08/05/2026
Tempered Wellness would introduce a completely NEW wellness experience to the local market. Despite claims that a similar business already exists in Lawrenceville, there are currently no businesses in Lawrence County, Illinois, or Knox County, Indiana, offering true contrast therapy—the intentional practice of alternating between a traditional Finnish sauna and cold-water immersion.
A traditional Finnish sauna is fundamentally different from infrared sauna systems. It uses a wood-burning or electric heater with heated stones to raise the ambient air temperature to approximately 170–200°F, often combined with water thrown on the stones to create bursts of steam (löyly). This produces a deep, full-body heat exposure that has been used in Nordic countries for centuries and is associated with a wide range of physiological benefits.
Long-term medical research, particularly large population studies from Finland, has linked regular traditional sauna use to significant health outcomes. The Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease (KIHD) study, which followed thousands of middle-aged men over decades, found that frequent sauna use (4–7 times per week) was associated with up to a 50–60% reduction in cardiovascular-related mortality compared to once-weekly use. Additional findings from long-term observational research have also associated regular sauna bathing with reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, lower incidence of hypertension, and improved overall cardiovascular function.
Other studies have suggested potential neurological benefits as well. Regular sauna use has been associated with a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, possibly due to improved vascular health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced circulation to the brain. Physiologically, repeated heat exposure also stimulates heat shock proteins, which play a role in cellular repair, stress resilience, and recovery processes in the body.
While some nearby facilities may offer infrared saunas or individual recovery services, infrared sauna should not be confused with a traditional Finnish sauna. Tempered Wellness plans to offer an authentic, high-temperature Finnish sauna with heated stones, paired with dedicated cold-plunge tubs to create a complete contrast-therapy experience.
The closest known facility offering comparable true contrast therapy is MORE THAN AN HOUR AWAY. This would position Tempered Wellness as the FIRST dedicated contrast-therapy facility serving the Vincennes and Lawrence County region.
Be sure to complete our short 2 minute survey to help us with the planning and launch of Tempered Wellness at:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/n14REwaPBw
