Cohort Studies)
The added benefits of combining heat and cold, explained by leading research.
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Metabolic health – Hot–cold cycling improves glucose handling and insulin sensitivity, lowering diabetes risk and supporting healthy metabolism.
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Hormetic stress – Sauna and cold plunge are “hormetic stressors” — small, controlled challenges that trigger the body to adapt, making it stronger and more resilient over time.
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Balance matters – Research suggests even modest weekly doses (around 57 minutes of heat and 11 minutes of cold) provide measurable benefits, though more frequent sessions may deepen the effects.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-ty6VTNPjqw
The Retreat & Service Testimonials
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... One of the best massages I've had in a long time ...
The floating pod is really an incredible and different experience. I wish I was a better mediator to enjoy the silence and my senses. Was treated well, they offer a bit of food and drink between appointments - fresh and... continue reading »
Victoria (google review)
( Received: May, 2018 ) -
... Great way to relax and unwind ...
This is a great place to go if you need to unwind.
There are allocated days for women or men only in Sauna, other days are mixed. I stick to women's only; Tuesday and Thursday. The sauna can be followed... continue reading »
livb_12 (Trip Advisor)
( Received: March, 2018 ) -
... Heaven on Earth ...
was gifted a massage at Tory Urban Retreat by a friend who is a long time visitor there. My friend recommended a massage with Kasey and I can see why. I had never had a massage before and was a... continue reading »
zenmjones (Trip Advisor)
( Received: January, 2018 ) -
... I pinched a nerve in my back and I’m pregnant ...
I had the most amazing experience and wonderful service. I pinched a nerve in my back and I’m pregnant so was very uncomfortable upon arrival. The woman who greeted me was soo welcoming and lovely and very thorough with explaining... continue reading »
Chinney
( Received: January, 2018 ) -
... Had my first "float" today and an amazing relaxing hour long massage ...
Had my first "float" today and an amazing relaxing hour long massage at Tory Urban Retreat (with Miki..totally recommend)... thanks to Frazer Anderson for winning this lovely treat for me ...felt totally spoilt
Suzin
( Received: May, 2017 ) -
... felt totally chilled after this, really set the tone for my day ...
Really awesome experience felt totally chilled after this, really set the tone for my day.. can't wait to do again. Awesome Thankyou
Danielle
( Received: May, 2017 ) -
... this is my new heaven love this place ...
Had a massage with Jo it was amazing, all the staff are super friendly and the facilities are Devine. I can not recommend Jo enough she was truly great found all my sore spots and gave great advice this is... continue reading »
Taz
( Received: May, 2017 ) -
... I came out feeling like a million bucks. Would definitely recommend this to my family and friends ...
My husband and I went here on a Saturday morning, we each had a float booked one after the other and then a massage afterwards. My husband went for his float first while I waited in their relaxation room, the... continue reading »
Ellie
( Received: April, 2017 ) -
... service is top notch and very professional ...
Won a facebook competition for a float and massage, had an amazing experience where I came out totally relaxed, so much so I'm booked in for another. Can not recommend this enough, service is top notch and very professional...
Alex
( Received: March, 2017 ) -
... the staff are lovely, the atmosphere is relaxing ...
Going to Tory Urban Retreat for a float is a wonderful experience. The staff are lovely, the atmosphere is relaxing, and all the little extras you could need are provided. The actual floating experience is amazingly relaxing and tranquil, and... continue reading »
Marcel
( Received: February, 2017 ) -
... This was a much needed blissful relaxing time!!! ...
Thank you guys so much!!! This was a much needed blissful relaxing time!!! Love love love it!!!!
Roseanne
( Received: February, 2017 ) -
... Every time I leave here I feel restored, happy and calm ...
This place is a true oasis. My new favourite place. Every time I leave here I feel restored, happy and calm. Thank you!
Billie
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
... a perfect way to relax and warm up on a cold blustery day ...
After a very busy day with team #Ghostfishing this was a perfect way to relax and warm up on a cold blustery day.
Exellent service - many thanks.
Rob
( Received: January, 2017 ) -
.... Fantabulous experience, one that I intend to repeat! ...
Wow what can i say! Fantabulous experience...one that I intend to repeat! Lovely young lady looked after us and the products and service were A+++
Deb
( Received: January, 2017 )