“In a world that spins ever faster, there remain sanctuaries of stillness – places where time seems to pool rather than flow, where the wisdom of the old ways still whispers through weathered walls, thatch roofs, and worn screeded floors.” ~ Amanda Ritchie, An Original Way
At Londolozi, as we approach our centenary year in 2026, we continue to honour the original ways that connect us to the earth, to ourselves, and to each other. Among these ancient practices is one that transcends cultures and centuries – the healing power of extreme temperatures. Here, we’ve created a sanctuary for reconnecting with the elemental forces that have shaped human experience for millennia. Our contrast therapy – what we call Body Activation – represents the perfect fusion of ancestral wisdom and modern innovation. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey from ancient heat to modern light, and discover how this elemental practice might just change your life as profoundly as it has changed ours.
The use of extreme temperatures for healing dates back millennia…
In the crisp morning air of ancient Rome, senators and citizens alike would gather at the grand thermal baths, moving from the scorching caldarium to the bone-chilling frigidarium. This practice, known as contrast therapy, wasn’t merely about cleanliness—it was a ritual that promised to invigorate both body and spirit.
In other parts of the world, our ancestors gathered in smoke-filled sweat lodges and wood-fired saunas. Russian Orthodox Christians would break ice on the Epiphany to plunge into freezing waters, believing it would cleanse their souls. In Finland, the sauna-to-snow plunge has been a cultural cornerstone for over 2,000 years. Meanwhile, Japanese monks practiced Misogi, a purification ritual involving a waterfall meditation, demonstrating how these practices transcend cultural boundaries. These practices weren’t just about physical cleansing—they were deeply spiritual experiences that marked important life transitions and fostered community bonds.
Today’s wellness enthusiasts are embracing a modern evolution of these ancient practices—combining cutting-edge infrared sauna technology with the time-honoured tradition of cold plunging. This contemporary approach to contrast therapy offers a perfect fusion of innovation and ancestral wisdom, promising to invigorate both body and spirit. Which is why we call it a Body Activation.
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From Ancient Heat to Modern Light
Today, this ancient wisdom is experiencing a renaissance as modern wellness enthusiasts rediscover the transformative power of hot and cold therapy. Third generation owner Boyd Varty’s life changed profoundly after participating in a Native American sweat lodge ceremony in North America. Inspired by this powerful experience, he has been a pioneer in bringing contrast therapy to the African bushveld, establishing this healing practice in South Africa’s wilderness.
We installed our first Contrast therapy room in Londolozi’s Healing House in 2018. An often asked question is why an infrared sauna over a traditional sauna? What sets infrared saunas apart is their unique mechanism of action. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared panels emit a wavelength of light that penetrates the body directly, warming you from the inside out. This technological innovation—only developed in the late 20th century—represents a significant evolution in heat therapy while maintaining connection to ancestral practices.
The science behind the sensation. Infrared saunas operate using three primary wavelengths—near, mid, and far infrared—each penetrating the body to different depths and offering unique benefits. Research suggests infrared therapy may provide:
- Deeper tissue penetration (up to 1.5 inches) than conventional heat
- Lower ambient temperatures (48.89 – 60°C) (120-140°F ) vs.( 65.56 – 90.56°C)(150-195°F ) in traditional saunas, making sessions more comfortable while still inducing therapeutic sweating
- Potentially more efficient detoxification through deeper sweat composition
- Cellular regeneration through increased mitochondrial function
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
- Improved circulation without the cardiovascular stress of extreme heat
When paired with cold plunging—it triggers vasoconstriction, releases norepinephrine, and activates brown adipose tissue—this modern contrast therapy creates a powerful physiological response that may enhance:
- Athletic recovery and performance
- Immune system function
- Stress management and mood regulation
- Sleep quality
- Metabolic health
- Cognitive function
- Mood upliftment
Boyd Varty speaks to the principle of Hormesis (an adaptive response of cells and organisms to a moderate (usually intermittent) stress) when he explains the challenges of the cold immersion.
“The Body is a non fragile environment, and it should be treated as such to switch on the genes of health, longevity and resilience. For thousands of years living outdoors we would face periods of hunger, cold conditions and intense heat. Our metabolism, hormones and epigenetics require extremes to activate certain healing pathways in the body. It is only in modern life that we eat regularly and maintain a perfect balance of temperature. Of all the healing modalities I discovered on my travels nothing is as rapidly game changing, feel good and healing than this therapeutic practice. “
We have in recent history engineered our lives toward comfort and ease. Author of Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things Jeff Krasno makes the revelatory statement “ chronic disease is the result of chronic ease”. Simply put, challenging ourselves with brief periods of discomfort can be very helpful.
Beyond the Physical: The Mindful Experience
Perhaps the most profound aspect of infrared sauna and cold plunging lies in the unique mindful experience they create. The gentle radiant heat of infrared therapy offers a meditative space without the sometimes overwhelming intensity of traditional saunas. This allows for longer sessions and deeper contemplative practice.
When followed by the sharp focus demanded by cold exposure, this contrast creates an opportunity for profound presence. Many practitioners report experiencing mental clarity, emotional release, and a sense of reset after completing their infrared-to-cold circuits.
Infrared sauna and cold plunging offer a fascinating intersection of ancestral wisdom and modern technology. Whether you’re seeking physical optimisation, mental clarity, or a deeper connection to yourself, this contrast therapy provides a powerful pathway to transformation. In our increasingly digital world, these practices remind us of our fundamental connection to elemental forces—light, heat, and cold. They invite us to experience our bodies as dynamic, adaptable systems capable of remarkable resilience. As we continue to refine these practices, we honour both innovation and tradition in our pursuit of optimal wellbeing.
A Personal Ritual
Creating a ritual around this enhances its benefits. Our beautiful River Room is where guests experience our Body Activation. A private space framed by a majestic hundred year old Ebony tree. There is always the invitation to deepen your experience with intention by practicing mindful breathing techniques as you are guided through this transforming exposure to heat and cold in the African wilderness.
The offer of infrared sauna and cold plunging is indeed a fantastic way to improve one’s health and well-being. I might try it out next time at Londolozi.
This all sounds wonderful, if not a bit challenging , to go from one extreme to another, but I’ve also read about the benefits it can provide for the body and soul. I’ll be back is a week and a bit and maybe, just maybe……keep well Christina!!