Imagine you coming back after having a bad day. Maybe you have worked out and now the only thing that will soothe those body aches is a nice warm shower. It is so healing and so levitating. But do you know if you opt for a cold shower at that moment, it will be much more beneficial for your body?
Cold water therapy, is an ancient practice of healing your body. In ancient times, several cultures practiced ice baths to accelerate healing. From Romans to the Scandinavians, cold water therapy has been used repeatedly because of its several benefits.
In the modern day, this alternate therapy is gaining a lot of limelight. And given all the benefits it has, it should be a regular practice for us.
So what exactly happens when you take a cold shower?
When the body is suddenly exposed to freezing temperatures, it undergoes significant physiological changes. Such temperatures trigger a hormone called norepinephrine. This hormone is a neurotransmitter, which can enhance focus and mood. Moreover, cold exposure also triggers the body’s natural fight-or-flight response, which in turn increases the heart rate, and hence blood flow to vital organs also increases.
Are you someone like me who also suffers from anxiety and stress daily? Cold water therapy is something that has had magical effects on my mental health. Exposure to cold water increases the production of endorphins (feel-good hormones), which helps in keeping anxiety and related stress at bay.
In modern times even athletes are using cold water therapy for a better recovery and performance. Ice baths have become very common practices in several sports such as running, footballs, and others.
According to Michael Phelps, "Cold water immersion has been a big part of my training and recovery. It helps to reduce soreness and speed up recovery time, allowing me to train harder."
Cold water therapy has a lot of health benefits, which include
Boosting immunity by increasing the number of white blood cells
Reducing inflammation and muscle soreness by constricting blood vessels.
Enhancing focus and mood by triggering the secretion of endorphins.
Improving overall cardiovascular health by promoting better circulation.
Improving metabolism by stimulating brown fat activity.
Step-by-step beginner's guide to cold water therapy
Always consult a healthcare professional first before starting anything
To prepare your body for cold exposure, you can use the Wim Hof method.
Start with cold showers and then gradually move towards ice baths.
Try to stay calm and focus on breathing to reduce the initial shock of cold exposure.
Start with short durations (30 seconds) and as your body adapts, you can go on for longer durations.
Always make sure there is someone else to accompany you.
Image Source: https://magzter.com/stories/newspaper/Evening-Standard/WIM-HOF-IVE-BEEN-CALLED-A-MADMAN-FOR-40-YEARS
The man who unveiled the magical benefits of cold water therapy is Wim Hof, also known as The Iceman. Hof has faced numerous challenges in his life, and cold water exposure has not only fortified him physically but also healed him internally. Today, he shares his wisdom, teaching many about the profound gifts nature offers when you push beyond your limits and dare to take the leap.
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