The Health Benefits
FIRE
WATER
EARTH
AIR
Here at Solace, we integrate the four elements to provide a holistic approach to wellness. The “elements”—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—all play an important role in influencing our health. Today, these elements represent things we can change to feel better: heat therapy (Fire) with the sauna; water therapy (Water) with cold showers, plunges, or steam; connecting with nature (Earth) through grounding and outdoor therapeutic experiences; and oxygen-rich environments and breathing techniques (Air) to improve mindfulness and respiratory health.
By integrating the four fundamental elements, fire, water, earth and air, the sauna experience becomes more than a physical ritual; it becomes a journey of balance, harmony, and holistic well-being.
The Scientific Evidence
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Elevated Mood: Cold exposure triggers a dopamine release, boosting feelings of happiness.
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Pain Alleviation: Reduces inflammation and relieves chronic and acute pain conditions.
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Improved Cold Tolerance: Regular exposure helps the body adapt, making cold temperatures more bearable.
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Increased Metabolic Rate: Stimulates calorie burning and supports energy regulation.
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Activation of Brown Fat: Promotes calorie use and heat generation, supporting weight management.
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Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Cold immersion calms the nervous system, reducing tension and anxiety.
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Enhanced Stress Resilience: Builds mental toughness and adaptive responses to stress.
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Cellular Longevity: Encourages healthier cell function and longevity.
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Lifestyle Disease Prevention: Regular cold therapy contributes to improved health and disease prevention.
References Patrick, R. P., & Johnson, T. L. (2021). Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan. Experimental gerontology, 154, 111509. Sarris, J., de Manincor, M., Hargraves, F., & Tsonis, J. (2019). Harnessing the four elements for mental health. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 256. Patrick, R. P. Hyperthermic Conditioning’s Role In Increasing Endurance, Muscle Mass, and Neurogenesis. Henderson, K. N., Killen, L. G., O’Neal, E. K., & Waldman, H. S. (2021). The cardiometabolic health benefits of sauna exposure in individuals with high-stress occupations. A mechanistic review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(3), 1105.
