I had the pleasure of enjoying a day trip to a Nordic Spa this summer and loved it! Two girlfriends and I spent the whole day at the spa. Having never been to a Nordic Spa but was excited to experience it, especially with friends.
In the fast-paced world we live in today, finding moments of tranquility and rejuvenation I think is key to maintaining overall well-being. And some girl time was the cherry on the top!
Nordic Spa versus Traditional Spa
So, what is a Nordic spa? Nordic spa retreats, deeply rooted in Scandinavian traditions, offer a serene escape for those seeking respite from the chaos of daily life. Nordic spas have unique wellness benefits and are becoming increasingly popular among individuals seeking a holistic approach to health and relaxation.
The Origins of Nordic Spas
Nordic spa culture has its origins in the ancient bathing traditions of the Scandinavian countries, where plunging into cold water after a hot sauna was believed to have numerous health benefits. This practice evolved over the centuries, culminating in the creation of modern Nordic spa retreats that focus on promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Three Pillars of Nordic Spa Wellness
Nordic spas are built upon three core pillars that contribute to their holistic approach to wellness:
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Heat Therapy:
Central to the Nordic spa experience is the sauna, where you can relax in a dry, wood-paneled room heated to high temperatures. The heat helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and cleanse the skin by promoting sweating. It’s an excellent way to relieve stress and detoxify the body.
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Cold Therapy:
After spending time in the sauna, you’ll typically cool down by immersing yourself in cold water, often in the form of an icy plunge pool or a natural cold river. This contrast between hot and cold stimulates blood flow, boosts the immune system, and leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
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Rest and Relaxation:
Rest is an integral part of the Nordic spa experience. Tranquil relaxation areas, often with scenic views of nature, provide a serene environment for unwinding, meditation, and reflection. Disconnecting from the digital world and embracing the serenity of the spa surroundings is an essential aspect of the wellness journey.
Arrival at the Spa
We arrived at the spa mid-morning, which gave us the whole day there to fully enjoy the spa. The spa was calming, offering peace, tranquility, simple but lovely décor and nature. As soon as you entered you already felt yourself beginning to relax.
We were so glad we had the whole day to spend as we were told that to truly experience the benefits of the spa, we should cycle through the three pillars 3-5 times.
The directions we were given was to spend as close to 10 mins in the sauna. Then do the cold plunge for as long as you can stand it up to 3 of 4 mins. The next step is to relax in the warm pool for 20 mins to bring up our temperature and then read or sleep in the hammocks or chaises for a half hour. Doesn’t that sound lovely?
Experiencing the Three Pillars
We changed into robes and headed outside after a tour of the facilities.
There was a separate building outside that housed the dry and steam room saunas. We started in the steam room which smelled like eucalyptus, and we spent about 8 mins in it the first time.
Outside the saunas you had two choices:
- You could either stand under a bucket and pull the cord to dunk yourself in cold water or,
- Go outside and walk down the stairs to the VERY cold plunge pool.
We chose option 2 but could only stay in it for 20 seconds the first time (newbies). It was uncomfortably cold. Like bone chilling, take your breath away cold. We only got up to 30 seconds the whole day at most.
But…. As cold as it was, I did not expect what happened next ….
After I quickly got out of the plunge pool to walk over to the warm pool, my body felt incredible. It felt fresh and alive, no aches or pains. I don’t know the last time I had felt that good and wish I could always feel like that. Which made me excited to do the pillars as many times as we could that day.
For the next 20 mins, we sat in the warm pool which made our skin tingle as it warmed us. Just relaxing while and sitting and enjoying the view, the sun, the breeze, the peace. Ahhh……
Lastly, we went into this barn-like room with a lovely breeze and hanging hammocks. We swung/ napped/ daydreamed for about a half hour.
It…. was…. lovely.
Luckily, they served lunch at the spa, so we ate our ‘bowls’ outside, chatted quietly and enjoyed the view on the deck.
We had time to do the cycle 3 more times and stayed until the spa closed.
I want to go again.
Benefits of Nordic Spas
On top of feeling fabulous while you are at the Nordic spa, there are a ton of health benefits:
Stress Reduction:
Nordic spas offer a tranquil environment that promotes relaxation. The contrast between hot and cold temperatures, as well as the immersion in warm water, helps to relax muscles and reduce tension. This can have a calming effect on the mind and reduce stress levels.
Improved Circulation:
The alternation between hot and cold treatments can enhance blood circulation. When you immerse yourself in hot water, your blood vessels dilate, and when you expose yourself to cold water or air, they constrict. This process can improve circulation, which is important for overall health.
Pain Relief:
The warm water in Nordic spas can alleviate muscle and joint pain. It helps to relax sore muscles and may provide relief from conditions like arthritis or muscle tension.
Detoxification:
Sweating in the hot saunas or steam rooms helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Additionally, the cold plunges can stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding in detoxification.
Improved Skin Health:
The combination of hot and cold treatments can improve skin tone and texture. Hot water can open up pores and cleanse the skin, while cold water can tighten the pores and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Enhanced Immunity:
Regular use of Nordic spas can boost the immune system by increasing circulation and promoting detoxification. This can make your body more resilient to illnesses.
Better Sleep:
The relaxation and stress reduction achieved in Nordic spas can lead to better sleep quality. A session in a Nordic spa can help you unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. We can all use better sleep!
Mental Well-Being:
Nordic spas often emphasize the importance of mental well-being. The serene natural surroundings and the mindfulness required to endure the hot-cold-relaxation cycle can promote mental clarity and a sense of well-being.
A Connection to Nature:
Nordic spas are often located in beautiful natural settings, such as forests or mountains. Being in such surroundings can help individuals connect with nature, which has its own therapeutic benefits.
Social Interaction:
Many people visit Nordic spas with friends or family, making it a social activity. Socializing and spending quality time with loved ones can contribute to mental and emotional well-being. We definitely enjoyed sharing the experience amongst friends.
Other Spa Services
Some Nordic spas also offer additional wellness services such as massages, yoga classes, and like ours, healthy dining options to complement your spa experience.
Plan Your Nordic Spa Day
I loved my experience so much; I have already started researching Nordic spas near where I live, and I will return to that Spa each summer.
Whether you seek stress relief, enhanced mental clarity, or simply a peaceful escape, a Nordic spa may be just the wellness journey you need to embark on. So, why not step into a world of heat, cold, and serenity, and let the healing powers of Nordic spa culture transform your wellness routine?
Check out this Nordic Spa in New Hampshire – Villa Hygge
If you are interested in Hygge, you can check out my post on Hygge here
