A spiritual, wellness and fitness practice rolled into one? A way to achieve a natural high? Yes! Infrared sauna treatments can do all of that, and so much more. We started to hear the buzz about these transformational wellness pods a few years ago. Last year, we walked across the street from the Story + Rain offices to the ultra chic 11 Howard Hotel to see what all the fuss was about. HigherDOSE was sponsoring an event during New York Fashion Week, a week jam packed with overworked editors that have too many deadlines and drink too many mini bottles of champagne. No better occasion to start learning about how to detox (and boost serotonin levels) in as little as 30 minutes.
We talked to Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri, Co-Founders of HigherDOSE, and they told us what inspired them to start this hot revolution and exactly who could benefit from it. P.S., it's pretty much all us.
For Lauren, it was always about looking for ways to recover and feel better after years of participating in extreme athletic challenges. She found that diet and exercise were not enough, so she turned to alternative health practices to give her an additional "boost." She discovered one therapy that stood out above the rest: the infrared sauna.
Katie previously worked in the high-stress financial world, and ultimately struck out on her own to consult for wellness companies . She tells us that her “true passion is the pursuit of euphoria through natural highs”.
When these two powerhouse woman met at Gravity East Village, a wellness center in New York, an idea was born, and they quickly decided that they needed to bring their version of this healing modality to the masses.
The technology of infrared saunas provides benefits to both the way you look and feel. Devotees seem to be split on which is the greater benefit, but why choose? Documented health benefits include deep detoxification, stress relief, accelerated calorie burn and skin improvement through the stimulation of collagen and improved circulation. What might prove to be the most valued result of infrared sauna? Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins (the "D.O.S.E" acronym) are released during the application of infrared heat. These mood-boosting chemicals leave us feeling naturally high and with a boosted sense of well being.
Stressful jobs, subway rides, "retoxing" with frequent dinner and drink meetings, and exposure to environmental pollutants means that those who live in major cities like New York are especially in need of a way to limit exposure to toxins and raised levels of cortisol. Enter HigherDOSE, the perfect solution for keeping both toxins and cortisol at bay, it's seven times more detoxifying than a traditional sauna.
Studies have shown that infrared saunas can even help with chronic pain. So whether you're looking for specific benefits or simply want to steal away to decompress, HigherDOSE is for you. Co-Founder Katie Kaps gave us her perspective on who would most benefit from visiting HigherDOSE:
-the stressed businessman/woman who needs healthy ways to relax and stay on top of their game.
-models/entertainment professionals whose job is to look amazing and have inspiring energy/charisma.
-Athletes who need ways to recover from tough workouts and are looking to improve their performance.
-People who have skin issues (for example, acne) who are fed up with dermatologists are looking for a natural, long-term solution for achieving beautiful, clear skin. A game changer.
- Anyone who overindulged and is feeling the symptoms of a hangover. A lifesaver.
-Anyone suffering from Lyme disease. This is one of the best ways to treat symptoms.
- Couples looking beyond basic dinner and drinks. A sexy, healthy date night.
What you can expect: a total luxury experience that includes a private room with a speaker for your tunes, personal showers that have been tricked out with luxury products, and medical grade chromotherapy installed within the sauna. Chromotherapy is the science of using color and light to adjust body vibrations to optimal frequency.
HigherDOSE is currently located in trendy hotels, and now in high end Equinox gym in New York City (expanding to 5 more locations by October). Getting a D.O.S.E. of luxury is becoming more accessible. We're hooked. You will be too.
Founders, Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri
Nancy Brensson
