After a serious health scare and turning 35, I stopped taking my body for granted. I shifted intentionally toward holistic practices that support longevity and optimal health. One of our rituals is a simple but powerful routine my husband and I keep at Summit Recovery (located at 3F Taft East Gate in the Cebu Business Park neighborhood): sauna sessions followed by cold plunges. This practice has become a regular part of my detox routine and a key way I work to strengthen heart health.
What is Summit Recovery
I first heard about Summit Recovery from the Cebu Business Park runners. I sometimes run along Boracay and Pescadores Road, and heard from other runners that the owner of Summit Recovery—an Australian in his 20s—had gone viral for opening a recovery studio for runners and for starting a Cebu Business Park run club. Then I met him (Joel) at The Social, asked about his business, and decided to try it. My husband and I already enjoyed sauna and cold plunge before, so it was perfect that Summit Recovery is in our neighborhood—no long drives or traffic going to farther places.
I like Summit Recovery for the small details: they provide vitamin C water in the shower, the sauna is never crowded, they provide thick, comfortable towels we can use inside the sauna, plus complimentary hats, and the heat is just right, and they’ve added a pleasant essential-oil scent that helps with the overall experience…
Their cold plunge is, in my opinion, the best in the city—able to reach 5°C and a real test of mental strength. My personal bests: 5 minutes at 6°C and 3 minutes at 5°C; when I started, I could only last about 2 minutes at 10°C. Temperatures usually range from 5–11°C, and these days I typically use the plunge at around 6-8°C.
I also love that it’s very close to our home and easy to book. Sessions are affordable—around ₱700 per person—and they offer a reward card that earns perks (like a free hat or a complimentary recovery boots session) after a set number of visits. Packages lower the per‑session cost even more. Check their website for current prices and offers.
Why heat and cold help heart health and detox
Our bodies meet thousands of chemicals every day—from food, water, air, clothing, furniture, and plastics. Many common products contain ingredients that can harm the nervous system or cause other problems over time.
For this reason, I now choose cleaner products, such as natural brands like Human Nature, and avoid harmful ingredients. I stopped using fluoride toothpaste and avoid containers with BPA or toxic non-stick pans.
Of course, we cannot avoid all chemicals. I am not perfect—I still use devices like AirPods even though they may not be ideal. Because complete avoidance is impossible, I focus on supporting the body’s natural detox systems and heart health. Alternating heat (sauna) and cold (plunge) improves circulation, lowers inflammation, helps the lymphatic system, and supports recovery. Together, these effects help the heart and strengthen cells.
How we do the contrast therapy at Summit Recovery
- Sauna (20 minutes at 70-75 degrees Celsius): Deep, intentional sweating to mobilize toxins and raise core temperature, enhancing circulation.
- Hydration and brief cool-down: Replenish fluids and center your breath.
- Cold plunge (at 8-11 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes): Controlled cold immersion causes vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, which can strengthen vascular tone and improve circulation.
- Repeat 3 cycles; finish with gentle stretching and rehydration (I prepare coconut water at home and banana).
Start slowly, listen to your body, and adjust durations as you gain experience.
How often do I do contrast therapy
I use the sauna + cold plunge 2–3 times a week for detox and heart health, plus benefits like a mild metabolic boost, reduced inflammation and muscle soreness, respiratory relief when I’m congested, and stress reduction. My husband and I always do it together—our sauna sessions are a shared, intimate ritual where we talk about calming things, slip into a meditative state, and often leave with fresh ideas.
How this ritual fits my annual cleanse
Each year, I follow a focused cleanse to lower toxic load and reset my system. The sauna + cold plunge ritual complements my protocol, which includes:
1) 10-day juice detox
2) Activated charcoal cleanse
3) Liver and gallbladder flush
4) Parasite Cleanse
Paired with light exercise and limited device use, these practices boost energy, sharpen mental clarity, reduce inflammation, and support immune and cardiovascular health.
Some tips and etiquette
Based on my observations and experience, here are a few sauna etiquette tips I hope people will follow: always rehydrate before and after your session; close the sauna door right away to keep the heat and steam in; if you pour water on the stones, stay inside briefly so the steam doesn’t escape and the temperature can build; keep your voice low and avoid loud talking; don’t wait too long to use the cold plunge—go soon after your sauna so others aren’t kept waiting; turn off the shower after use; and place used towels and empty cups in the bin.
Parting Words
If you’re seeking more energy, clearer thinking, reduced anxiety, and a heart-supporting ritual, try sauna + cold plunge sessions. My husband and I do ours regularly at Summit Recovery (3F Taft East Gate), and the benefits have compounded over time.
