Why My Body Craves Sauna + Ocean Right Now
This morning my nervous system was rattling with unsteadiness. So I listened to what my body was craving...
You know those moments when your body just knows what it needs? That happened to me today, and it led to one of the most restorative experiences I've had in weeks.
Sometimes our nervous systems send us signals we can't ignore—that restless energy, interrupted sleep, or feeling slightly disconnected from ourselves. Instead of pushing through it, I listened.
👇 In today's email:
This week's inspiration: Why My Body Craves Sauna + Ocean Right Now
Latest blog post: Healing in an On-Demand World: What No One Tells You
What I'm Listening To: Jen Hatmaker's Life Exploded in Middle Age. So She Built a Better One
Why My Body Craves Sauna + Ocean Right Now
Something about the sauna is truly transforming. This morning upon waking, I noticed my nervous system sort of rattling with the unsteadiness of the world—sleep interrupted by night sweats, which even my non-perimenopausal friends are suffering from. I felt out of balance with myself and my surroundings, but instead of forcing myself to power through, I listened to what my body was asking for.
I drove with my husband and met friends on South Shore Beach in Little Compton, where we spent an hour alternating between sweating in a beachside sauna and bobbing in the ocean waves. Getting past the rocky beach entrance, we found the smoothest sand and the most incredible green water—the light glimmered on the horizon.
The Magic of Ancient Wisdom
What is it about saunas on a biological level that creates this transformation? When we heat our bodies, we're engaging in one of humanity's oldest healing rituals. Cultures across the globe have used sweating for purification—from Finnish saunas to Native American sweat lodges to Turkish baths.
Here's what happens in your body during this ancient practice:
Heat Shock Proteins Activate: These protective proteins help repair damaged cells and strengthen your immune system.
Endorphins Release: Your body's natural "feel-good" chemicals flood your system, creating that post-sauna euphoria.
Circulation Improves: Blood vessels dilate, improving circulation and delivering nutrients more efficiently throughout your body.
Stress Hormones Drop: The combination of heat and relaxation naturally lowers cortisol levels.
The Cold Plunge Effect
When we added the ocean to our ritual, something even more magical happened. Cold water immersion creates what's called "hormetic stress"—a beneficial stress that actually strengthens your body's resilience. The contrast between hot and cold triggers your vagus nerve, helping reset your nervous system.
After just one hour of this natural therapy, all of us felt completely transformed. The morning's distress had melted away, replaced by genuine elation and a renewed sense of connection—not just to ourselves, but to each other.
Community Amplifies Healing
Here's what I think made this experience so powerful: we weren't doing it alone. There's something profound about sharing these moments with friends.
This is why traditional healing practices were rarely solitary—they were community events that strengthened both individual and collective resilience.
Listen to Your Body's Wisdom
Your body often knows what it needs before your mind does. Maybe it's craving movement, stillness, warmth, coolness, solitude, or connection. The key is learning to tune in and trust those signals.
Latest blog post
Healing in an On-Demand World: What No One Tells You
In our instant-gratification culture, we expect everything to be fast—including healing.
In my latest post, I explore the real timeline of acupuncture and holistic healing, sharing what two decades of practice has taught me about patience, trust, and the body's incredible wisdom. I dive into why some changes happen immediately while others unfold over months, and how to know when you're on the right track.
This isn't just about managing one's expectations—it's about understanding that one-and-done almost never works. When you work with natural healing modalities, you're not just addressing symptoms; you're giving your entire system permission to rebalance and thrive.
I share stories from my practice, the science behind why healing takes time, and practical guidance for anyone wondering "How long until I feel better?" Whether you're new to acupuncture or a longtime advocate, this post will shift how you think about the healing journey.
What I'm reading
Jen Hatmaker's Life Exploded in Middle Age. So She Built a Better One
I came across this interview a couple of weeks ago and was really inspired. This is the story of Jen Hatmaker, a Christian influencer—a world I know zero about, but within her community, she was influential until she changed her mind on certain personal issues. Then she wasn't just ostracized; she was vilified by the very people who once celebrated her.
What struck me most about Jen's story is how she navigated a complete reinvention in midlife. When everything she thought she knew about her beliefs, her community, and her place in the world shifted, she didn't retreat. She found a new voice, even when it meant facing hatred from people she once considered family.
This resonates deeply with so many of us who are constantly defining and redefining ourselves. Sometimes growth means outgrowing the containers that once held us.
I'm curious what you'll take from her story. How does it feel to witness a woman who found her voice among the critics and chose authenticity over acceptance?
I'm cheering for you!
Warmly,
Dr. Catherine 💚
P.S. Special thanks to Kayla at Altaer.space for being the hostess with the mostest and tending to our fire-fed sauna on the beach this morning.