10 Seconds
Body shocks into alertness — heart rate spikes, adrenaline surges, energy rises.
Ritual
The Ritual
Begins
The practice of balance through contrast.
At SISU, contrast therapy is not a trend or treatment. It is a deliberate ritual of heat and cold designed to restore balance in the body and calm the nervous system.
Why
Contrast
Alternating between heat and cold creates a controlled physiological response that helps the body reset. The temperature shift stimulates circulation, supports recovery, and signals the nervous system to move fluidly between activation and rest.
Over time, this practice trains resilience — not by avoiding stress, but by learning how to return to calm.
This is not about endurance. It is about awareness.
Benefits of the sauna
Stress relief
Pain relief
Boost Immunity
Healthy skin
Boosts Mood
Reduces Inflammation
Improves sleep
Speeds up recovery
Benefits of cold plunging
The SISU
Way
We believe contrast is most effective when approached with patience, presence, and respect for the body.
At SISU, the ritual is self-guided but never rushed. Guests are encouraged to move at their own pace, follow the breath, and listen closely to internal cues rather than timers or pressure.
The
Cycle
Sauna
15-20mins
Warmth softens the body and slows the breath. Muscles release, circulation increases, and the nervous system begins to downshift.
Cold Plunge
1-3 mins
Cold sharpens awareness and invites full presence. Circulation tightens, inflammation response is supported, and the mind clears.
Repeat
2-4 cycles
Each cycle strengthens the body’s ability to adapt—stress followed by recovery. End in cold to support alertness and metabolism. End in heat to encourage relaxation and sleep.
Cold Plunge
Timeline
10-45 Seconds
Fight-or-flight kicks in, breathing quickens, circulation improves, resilience builds.
45 Seconds
Breath slows, mind calms — anxiety fades, focus sharpens.
1 Minute
Dopamine rises, inflammation drops — mood lifts, recovery begins.
3 Minutes
Body resets — metabolism boosts, immunity strengthens, sleep improves.
This is not about endurance. It is about awareness.
What the Ritual
Supports
Through repeated exposure to heat and cold, contrast therapy supports numerous physical and mental benefits. Click each benefit to learn more.
• Heat
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Studies show that saunas help lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Those using saunas 2-3x per week had a 27% reduction in mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. Sauna use 4-5x per week showed a 50% reduction rate.
Physical Endurance & Recovery
Regular sauna sessions increase human growth hormone (HGH), improving muscle mass, weight loss, bone density, and exercise capacity.
2x 20-minute sauna sessions per week at 80°C have been shown to significantly boost HGH levels.
Stress Relief & Relaxation
Heat exposure triggers the release of endorphins and promotes deep relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Regular sauna use has been associated with reduced cortisol levels and improved stress resilience.
Boosted Immunity
Sauna-induced hyperthermia stimulates white blood cell production, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Regular sauna users report fewer colds and respiratory infections compared to non-users.
Healthy Skin & Detoxification
Sweating opens pores and helps flush out toxins, while increased blood flow delivers nutrients to the skin for a healthy glow.
The deep sweating achieved in a sauna can help cleanse the skin and improve overall complexion.
• Cold
Elevated Mood & Mental Clarity
Cold exposure triggers a significant release of dopamine and norepinephrine, creating lasting improvements in mood, focus, and mental clarity.
Studies show dopamine levels can increase by up to 250% following cold water immersion, with effects lasting for hours.
Reduced Inflammation
Cold therapy constricts blood vessels and reduces metabolic activity, decreasing inflammation and swelling in muscles and joints.
Athletes commonly use cold exposure to accelerate recovery and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Improved Sleep Quality
Cold exposure helps regulate the body’s core temperature and circadian rhythm, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
The parasympathetic activation following cold exposure promotes relaxation and prepares the body for quality rest.
Boosted Metabolism
Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), which burns calories to generate heat and regulate body temperature.
Regular cold therapy can increase metabolic rate and improve the body’s ability to manage weight and energy levels.
Mental & Physical Resilience
Deliberately exposing the body to cold stress builds tolerance and trains the nervous system to handle discomfort with calm.
This practice translates to improved stress management and greater resilience in daily life.
The effect is cumulative. Each visit builds upon the last.
The Physiology of
Contrast
Heat causes blood vessels to expand, increasing flow and relaxation. Cold causes them to constrict, heightening alertness and reducing inflammation signals. Alternating between the two creates a vascular “pump” that supports circulation and nervous system regulation.
Paired with intentional breathing, contrast becomes a dialogue between body and mind — teaching the system how to move out of stress, not stay in it.
Red Light
Therapy
Red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) light penetrate the skin, muscles, and bones to stimulate cellular energy production. Click each benefit to learn more.
All our saunas feature Red Light Panels
• Heat
Cellular Energy & ATP Production
Red and near-infrared light are absorbed by mitochondria, stimulating the production of ATP—the primary energy source for cellular functions.
This boost in cellular energy enhances the body’s natural ability to repair, regenerate, and function optimally.
Skin Health & Anti-Aging
Red light therapy stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture and tone.
It also accelerates healing of scars, wounds, and sun damage while promoting a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Physical Recovery & Healing
Light therapy increases blood circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues, accelerating muscle recovery and reducing healing time from injuries.
It supports increased bone and muscle density, making it valuable for athletes and those recovering from surgery or injury.
Pain & Inflammation Relief
Red light penetrates deep into tissues to reduce inflammation at the cellular level, providing relief for joint pain, arthritis, and chronic discomfort.
Studies have shown effectiveness in treating migraines, muscle soreness, and neuropathic pain without medication.
Cardiovascular & Immune Support
Red light therapy improves circulation and may help lower blood pressure, supporting overall cardiovascular health and longevity.
The increased cellular energy also strengthens immune function, helping the body fight off illness and recover more efficiently.
The experience is gentle, non-invasive, and downtime-free — designed to complement recovery rather than compete with it.
Supporting the Ritual
Relaxation
Area
A quiet sanctuary for breath, meditation, and restoration.
Our Relaxation Area is your intentional pause — a warm, inviting space designed to support breath, meditation, and gentle recovery.
Between rounds of heat and cold, settle into stadium seating by the fireplace, focus on your breath, and allow the nervous system to unwind. Herbal teas and chilled water are available to support hydration and rest.
This space is designed for stillness, presence, and integration — whether you’re grounding after contrast cycles or simply taking time to slow down.
Stadium-style seating
Fireplace ambiance
Herbal teas & chilled water
Breathwork-friendly space
Meditation-focused environment
Access
Included with:
- Community Sauna Drop-In
- Private Sauna Sessions (45 min & 60 min)
No additional booking required. Access is shared and subject to capacity.
• Breathwork & Meditation
Breathwork and meditation are core elements of the SISU experience. Practiced regularly, they support both mental clarity and physical recovery.
Stress & Anxiety Reduction
Breathwork and meditation help guide the nervous system out of “fight or flight,” lowering stress hormones and promoting calm focus.
Regular practice creates space between stimulus and response — helping you feel grounded, steady, and present.
Emotional Balance & Resilience
Intentional breathing and mindfulness strengthen self-regulation, supporting emotional balance, patience, and adaptability in daily life.
Mental Clarity & Focus
Quieting the mind through breath and meditation improves attention, cognitive clarity, and decision-making — helping you return to your day with renewed focus.
Sleep & Recovery Support
By activating the body’s relaxation response, breathwork and meditation support deeper sleep and more effective physical recovery.
Breathing Efficiency & Lung Strength
Guided breathing improves lung efficiency, strengthens respiratory muscles, and enhances oxygen delivery — supporting calm, endurance, and vitality.
Circulation & Blood Pressure Balance
Slow, intentional breathing supports healthy circulation and blood pressure by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system.
After the
Ritual
Most guests leave feeling grounded, clear, and quietly energized. The body feels lighter. The mind steadier. The breath slower.
Not altered — aligned.
A sanctuary of contrast therapy inspired by Nordic traditions. Find your strength in the dance between heat and cold.
Visit Us
- 2106-1701 Coursier Ave Revelstoke, BC
- 250-837-0700
- info@sisuspa.ca
Hours
- Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm
- Saturday 9am - 9pm
- Sunday 9am - 9pm
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