Is it time to take the plunge?
The idea of cold-water therapy has been creating some waves for a while now with more and more research and evidence highlighting the significant benefits of taking the plunge. Additionally, with more and more key figures shouting about the benefits of embracing the cold and with more and more experts such as Wim Hoff and Gary Brecka providing us with the truth about cold water therapy is it about time we all dig out the swimming costumes and budgie smugglers to see if there would be any benefits for us.
Despite all the recent attention that cold water therapy is receiving, this practice has been going on for centuries with both the ancient Greeks and Romans practicing forms of hydrotherapy. In fact, Hippocrates, who many consider to be the founding father of modern medicine was known to suggest cold baths as a cure for various medical ailments. Nordic and Scandinavian cultures have been leading the line for generations for the cold water revolution where they have a tradition of having sauna sessions followed by cold water plunges as they believe it invigorates the mind and body and also helps to boost circulation.
The Physical Benefits
Even though my area of expertise does not cover the physical body, I do recognise the importance of our physical health in relation to promoting our mental wellbeing. The physical benefits of cold water therapy are significant and largely recognised within the medical world and also in the sporting world where many athletes utilise cold water therapy to help with injuries and to help boost recovery from intense workouts. Now here is the scientific gobbledygook, plunging into cold water promotes vasoconstriction which is the process of your blood vessels constricting (narrowing) and then the process of vasodilation which is the widening of your blood vessels. This ‘pumping’ process improves overall circulation by delivering more oxygen and the necessary nutrients around the body to promote recovery from injury and workouts.
“experience the chill to unleash the thrill”
The Medical Benefits
If, like me, you’re reaching an age where future health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia become a conscious consideration, then cold water therapy could provide significant benefits. Insightful research is now showing that cold water therapy releases a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), this protein is an integral element for the development of brain circuits. Ultimately, this protein strengthens our cognitive functions and improves memory and concentration.
Stress Management
So how does cold water therapy help with stress and anxiety I hear you say! When you are suddenly exposed to cold water, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, this triggers the natural ‘fight or flight’ response. If we acknowledge the concept of cold water therapy as a process then this exposure type of therapy helps us to build our resilience allowing us to control our stressors in our day to day lives. Additionally, by mastering this uncomfortable process, we are in fact learning that we are capable of more than what we may have initially thought about ourselves.
The findings suggest that short-term head-out immersion in cold water is associated with a facilitated positive affect and reduced negative affect.
The Mental Health Benefits
We’ve discussed the physical benefits of cold water therapy, also, how cold water therapy, although not being a cure or treatment for Alzheimer's or Depression, it does have significant benefits. we’ve also highlighted how it can help to manage our stress and anxiety levels by helping to build our resilience and teach us about our true potential. It doesn’t stop there though as cold water therapy can have a significant impact upon boosting our mental wellbeing. By immersing ourselves in cold water, we stimulate the release of positive hormones, such as endorphins which enhance our mood and reduce any depressive symptoms. It is extremely interesting to note the double sided benefits of cold water therapy which are highlighted in a recent study. The research shows clearly that by engaging in cold water therapy there will not only be a reduction in negative emotions but also an increase in positive emotions.