If you think that jumping into an ice-cold bath can’t possibly be good for you, I’d encourage you to think again. Traditional medicine can do some incredible things, but as someone who struggles from time to time with ADHD, modern medicine doesn’t have all the answers.
This might be why so many people are exploring the potential benefits of cold water therapy. With origins going back thousands of years, people all over the world claim that a cold water plunge benefits them both physically and mentally.
Let’s jump in head first and find out what cold water therapy is and how it can be harnessed to help us maintain good physical and mental health. I’ll also share an exclusive 15% off discount code for those ready to brave the icy cold temperatures for mental health gains!
What Is Cold Water Therapy?
Before we get into cold plunge benefits, let’s get into what cold water therapy is. To put it simply, cold water therapy is a method of using cold water (around 15°C) as a form of therapeutic treatment for the body and mind. ¹
Cold water therapy has grown in popularity in recent years, but it’s been around for thousands of years. The ancient civilisations of Rome, Greece and Egypt all believed in cold water plunge benefits. It also has strong roots in Scandinavia and Japan, where it’s still widely practised. ²
Cold water therapy can take many forms, from cold showers and ice baths to outdoor swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans. A plunge pool is a common sight in spas all over the world, and thanks to people like Wim Hof, more and more people are exploring what cold water plunge benefits are.
Ready to unlock the cold water plunge benefit for yourself? Use my code INSIDEAMINDPOD for 15% off Lumi therapy ice baths at the checkout.
Cold Plunge Benefits!
Whatever form it takes, those who practise cold water therapy feel it brings them a whole host of benefits. Personally, I’m a big fan of cold water therapy. For me, I find that doing a cold plunge benefits me by helping me deal with some of the challenges that my ADHD throws up.
I certainly feel that an ice plunge benefits me, and a lot of people say the same. But is there any cold (forgive the pun) hard science that can back this up? Not much research has been done into the benefits of cold water therapy, but there is evidence that it can help in a number of ways, which we’ll look at now.
Physical Benefits Of Cold Water Therapy
There’s a good reason why many athletes and sports people use cold water therapy and ice baths as a key part of their recovery. It’s found that taking a chilly dip can ease muscle pain and stiffness after exercising by reducing swelling and inflammation. ³
Several small studies seem to back this up. A 2016 study involving 20 athletes showed that those who soaked in a pool of cold water after physical activity reported less muscle soreness than those who didn’t. ⁴ So, if you’ve had a serious session in the gym, a quick blast under a cold shower might be just what you need.
There’s also evidence that suggests that another cold water plunge benefit is that it can stimulate the immune system. A study in 2014 found that when combined with meditation and breathing exercises, cold water therapy helped participants produce more anti-inflammatory chemicals when exposed to a bacterial infection, reducing their symptoms. ⁵
Mental Benefits:
What I find particularly interesting is that cold water therapy has been shown to lessen symptoms associated with mental ill-health. I can certainly say that using cold water therapy for anxiety really helps me, and it seems to help others, too.
When the body is exposed to cold water, it releases the ‘feel-good hormones’ endorphins, which include dopamine and serotonin. These hormones can improve mood and take the edge off feelings of depression and anxiety. In addition, when cold water relieves tension in the body, it also relieves tension in the mind, helping us to relax. ⁶ This could explain why cold water therapy for anxiety could be so effective.
Not much research has been done into how an ice plunge benefits mental health, but scientists are starting to look at it more closely, and the results from some small studies have been promising.
A 2020 study found that 61 people who took part in a 10-week course to learn to swim in cold seawater saw greater improvements in their mood compared to 22 of their friends and family members who watched them from dry land. ⁷
I know cold water therapy won’t take my ADHD away. And, of course, it can’t ‘cure’ mental illness, but I think that looking at it in those terms is missing the point. I’ve experienced firsthand how an ice plunge benefits my mood. I’ve even written a blog about it, which you can read here.
How To Get Started With Cold Water Therapy
For many people, the thought of spending any time in an ice-cold bath just doesn’t sound that appealing. The key is to start small and gradually increase the time you spend in cold water at a pace that works for you.
A good way to start experimenting with cold water therapy is in the shower at home. That way, you can try it at your own pace and see what works for you. Start with the shower at whatever temperature you usually shower with, then gradually reduce it. Over time, you can increase the amount of time you spend in the shower.
Full immersion in cold water when you’re not used to it can trigger some pretty unpleasant things, like cold water shock (where you lose control of your breathing), heart arrhythmia and, if your core temperature gets too cold, hypothermia.
The risk of these can be reduced if you build up your exposure to cold water gradually. However, if you’re not sure, it might be worth speaking to your doctor before undertaking cold water therapy. ⁸
Jump In With Lumi Therapy Ice Baths!
If you’re already a fan of cold water therapy, why not take it to the next level by investing in a Lumi therapy ice bath? These high-quality ice baths allow you to fully harness the power of cold water therapy in your own home.
What’s more, if you buy a Lumi therapy ice bath now, you’ll get 15% off by using the code INSIDEAMINDPOD at checkout.
Head over to the Lumi website now to find out more.
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