Thanks to @wimhof (“The Ice Man”) and his massive following, cold therapy (particularly ice baths) are gaining popularity faster than ever. Many have reported immense benefits from this exercise, including activating the body’s natural healing powers especially in the immune, lymphatic, circulatory and digestive systems.
This is something I have been doing for a few years now and have noticed major benefits both physically and mentally. Is the extreme discomfort worth the results? Swipe to see a few of my favorite benefits:
More Circulation
As cold water hits the body and external limbs, it constricts circulation on the body’s surface, causing deeper tissues to circulate faster. It forces the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature- more blood flow means higher nutrient-transfer throughout the body.
Better Sleep
Because ice baths can help with the central nervous system and the regulation of cortisol levels, those who regularly do this report deeper sleep and quicker times falling asleep.
Muscle Therapy, Anti-inflammation, Reducing Chronic Pain
Athletes are well-known ice bath enthusiasts because of the therapeutic effect on the muscles, especially post-workout. The regenerative properties of cold water help muscles to relax and repair, allowing quicker recovery and less soreness.
Boosts Mental Clarity, Energy Levels, and Mood
The electrical impulses to your brain jolts your system to increased alertness, clarity, and energy levels. Endorphins are also released, leading to a felling of well-being and optimism.
Immune System
Cold showers have been shown to increase white blood cells, which protect the body against diseases. A 2016 study showed that participants were 29% less likely to need to call in sick to work when regularly taking cold showers.
Improved Response to Stress & More Willpower
While the physical benefits are great, the effects of cold therapy on the mind are what make this especially powerful. Cold water is not comfortable. It can even be described as painful! The cold shock that tells everything in your body to get out of the water or turn that handle to warm is overwhelming. However, if the mind can find a way to allow the body to endure for a few minutes, the body acclimates. This practice equips the mind to respond to stressful situations throughout the day more readily and significantly improves your willpower.