Isn’t humanity interesting?
In past centuries, warm showers were considered a luxury and taking a dip in cold water was a common practice for plebs and peasants.
Now, with the invention of hot water heaters and modern comforts, we've become accustomed to constantly having warm water at our disposal.
Now, it seems the scales have tilted the other way, with many people citing cold plunges and cold water immersion as a beneficial practice for both physical and mental wellbeing.
But it's more than just another passing fad like many health trends. There's actual stone cold (pardon the pun) scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Here at Beach Soul®, we're more hang-at-the-beach-and-surf than 6am-winter-morning-cold-plunge kinda people.
In saying that, we do see the value in cold water exposure therapy and the role our Beach Showers can play.
Read on to learn more!
What is cold water immersion therapy?
Cold water immersion therapy, also known as cold hydrotherapy or simply ice baths, involves immersing oneself in cold water for a short period of time.
The temperature of the water can vary from just above freezing to cool tap water temperatures, however, the real benefits are seen with water temperatures of 12°C (53.6°F) or below.
Wim Hof is one of the most famous proponents of this practice, also known as "The Iceman" for his ability to withstand extreme cold temperatures.
What are the different types of cold water immersion therapy?
You needn't have an expensive gym membership or even an innate understanding of the concept to give cold water immersion therapy a try. There are several different types of this therapy, including:
- Ice baths/cold plunge: As previously mentioned, immersing oneself in a tub or pool filled with ice-cold water is one popular method of cold water immersion therapy.
- Cold showers: This involves turning the faucet to its coldest setting and standing under the chilly stream for a few minutes.
- Cryotherapy chambers: These are chambers that use liquid nitrogen to cool down the air inside to temperatures as low as -100°C (-148°F).
How does cold water immersion therapy work?
The basic idea behind cold water immersion therapy is that by subjecting the body to extreme cold, it activates its natural survival mechanisms which have several health benefits. These include:
- Improved circulation: When exposed to cold temperatures, the body constricts blood vessels in order to conserve heat and protect vital organs. Once you step out of the cold water, your blood vessels will dilate, allowing for better circulation.
- Boosted immune system: Cold water immersion stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Reduced inflammation: Cold therapy has been shown to decrease inflammation in the body, which can help with chronic pain and other health conditions.
What are the potential risks or side effects of cold water immersion therapy?
While there are many potential benefits to cold water immersion therapy, it is important to note that there are also some risks and side effects that should be considered.
These include:
- Hypothermia: This occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to dangerously low body temperature. It is important to limit the duration of your cold water exposure and seek warmth if you start shivering uncontrollably.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Cold water immersion can cause a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose a risk for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Can you use a Beach Shower for cold water immersion therapy?
Note: We recommend attending a cold water immersion course in-person before attempting it on your own. You should also consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
Our Beach Showers can be used for many things, and perhaps if you left it outside over the winter, you could use it for cold water immersion therapy.
However, you'll be surprised at just how good our Beach Showers are at retaining heat! Whether you've already filled the tank with warm water or you've left your shower in the sun, Beach Showers tend to hold onto heat.
If you want to use a Beach Shower for cold water immersion therapy, we recommend adding ice or almost-freezing water to the tank. You can then use our Portable Shower Holder to adjust the height and aim of the water for maximum immersion.
FAQ: Cold water immersion therapy
Q: How long must I stay in cold water to reap the benefits?
This can vary depending on the individual and their tolerance to cold temperatures. It is generally recommended to start with short durations, around 1-3 minutes, and gradually increase the time as your body becomes acclimated.
Q: Can I do cold water immersion therapy at home?
Yes, you can. However, we recommend taking a cold water immersion course first or consulting a professional before attempting it on your own.
Q: What's the main benefit of cold water immersion therapy?
The main benefit of cold water immersion therapy is improved physical and mental wellbeing. It can help with circulation, immune system function, and reducing inflammation. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary.
Q: Is this practice safe for pregnant women?
Many pregnant women who cold plunge report increased energy and reduced swelling. However, as with any new health practice, it is important to consult with a doctor before trying cold water immersion therapy while pregnant.
Q: Can cold water immersion therapy help with muscle recovery?
Yes, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use cold water immersion therapy to aid in muscle recovery after intense workouts or competitions. The cold temperatures can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, leading to faster recovery times.
Q: Is it easy to set up my Beach Shower for cold water immersion therapy?
Yes, our Beach Showers are designed to be portable and easy to set up. Just fill it up with cold water and leave it overnight if it's winter. Alternatively, you can add ice to the tank for a more intense cold water shower that's guaranteed to wake you up better than any coffee!
Final thoughts
As we said in the intro, we're not massive health experts, but it seems a cold shower every once in a while can do you some good.
If you're keen to take the plunge (literally), might we suggest starting small and working your way up to more intense cold water immersion. Chances are you've got friends who've tried this too, so get together and make it a group activity.
After all, everything's more fun with friends.
Yes, even freezing cold showers!
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