What Is Cold Water Therapy?
Cold water therapy is an alternative treatment for many ailments. It has been used for centuries in the Eastern world and more recently in the Western world.
In the Eastern world, cold water therapy is often used to treat inflammation, pain, and swelling. In the Western world it is often used to treat chronic pain from conditions like arthritis. It also has been found to be a useful treatment for depression and anxiety disorders as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The use of cold water therapy dates back centuries. The first known reference was in ancient Greece by Hippocrates who recommended it as a remedy for joint pain and inflammation.
What Does Cold Water Therapy Do?
The benefits of cold water therapy are numerous. The most common include: reduced swelling, decreased muscle spasms, increased blood circulation, improved moods, increased energy levels, faster recovery time from injury or illness.
How To Do Cold Water Therapy.
The process is simple: First you need to fill a tub with cold water that is not too deep. Then you submerge your body in the cold water for a short period of time (30 seconds to 3 minutes). Finally you exit the tub while making sure that your skin does not get too cold before it has had time to adjust back to normal temperature.
An alternative if you don’t have a bath is to do cold water showers. Finish your shower with a 2-3 minute cold shower every day.
How Do I Prepare Myself For Cold Water?
You must remember your body needs time to acclimatise to the cold water. Start gradually with short periods of time and increase a little bit (30 secs) each time. Aim for cold water therapy at least 3 times a week and work up to daily use.
Precautions:
Please always seek medical advice prior to starting cold water therapy, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart conditions
- Diabetes (especially diabetic neuropathy)
- Vascular conditions
- Blood pressure issues
Resources:
Cold Water Immersion – Wim Hof.