Should you shiver or sauna after cold plunge? Learn the benefits of each, when to choose them, and how Denver locals use contrast therapy.

New to infrared and red light sauna therapy? Learn what to expect at your first infrared & red light sauna session in Denver, including benefits, what to wear, and tips for first-time visitors at Upswell.

For generations, people worldwide have found comfort in the soothing embrace of the sauna, with evidence of earthen sauna pits dating back to 2000 BC that used fire-heated stones to create a warm place to sustain the harsh climate of Northern Europe. Thought to primarily originate in Finland, the practice of hyperthermia or intentional heat exposure is seen around the globe with Indigenous North American sweat lodge, Japanese onsen, Roman thermae, Russian Banya, Swedish Bastu, and Turkish Hammam.  More than just a warm refuge, these spaces are havens for relaxation, cleansing, and community connection.