For example, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and increased endorphin release are commonly reported by those who regularly practice cold water immersion. Additionally, taking ice baths has been shown to improve mental health and well-being.
If you’re considering trying cold water immersion, read on to learn about the four surprising benefits of this therapy!
Why Choose Cold Water Therapy?
Cold water therapy, sometimes called an ice bath, is a type of therapy that leverages cold temperatures to treat a variety of conditions. While cold exposure was once mostly used for injuries and pain relief, recent years have seen a surge in the use of ice baths for other purposes, such as skin conditions, anxiety, and even depression.
So why choose cold water therapy? There are more than a few reasons. First, cold water therapy is non-invasive and has very few side effects. It is also a relatively affordable treatment option, especially when compared to other types of therapy. And finally, cold water therapy has been shown to offer a wide range of health benefits, so you get a lot for your investment.
4 Surprising Benefits of Cold Water Immersion
If you're looking for a simple yet effective alternative therapy option, cold water exposure using a cold plunge tank at home is definitely worth considering.
Stronger Immune System
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that cold water therapy can help to boost the immune system. But what does science say?
Studies have shown that cold water therapy can help to stimulate the immune system and fight off infection. One study found that people who took a cold shower had a significantly lower risk of developing a cold or the flu. Another study found that cold water therapy can help to improve the function of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infection.
So if you're looking for a natural way to boost your immune system, cold water therapy may be worth a try. Just be sure to start slowly and increase the coldness of the water gradually to avoid shock.
Healthier Blood Vessels
A new study has found that cold water therapy may promote healthier blood vessels. The study, which was published in the journal Medicine, found that people who soaked in cold water for two minutes had healthier blood vessels than those who didn't. That's because cold water triggers the cardiovascular system to spring into action, making blood vessels constrict. Then, the blood vessels open back up when you warm up again.
So what does this mean for your cardiovascular health? Cold water therapy can help improve blood flow and blood pressure, which can help protect your heart and vessels from disease. So if you're looking for a way to promote healthier blood vessels, cold water therapy at home is one solid strategy that can really pay off.
Promotes Weight Loss
Cold water therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is a treatment that exposes the entire body to temperatures ranging from 39-58º Fahrenheit. While it may seem counterintuitive, exposing the body to cold temperatures can actually help promote weight loss.
One of the ways cold immersion promotes weight loss is by increasing the body's metabolic rate. When the body is exposed to ice-cold water, it has to work harder to maintain its core body temperature. This process requires energy, which means the body has to burn more calories.
This cold therapy method can also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can actually affect your weight. That's because inflammation can lead to weight gain due to a lack of mobility, so by reducing inflammation, cold exposure in ice baths can indirectly promote weight loss.
Mental Health Benefits
Recent studies have shown that cold shock from cold baths can have a number of mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving mood. The therapy works by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects.
Cold water therapy is a simple and effective way to improve your mental health, and it can be done in a number of different ways. You can take a cold shower, immerse yourself in a cold bath, or even go for a swim in cold water. If you're not a fan of cold water, you can also try using ice packs or taking a sauna.
If you're looking for a natural way to improve your mental health, try easing into cold therapy with cold showers. While taking cold showers isn't as effective as a true ice bath, it can help you get started with this form of therapy.
