Winnipeg’s Contrast Therapy Suite
FAR INFRARED SAUNA + COLD PLUNGE
A self-guided hot + cold therapy experience in a private suite for up to two guests.
Get ready to take the plunge!
Our suite is fully appointed with ambient chromotherapy, customizable music, chilled essential oil cloths to refresh. Beauty and health elixirs are available for purchase for an enhanced self-care experience.
Each session follows a FLOW that moves through heat, cold, and rest in sequence — sauna, plunge, relax — to stimulate circulation, boost recovery, and leave you feeling deeply restored.
60-minute Private Sessions
Accommodates 1-2 people
Robe, towel, and locker provided • Swimwear required •water bottle recommended • Packs are shareable + non-transferable
For bookings of 3 or 4 people please call (204) 942–6520.
Positive effects on recovery, circulation, and overall wellbeing.
Rooted in Nordic tradition, this practice contrasts the bracing cold of an ice water plunge with the enveloping heat of a FAR Infrared sauna–a ritual shown to stimulate cardiovascular and circulatory function, and regulate the nervous system.
Our Contrast Therapy Suite harnesses the powers of full-spectrum, far infrared sauna with state-of-the-art cold plunging to elevate your wellness journey to new heights!
What's Contrast Therapy?
Contrast therapy, combining far infrared heat with cold immersion, supports overall health and well-being by engaging the body’s natural recovery processes.
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Sweating is one of the body’s natural ways to regulate temperature and eliminate small amounts of certain waste products through the skin. Infrared saunas work by heating the body directly, which can raise core temperature and stimulate circulation, often leading to a more intense sweat compared to traditional saunas. Full-spectrum infrared saunas use a blend of near, mid, and far wavelengths, each penetrating tissue at different depths, which may support relaxation, muscle recovery, and skin health.
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Cold immersion triggers an immediate constriction of blood vessels, followed by dilation as the body warms back up. This vascular ‘training’ supports circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Cold exposure also stimulates the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter linked with alertness and focus, and may activate certain immune responses, including an increase in circulating white blood cells.
Together, these effects help explain why contrast therapy is valued both for recovery and overall resilience.
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Research shows that alternating hot and cold exposure can help reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and improve circulation. These effects may also support mood regulation, energy balance, and skin vitality—making contrast therapy a valuable tool for athletes, strength trainers, and anyone looking to enhance recovery and resilience.
Why Contrast Therapy?
Heat from a Far Infrared Sauna dilates blood vessels, boosting circulation and promoting healing, while cold immersion constricts vessels, reducing inflammation and calming the nervous system.
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For many, the after-effect of contrast therapy is—boosted mood, extra fuel in the tank, and sharper mental clarity. Many devoted Contrast Therapy regulars swear that it helps to combat chronic fatigue and depression. When you feel good, life is good!
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Like meditation and mindfulness, the hot–cold cycle of contrast therapy helps rebalance the nervous system by briefly activating the body’s fight-or-flight response, then shifting things back to a relaxed state. The result is resilience and clear-headed focus that powers you through the day long after you leave the plunge!
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Contrast therapy fires up your metabolism. As you sweat it out in the infrared, reset in the plunge, and warm back up in recovery, your body is working hard—this back-and-forth may help increase calorie burn, support detox through improved circulation and sweating and this vascular “training” encourages healthier blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
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Skin is our largest organ! Contrast therapy can give your skin a visible refresh. The hot–cold cycle helps calm inflammation, reduce puffiness, and boost circulation—leaving your complexion looking brighter and more glowy—especially when paired with targeted treatments like masking at TenSkin Rx.
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Cold plunges help ease post-exercise soreness and inflammation, while far infrared heat promotes circulation, relaxation, and recovery. Together, the hot–cold cycle can loosen stiff muscles, support joint comfort, and enhance overall flexibility.
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Far infrared heat encourages deep relaxation, while cold immersion refreshes the nervous system, leaving you both calm and revitalized. Many find that this balance helps the body unwind at night, supporting deeper, more restorative sleep.
Q&A — Contrast Therapy
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A typical session might follow this cycle:
SAUNA (approx. 15–20 minutes)
COLD PLUNGE (1–3 minutes)
RELAX in lounge area with health elixir and water (10 minutes)
Go at your own rhythm — hot, cold, repeat. There’s no “wrong” way to cold plunge–just listen to your body. -
Our Contrast Therapy Suite is bookable online for one or two guests only. 3-4 guests must book by phone or in person.
Adding a guest to your booking:
Set Number of Guests to 1.
Choose a preferred time slot.
Select Contrast Therapy as your Treatment Type.
Select Contrast Therapy Duo Session.
Click Continue.
If you would like to add additional treatment (facial, mani-pedi) add it here.
Click continue.
Confirm time slot by clicking blue button.
Add Guest information for Guest 1.
Add guest 2 in the comments/special requests field.
That was a lot. The guest will receive a confirmation email with session details. ;)
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At Contrast Therapy, the health and safety of our guests is our top priority. Our cold plunge uses an advanced filtration system and the tub is drained every night. To ensure our cold plunge and sauna facilities meet Health Canada standards equipment is cleaned and maintained daily.
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Please bring a bathing suit and a water bottle (no glass). We provide a towel, an over-sized thick, plush, highly absorbent 100% cotton terry cloth bathrobe, and shower amenities. Day-use lockers are available.
To maintain a clean environment, Contrast Therapy is a no outdoor-shoes space beyond the changerooms. If you prefer to cover your feet, please bring indoor footwear. -
In our private hot-cold recovery lounge, you’ll flow between a far-infrared sauna and a cold plunge pool — a ritual rooted in Nordic tradition and designed to support circulation, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing.
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Our lounge includes a far-infrared sauna, a cold plunge, robes and towels provided, and filtered water for drinking are included in the session.
Beauty and health elixirs are available for purchase for an enhanced self-care experience.
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You can talk, laugh, and relax —this is your private space. Just bear in mind that yoga classes are happening nearby. Phones should stay tucked away during your session.
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Contrast Therapy at 280 Fort Street has 2 hour free parking in the north lot, against the north facing wall of the building. There is paid parking on the street and in the southern lot.
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Our cold plunge ranges from approximately 0 °C to 4 °C, and our far-infrared sauna ranges 60º–100º c.
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We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before joining, especially if you have heart or blood pressure concerns. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and pause if you need to. Although our team prioritizes your safety, participation is at your own risk, and Contrast Therapy cannot be held responsible for any health-related incidents.
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We recommend consulting your healthcare provider before booking, as both sauna heat and cold immersion can affect circulation and body temperature. Most health authorities, including Health Canada–aligned sources, advise limiting sauna time to around 10–15 minutes and avoiding overheating, especially during early pregnancy. Cold plunging research is limited, so shorter immersions at milder temperatures are recommended.
Participation during pregnancy is entirely at your own discretion and should only be done with prior medical approval.
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If you’re not feeling your best, we encourage you to rest and reschedule your session for another day. Taking care of yourself helps keep our community well, too.
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Participants must be 18 years or older to use Contrast Therapy.
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To prevent heat damage, please remove glasses before your session.
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To cancel or adjust your booking or membership, please contact TenSkin Rx via email, the booking platform, or by calling (204) 946-6520.
Please visit our T+C page for more information on our cancellation and no-show policies.