Now more than ever, people are trying to find ways to sustain and improve their mental and physical well-being. One new business in Marblehead has opened with the mindset of helping people achieve that goal.
Located just off of Pleasant Street, cousins Brendan Binkoski and Barry Paskievich have opened Nordic Oasis, a hot and cold therapy center designed to improve the wellness of both the mind and the body.
The path to going into business together was not a linear one. Binkoski previously had a career in the finance world, but had always had an interest in this kind of therapy, specifically heat therapy. For Paskievich, a Swampscott native and mechanical engineer, he began jumping in the frigid ocean water once a week last year after reading up on the benefits it can provide.
“After last winter, I knew my cousin, Brendan, was into it so I said ‘This is something we got to pursue,” Paskievich said. “We’re both deeply involved, we just want to promote it. It’s a great resource for people to have.”
Hot and cold therapy can have a number of positive benefits on a person’s mental and physical health, according to Open Access Government. Showering and jumping in cold water have been shown to boost chemicals in the brain like dopamine and endorphin levels, in addition to improving metabolism and circulation.
Heat therapy has also been shown to help muscles heal faster, clear congestion, and improve recovery, skin health, and relaxation.
By opening a business using these techniques, the only one of its kind in town, Binkoski said that they want to promote the benefits of hot-cold therapy to as many people as they can.
“It’s not just about being successful and profitable, but to spread awareness,” Binkoski said.
Nordic Oasis provides a number of different stations using state-of-the-art technology from private infrared saunas, to sauna blankets, to cold-plunge baths.
Outside of the building, a traditional barrel sauna is also available for groups of up to six people. Binkoski and Paskievich said that another goal is to make Nordic Oasis a community center, providing services like the sauna to give a social aspect.
“This is a community wellness center. Sometimes, people just need to get out of the house and take care of themselves mentally and physically,” Paskievich said.
“We wanted to be that feel, that everyone can chill out, no matter what the age is, and just feel welcome,” Binkoski added. “We think this community is perfect for that.”
The business idea originally started out as providing mobile services, with no permanent location. However, the spot opened on Pleasant Street, and they took advantage.
With a set location now in town, the two cousins are preparing for the addition of their original model of mobile services, which will be available to rent for parties, events, or other get-togethers.
