Every morning, Tony Robbins Wake up and dive into a 57 degree ice bath.He, along with many other celebrities, professional athletes, and health and wellness professionals, have realized the myriad benefits cold water therapy offers to physical and mental health. Regardless, cold remedies have existed for centuries. often credited As the first person to document the benefits of hydrotherapy in medical practice, traditional chinese medicine These days, on social media and the internet, cold water continues to make waves in today’s wellness culture.
I’ve heard of taking a cold shower to increase energy, or jumping into an ice bath to ease sore muscles, but personally, I didn’t embrace the benefits until I met them. Wim Hof and his cold remedy. (Like many previously unnoticed wellness practices, I goop lab Thanks for the introduction. ) episode, I knew I had to try it myself. So I dug into my research and was blown away by what I learned.
The benefits of cold water therapy are many. increase metabolic rate and reduce inflammation— and they seem to go on and on.
Featured image from Interview with Nitza Citrine To Claire Huntsberger.
Benefits of cold water therapy
experts say When practiced regularly, the benefits of cold water therapy can produce long-lasting changes in the body’s immune, lymphatic, circulatory, and digestive systems, improving the overall quality of life.
A few minutes of chill therapy (and lots of grit) may activate your body’s natural healing powers and promote a better sense of well-being. the way Please take a shower. (Plus a helpful tip to get you started — this can be tricky if you’re used to warming water.)
activates the lymphatic system
of lymphatic system It is a network of blood vessels that run throughout the body, removing waste, bacteria, and microbes from the cells.The lymphatic system basically helps the body cleanse itself.
Unlike blood, which is constantly pumped throughout the body by the heart, lymph has no central pump. Instead, the lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions to pump lymph through blood vessels. Therefore, if you don’t exercise, or if the lymphatic system itself becomes slow or inefficient, fluid becomes stagnant and toxins accumulate, leading to colds, joint pain, infections, and even illness.
Soaking in cold water constricts the lymphatic vessels and constricts the lymphatic system. send lymph throughout the body Flush waste from area.
One of the benefits of a cold shower is that it stimulates the immune system’s white blood cells to attack and destroy unwanted substances in the fluid. This is a kind of domino effect. Cold water affects your lymphatic system, which in turn affects your immune system. Ultimate Impact? You can reap the benefits of feeling happy and healthy.
Improves circulation and heart health
Good circulation happens to be one of our most important factors overall health and well-being. Poor circulation not only impairs blood flow, but also puts a strain on the heart. This can ultimately lead to fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, and even heart attacks and strokes.
Improved circulation can enhance heart health, enhance mental performance, support the immune system and metabolism, and increase life force and energy.
Exercise and a healthy diet are two popular ways to improve circulation.but Cold water soaks can also stimulate blood flowWhen the body is immersed in cold water, blood rushes to surround vital organs. The heart then pumps more efficiently, pumping blood to all blood vessels to supply all parts of the body with the oxygen and nutrients they need. Doing this on a daily basis promotes healthy blood circulation, which ultimately promotes a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
reduce inflammation
But you don’t have to be a serious athlete to enjoy the benefits of a cold soak. Simply taking a cold water shower after a stint at the gym or heavy work around the house can help reduce pain and inflammation. You may find that you don’t have to reach for ibuprofen for pain relief. Welcome to a more natural way to speed up recovery.
boost your mood
Feeling winter blues and struggling to manage stress? Cold therapy can help. While it may seem like a superficial solution, cold water therapy’s benefits are actually deeper than you might think when it comes to boosting your mood.
a 2007 research study Cold showers can help treat symptoms of depression and have been found to be more beneficial than prescription medications in uplifting mood when used regularly. This is due to stimulation of dopaminergic transmission in the system and the nigrostriatal pathway.That said, cold water triggers a flood of mood-uplifting neurotransmitters that make you happy. another study A study that analyzed the effects of regular winter swimming on swimmers’ mood found that after four months of regular cold-water swimming, subjects felt more energetic and active than those who did not dive into the polar regions every day. was shown.
So the next time you find yourself feeling down, think about how cold water therapy can help keep your body and mind happy. Take a quick cold shower at , or whatever.
Strengthens hair, skin and nails
if you are struggling We know how difficult it is to achieve a dewy glow if you have dry skin and hair. What answer have you never thought of before? cold shower.
according to Expert, cold water reduces the size of pores and tightens the skin. Cold water doesn’t open pores and encourage oil release like warm water, so there’s no excess oil that can cause greasy hair or breakouts. Cold water also stimulates the hair follicles to naturally increase hair thickness and length. double win.
Cold water therapy: how to get started
Luckily, you don’t have to dive into a 50-degree lake to reap the benefits of cold water therapy. You can dip your toes first!Method is as follows Experts recommend starting your cold treatment journey.
- Take a cool shower and relax. Gradually reduce the amount of water you use. Of course, you can also just jump right in with no hot water at all, but this can be a bit of a shock to your system.
- take a deep breath. Once you’re at the right temperature, slowly step into the shower and take a few deep breaths.
- Start slow. Start with your hands, then your feet, and then the rest of your body.
- Continue your routine. Proceed with your normal hair and body wash, and step outside as soon as you feel too cold.
- Continue gradually. Over time, you will get used to cold showers and be able to spend more time in the shower, further reducing the temperature of the water.
Of course, always remember to breathe. Slow, steady breathing for victory. you have this!
This post was originally published on February 26, 2022 and has since been updated.
