By Marina Hernandez | Photos by Monique Kuhlman

I was blindfolded... constricted... and plunged into freezing water... and I feel amazing! If you haven’t yet experienced a sound bath, infrared compression therapy, or a cold plunge, then continue reading for a play-by-play of what to expect during these somewhat unconventional, wellness therapy sessions. One of them truly had me reconsidering my life choices, but was ultimately my most exhilarating experience. Which one would you try?

Sound Bath

@ the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

CSULB Campus Earl Warren Dr, 90840 | JGcoordinators@csulb.edu | (562) 985-8420

A sound bath is a meditative experience where participants are fully immersed in a soundscape created by the light striking and rubbing of singing bowls, like taking a “bath” in sound waves. Alana Weinberg, Reiki Master and host of the sound bath, describes the practice as “bringing the energetic body into balance, helping participants to relax, heal, and calm their thoughts and emotions, bringing them into a state of balance and wellness and bliss.”

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is the ideal setting to melt into the immersive experience of the sound bath. The beauty of the garden, with its lush Japanese Maple, vibrantly-colored koi, and cascading waterfalls, provides its own measure of peace and tranquility.

Alana begins the sound bath with a 10-minute guided meditation and introduction to the chakras she will be activating with each sound. We settle into our mats. With eyes covered and the warmth from sun gently pressing on my skin, Alana begins striking the bowls and the low melodic tones lull me into a state of comfort and ease. Sound baths, I’m learning, are also a practice in clearing the mind. As I lay there, I start thinking about dinner. What am I making tonight? Oh wait, I’m here to relax. Gently and forgivingly, I refocus my wandering mind on the present moment. I focus on my breathing and I am settled again. This wondering and refocusing cycle continues many more times and I notice that each chance I get to refocus cradles me further into the serene soundscape. I am in a true meditative frame of mind. Relaxed. Comforted. At peace. The sentiment stays with me all day.

Cost: $20-$25

Parking: There is plenty of parking, however, expect to pay $10 at the meter.

What to bring: Plush yoga mats are provided at no charge, which is really all you need. The following are some additional items to bring simply for comfort: a light blanket, a scarf or eye mask to block light, fuzzy socks, water, and comfy loose clothing.

908 Insider Tip: Guests may sit or lay anywhere in the garden so arrive early to scout your perfect space.

Infrared Full Body Compression Therapy

@ Ambiance Skin Care & Day Spa

3946 E. 4th St, 90814 | www.ambianceskincare.com | (562) 621-1121

Infrared full body compression also goes by it’s less glamorous yet more descriptive name, Lymphatic Drainage Compression Therapy (or Pressotheraphy). It's a full body wrap that fills and releases with air in a rhythmic pattern from ankles to shoulders. It feels like a blood pressure compression sleeve but all over your body, and it’s hot! The therapy is meant to accelerate lymph flow, thus activating proper circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting overall wellness.

When I enter Ambiance Day Spa, I am warmly greeted by Laura Gonzalez, 23-year business owner of this 2,000 square foot day spa. It’s quiet, dim and smells great. I’m guided to a room where I change into my bathing suit. Camillia, the therapy assistant, enters to help me into the compression suit. She’s actually the reason why I’m trying this out.

Initially, I didn’t plan to write about a full body compression sleeve experience, however, I was won over Camillia’s bubbly personality and detailed knowledge of all the different therapy treatments available at Ambiance Spa. Without being the least bit forceful, Camillia convinces me to be compressed. Sometimes supporting small business isn’t just for the products, it’s a connection with the people.

Camillia helps me get into a body-sized plastic bag. I’m being sous-vide’d! The bag is a barrier between skin and the infrared compression suit; it’s meant to contain moisture. Next, I lay down and am strapped in one limb at a time, and then at my waist. The rest of the therapy session is easy. I relax and allow the Therabody Infrared Compression sleeves to do their thing – tightening and releasing. Forty minutes later, I am awakened; it was quite relaxing. Camillia brings me a eucalyptus-infused cold wrap for my forehead and a glass of water. She unravels me and gives me time to dress and return to Earth. I leave Ambiance Day Spa feeling completely rejuvenated!

Cost: $90 for one 30-minute session or a set of five sessions for $292.50.

Parking: There’s a little lot in the back and plenty of neighborhood parking.

What to bring: A bathing suit, shoes you can slip in and out of easily, a change of clothes (you will be sweaty).

908 Insider Tip: Drink plenty of water during the hours leading up to your service.

Cold Plunge @ Human Aeon

121 Belmont Ave, 90803 | www.humanaeon.com | (562) 476-9989

For 48 hours, from the time I committed to entering a cold plunge, to the time I was actually confronted with the reality of stepping into the ice pool, I talked myself in and out of it a hundred times. Should I? Shouldn’t I? Maybe I could just watch others plunge and write about that… Really, Marina, you’re going to wuss out like that?! Fine I’ll do it. You get the picture.

Now, here I am, barefoot in a bathing suit. My toes wriggling anxiously over the edge of a stone-lined ice bath. Vanessa Hernandez, Human Aeon instructor and host, guides me and three other brave souls into taking 3 deep breaths. Inhale-Hold-Exhale. Inhale-Hold-Exhale. Inhale-Hold-Now fully immerse on the last exhale. And… Go! Sh!t, sh!t, sh!t, I tell myself, as the last bit of air releases from my lungs and I plunge until water is lapping the nape of my neck. There’s a strong tingling sensation from my lower half, like every follicle of hair on my body is being tugged at with tiny tweezers, but aside from that… I’m actually doing okay. One minute lapses of a “two little minute” ice plunge. I look at our collective group experiencing this tension together. I begin to breath in and out slowly and deliberately. Okay, this actually is not that bad. I’m doing it and I’m okay. Yes! I am a badass!

The two-minute timer chimes and I immediately spring out of the cold plunge because… it’s friggin’ cold! From here, I have 3 amazing options: warm up in an infrared sauna, defrost in a steam sauna, or thaw in a hot tub. I choose the hot tub and spend the remaining hour basking in my accomplishment.

On the car ride home, I feel light and invigorated not only from the cold-induced endorphin-rush but mostly because I did something challenging and I proved to myself that I could!

According to the article “Should You Cold Plunge?” published by Dartmouth-health.org, “Studies have linked cold plunging to treating depression and improving mood. It can boost levels of dopamine and endorphins, creating alertness and happiness.” The benefits I experienced cold plunging at Human Aeon include the guidance and support of their experienced instructors, access to multiple cold/hot therapy options, and an altogether peaceful setting.

Cost: Guided 90-minute Drop-In Session $80 - Unlimited Membership $400/mo.

Parking: You can expect to spend a little time searching for parking. Good news is that Belmont Heights neighborhood parking is free.

What to bring: A bathing suit, shoes you can slip in and out of easily, loose cozy clothing for after your session.

908 Insider Tip: Develop a motivating chant, or mantra, ahead of time and prepare to recite it to yourself for “2 little minutes.” My mantra was, “I can and I will!”