WV SCIENCE

The science behind
recovery.


Every decision behind our equipment and protocols is backed by peer-reviewed literature. We do not promise magic — we work with measurable biology.

OUR PRINCIPLE

If you can't measure it,
we don't call it recovery.


The photobiomodulation, controlled heat and cold immersion we integrate all activate distinct biological responses — each one clinically studied, with identified mechanisms and calibrated doses. Our job is to integrate them in the right space with the right protocol.

THREE STIMULI, THREE BIOLOGIES

Light. Heat. Cold.
Three signals, one goal.

01 · Estímulo

LIGHT

660 + 850 nm

Mitochondria · Cytochrome c oxidase

↑ ATP 20–30%
↓ Oxidative stress
↑ Microcirculation

02 · Estímulo

HEAT

70–90 °C · 45–60 °C IR

Heat shock proteins · HSP70

↑ Plasma +10% in 4–6 wk
↓ CV mortality 40%
↑ Tissue repair

03 · Estímulo

COLD

3–10 °C · 2–5 min

Sympathetic system · Brown fat

↑ Norepinephrine +200–530%
↓ DOMS 15–20%
↑ Mental clarity

PHOTOBIOMODULATION

The light that activates
your mitochondria.

Photons at 660 nm (red light, surface) and 850 nm (near-infrared, deep tissue) are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase — complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Absorption releases nitric oxide and unblocks electron transport, increasing ATP synthesis by 20% to 30% depending on the tissue model.

At calibrated doses of 10–60 J/cm² and sessions of 10–20 min, photobiomodulation reduces oxidative stress, modulates inflammation markers (IL-6, TNF-α), stimulates type I and III collagen synthesis and accelerates tissue repair. It is a non-UV, non-invasive energy, well tolerated for frequent use.

Key references: Hamblin, M.R. (2017) — Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation. Ferraresi, C. et al. (2016) — Photobiomodulation in muscle recovery: meta-analysis.

Traditional Finnish sauna (70–90 °C) or infrared sauna (45–60 °C) raises core body temperature by 1–2 °C. This controlled hyperthermia triggers an acute cardiovascular response: heart rate rises to 100–150 bpm, peripheral vasodilation occurs and plasma volume increases up to +10% after 4–6 weeks of regular use.

At cellular level, heat induces expression of heat shock proteins (HSP70), which support correct protein folding, tissue repair and longevity pathways. The Finnish KIHD longitudinal study (Laukkanen et al., JAMA Intern Med, 2015) on 2,315 men showed that 4–7 sessions per week reduce cardiovascular mortality by 40% compared to a single weekly session.

Key references: Laukkanen, J.A. et al. (2015) — Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular Events. Patrick, R.P., Johnson, T.L. (2021) — Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan.
SAUNA · HEAT THERAPY

The thermal stress
that trains your biology.

ICE BATH · COLD THERAPY

Controlled cold.
Calibrated response.

Immersion in water between 3 and 10 °C for 2–5 minutes activates an acute sympathetic cascade. Peripheral vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to extremities and, upon exit, reactive vasodilation improves venous return and modulates post-exercise edema. A meta-analysis (Machado et al., 2016) reports reductions of 15–20% in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

At the neuroendocrine level, cold acutely elevates norepinephrine by +200% to +530% (Šrámek et al., Eur J Appl Physiol, 2000), associated with alertness, focus and positive mood. It also stimulates thermogenesis and brown adipose tissue activation, improving insulin sensitivity and cold tolerance with regular practice.

Key references: Šrámek, P. et al. (2000) — Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. Machado, A.F. et al. (2016) — Cold water immersion for muscle recovery: meta-analysis.
THE FULL PROTOCOL

Thermal contrast
+ red light.

The combination of heat + cold (thermal contrast) generates a more complete cardiovascular response than any single modality — with reported recovery gains of 20–30% versus heat or cold alone. Adding photobiomodulation before or after amplifies cellular tissue repair without adding cardiovascular load. The result is a complete, synergistic and measurable protocol.

01 · Light

10–20 min of photobiomodulation · primes mitochondria and microcirculation.

02 · Heat

15–20 min in sauna · activates HSP70, trains cardiovascular system.

03 · Cold

2–5 min in ice bath · closes the loop, activates norepinephrine.

04 · Reset

10 min rest · stimulus integration, transition to recovery.

DOCUMENTED OUTCOMES

Data, not promises.

+30%

ATP production

Ferraresi 2016

−40%

CV mortality

Laukkanen 2015

+530%

Acute norepinephrine

Šrámek 2000

−20%

Muscle soreness (DOMS)

Machado 2016

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

We work with peer-reviewed
literature.


All figures cited on this page come from studies published in indexed journals (JAMA Internal Medicine, European Journal of Applied Physiology, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, AIMS Biophysics, among others). No clinical outcome claim is our own — our role is to integrate the evidence into spaces designed with architectural criteria.

FROM PAPER TO SPACE

Let us design a space
that applies the evidence.

We turn decades of clinical literature into an applied protocol for your project — with certified equipment, calibrated doses and measurable outcomes.