The practice of using cold water to treat various ailments and conditions has been used for centuries all over the world.
In ancient times, cold water was used for therapeutic purposes by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Hippocrates recommended bathing in spring water and the Egyptians were aware of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of cold. Roman baths had a series of heated rooms that culminated in a cold water plunge at the end.
Other cultures, such as Native Americans, Russians and Japanese, have a history of using cold water for health and spiritual cleansing.
Modern day cold water therapy traces back to the 1920’s when a German farmer named Vincenz Priessnitz, developed a new medical treatment called “hydrotherapy.” He turned his family’s property into a sanitarium, and people from all walks of life, including the rich and famous, came in hopes that cold water could cure their ailments. It soon spread to other parts of the world, as medical records reflected the healing benefits of hydrotherapy.
Today, athletes and everyday people are using cold exposure to reap health benefits.
-
Helps improve metabolism
-
In one study participants were immersed in cold water for one hour and their resting metabolism increased by 93% in 68 degree water and 350% in 57 degree water, while there was no metabolic change in warm water.
-
-
Keeps hair and skin healthy
-
Cold water helps retain natural oils in your hair and keeps your skin hydrated.
-
-
Strengthens your immune system
-
There was a 29% reduction in sickness for participants who participated in a cold shower regiment compared to the control group in one study.
-
-
Relieves depression
-
A study showed that cold hydrotherapy can activate the sympathetic nervous system and increase the blood level of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline in the brain, which resulted in an anti-depressive effect.
-
-
Reduces muscle soreness
-
There was evidence that cold-water emersion reduces muscle soreness for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after exercise compared with a passive treatment.
-
Tips for Getting Started
While there are facilities that offer cold therapy services, such as cryotherapy chambers, the easiest way to get started is free and can be done in the convenience of your own home, just like James Bond.
Start with warm water while you do your normal washing routine. Then gradually make the water colder until it’s as cold as it goes. You want the temperature to be 70 degrees Fahrenheit or colder to get the most benefit. Try to stay in for 30 seconds and work your way up to 5 minutes.
Another method is to take a contrast shower, which is when you go back and forth between hot water and freezing cold water. Spend a minute In hot water then switch it to cold for one minute – repeat this several times.