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Podcast Portugal is available to subscibe on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts.

Please Subscribe on your favourite provider so we can keep bringing you interesting guests and topics.

You can also listen or download each episode below.

guest line up.

Meet the voices behind the stories — every Friday, we release a new episode featuring inspiring guests from across Portugal and beyond, including artists, chefs, winemakers, musicians, historians, entrepreneurs, locals and expats.

Explore our diverse guest line-up and discover the people shaping Portuguese culture, food, travel, and daily life.

Justin West Justin West

Heat, Cold & Light: The Science Behind Modern Recovery

Heat, Cold & Light: The Science Behind Modern Recovery.

Inside ASYO Recovery Centre Portugal and their science-backed approach to health.

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with ASYO Recovery Centre to explore the science and real-world impact behind modern recovery practices — sauna therapy, cold plunges, red light therapy, and gentle cardiovascular movement — and why recovery is increasingly being seen as preventative healthcare, not a luxury.

Drawing on long-term Finnish research from Dr Jari Laukkanen’s lab, we discuss how regular sauna use (2–4 times per week) has been associated with around a 20–22% reduction in cardiac events, while near-daily use (4–7 times per week) has shown reductions of up to 60–63%, alongside significantly lower risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We unpack how sauna bathing mimics mild cardiovascular exercise, supporting heart health, circulation, stress reduction, sleep quality and mental wellbeing.

The conversation also dives into the emerging science of cold water immersion, including its effects on the nervous system, stress resilience, mood regulation and depression, as well as the importance of education and safe exposure. 

We explore contrast therapy — combining heat and cold — and why it appears to amplify recovery benefits.

Finally, we examine red and near-infrared light therapy, discussing its role in mitochondrial function, inflammation reduction, circulation, tissue repair and mental health, and how stacking these modalities can compound results. Throughout the episode, ASYO share how this growing body of research aligns closely with what they see daily in their clients: improved energy, mood, recovery, and long-term resilience.

To learn more about ASYO’s recovery philosophy, services, science & local-led approach, visit https://asyo.eu and follow them on Instagram @ASYO_RECOVERYCENTER.

To book flexible dates surf coaching sessions, to find out about immersive surf training camps, online video analysis program and special JWC rates for using SurfREC, head to justinwestcoaching.com

Revolut Personal click this link

Revolut Business referral link

Travel smarter, stay connected — download Airalo SIM cards before your next adventure.

Inside ASYO Recovery Centre Portugal and their science-backed approach to health.

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with ASYO Recovery Centre to explore the science and real-world impact behind modern recovery practices — sauna therapy, cold plunges, red light therapy, and gentle cardiovascular movement — and why recovery is increasingly being seen as preventative healthcare, not a luxury.

Drawing on long-term Finnish research from Dr Jari Laukkanen’s lab, we discuss how regular sauna use (2–4 times per week) has been associated with around a 20–22% reduction in cardiac events, while near-daily use (4–7 times per week) has shown reductions of up to 60–63%, alongside significantly lower risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We unpack how sauna bathing mimics mild cardiovascular exercise, supporting heart health, circulation, stress reduction, sleep quality and mental wellbeing.

The conversation also dives into the emerging science of cold water immersion, including its effects on the nervous system, stress resilience, mood regulation and depression, as well as the importance of education and safe exposure.

We explore contrast therapy — combining heat and cold — and why it appears to amplify recovery benefits.

Finally, we examine red and near-infrared light therapy, discussing its role in mitochondrial function, inflammation reduction, circulation, tissue repair and mental health, and how stacking these modalities can compound results. Throughout the episode, ASYO share how this growing body of research aligns closely with what they see daily in their clients: improved energy, mood, recovery, and long-term resilience.

To learn more about ASYO’s recovery philosophy, services, science & local-led approach, visit https://asyo.eu and follow them on Instagram @ASYO_recoverycenter.

To book flexible dates surf coaching sessions, to find out about immersive surf training camps, online video analysis program and special JWC rates for using SurfREC, head to justinwestcoaching.com

Revolut Personal click this link

Revolut Business referral link

Travel smarter, stay connected — download Airalo SIM cards before your next adventure.

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