The Vascular Flush Protocol
Infrared sauna followed by 40°F cold plunge. This hot-and-cold contrast therapy triggers a powerful vascular pump that flushes inflammation, accelerates recovery, and floods your body with endorphins. The #1 requested combo at Culture OC.
Best For
The Science of Hot & Cold
Vascular Pumping
Heat causes vasodilation (blood vessels expand), then cold triggers vasoconstriction (vessels contract). This mechanical pumping action flushes metabolic waste from tissues and delivers oxygen-rich blood 3–4x faster than rest alone.
Norepinephrine Surge
The cold-to-hot transition spikes norepinephrine by 200–300%, dramatically improving focus, mood, and energy. Combined with a 40% cortisol reduction from the sauna, it's a full nervous system reset.
Inflammation Cascade
Heat mobilizes inflammatory markers into the bloodstream via lymphatic drainage. Immediate cold exposure then suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) by 30–50%, clearing the inflammatory load.
Hot vs. Cold vs. Contrast
Why alternating beats either therapy alone.
| Metric | Sauna Only | Cold Plunge Only | Contrast Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Speed | Moderate | Moderate | 2–3x faster (vascular pump) |
| Inflammation Reduction | IL-6 ↓50% | TNF-α ↓30% | Both pathways activated |
| Mood Enhancement | Cortisol ↓40% | Dopamine ↑250% | Full neurochemical reset |
| Lymphatic Flush | Heat mobilizes | Cold contracts | Complete flush cycle |
Culture OC vs. Gym Saunas & DIY Cold Plunge
| Feature | Culture OC | Gym / Home |
|---|---|---|
| Sauna Type | Full-spectrum infrared (NIR + MIR + FIR) | Traditional dry or steam |
| Cold Plunge Temp | 40°F constant, professionally maintained | Cold shower or inconsistent tub |
| Protocol Guidance | Coached timing, breathwork, progression | Self-guided |
| Transition Time | < 30 seconds (same room) | Minutes between locations |
| Tissue Penetration | 1.5–3 inches (infrared wavelengths) | Surface-level heat only |
The contrast therapy session is incredible. I sleep like a rock after and my knee inflammation is basically gone after doing it consistently for a month.
— Doug Wade
Contrast Therapy: The Complete Guide
Contrast therapy — also called contrast water therapy, hot-cold therapy, or contrast bathing — is the practice of alternating between heat exposure and cold exposure to trigger a powerful vascular response. At Culture OC in Newport Beach, our contrast therapy protocol combines full-spectrum infrared sauna (45 minutes at 130–150°F) with a guided 40°F cold plunge (3–5 minutes).
The mechanism is straightforward: heat causes vasodilation, expanding blood vessels and increasing blood flow to muscles and joints. Cold triggers vasoconstriction, rapidly contracting vessels and flushing metabolic waste through the lymphatic system. This alternating pump delivers fresh, oxygen-rich blood to damaged tissues significantly faster than passive rest.
Research published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that contrast water therapy reduced muscle soreness by 31% compared to passive recovery. Athletes at every level — from weekend warriors to professional surfers in Orange County — use this protocol for faster recovery between training sessions.
At Culture OC, contrast therapy is available as a single session ($55) or unlimited with our Cold + Sauna membership ($200/mo). Many members combine contrast therapy with PEMF or red light therapy for compounding recovery benefits — this is what we call protocol stacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protocols Featuring Contrast Therapy
Pairs Well With
Ready to Try Contrast Therapy?
Book a free evaluation call with Troy. He’ll tell you if contrast therapy is right for your situation.
Book Free EvaluationOr call (949) 751-1027