It's been nearly ten years since my first ice bath. When I was in college, our coach made us take ice baths after practices in the weeks leading up to our major races. We'd sit in these tubs for 5 minutes at a time, up to our necks in near-freezing water. And I'd be terrified of it at the time. But after each session, I felt more slim, invigorated, and slept like a baby every night after an ice bath.
I'm still performing them ten years later, but significantly differently. Ice baths, ice plunges, and cold baths are all natural phenomena. Some individuals sit in an ice bath for shorter lengths of time, while others – like myself - sit in cold water (not always packed with ice) for longer amounts of time.
Cold plunges are a fantastic technique to swiftly and efficiently cleanse the body and increase circulation. Adopting behaviors that assist lower inflammation and toxic load has been one of my most important Lyme illness insights (they go hand-in-hand).
Nobody I know actually appreciates sitting in cold water (including myself). However, I will acknowledge that the confidence gained from fighting against oneself — and winning – will permeate every different aspect of your life. Inflammation = pain, retention (physical/emotional), anxiety/depression, gastrointestinal troubles, difficulty to recover correctly, and other symptoms. I was finally able to recover from my Lyme disease after addressing my issues with inflammation and toxic load. Finding techniques to minimize inflammation – notably, cold plunges – will always be a part of my daily routine.
How to Take a Cold Plunge | The Hive Cold Plunge Advantages
First and foremost, there isn't much reliable research on cold plunges and ice baths. But people wouldn't do these for hundreds of years if they didn't have a cause.
Cold treatment is obviously beneficial for accelerating muscle recovery, alleviating inflammation, and lowering swelling in the body, but how else can it help? Here are a few advantages of taking a chilly plunge:
Visit: https://www.renutherapy.com/blogs/blog/why-would-i-cold-plunge-and-what-are-the-benfits
Vagus Nerve Training
One of the most significant advantages of cold plunges is the ability to educate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve expeditions from the brain to the face, thorax, and belly. This nerve is the primary contributor to the parasympathetic nervous system and regulates vital biological activities such as mood, immunological response, digestion, heart rhythm, and others.
The vagus nerve connects the brain to the gastrointestinal system (our second brain) and transmits information to the brain about the status of the inner organs. You teach your brain and physical body to manage more stressful events more effectively by exercising the vagus nerve.
Can help you lose body fat
This was one unexpected advantage I discovered when taking cold plunges. Cold showers and cold exposure, according to research, boost the body's creation of brown fat. Brown fat is a form of fat tissue that burns calories to produce energy.
*Personal experience*: I discovered that taking regular cold plunges helped me reduce fat in difficult-to-burn places like my thighs and lower tummy. Definitely an extra bonus that I was not anticipating.
Immune system booster
According to research, taking a cold shower increases the quantity of leukocytes — white blood cells that protect the body from external substances and sickness. When your body is stunned by cold water, leukocytes are stimulated. Regular cold plunges might help your body build resilience against illness.
Endorphins are increased.
Accepting a cold shower for up to 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week, was found in a scientific experiment to help reduce symptoms of depression. Sitting in cold water may instantly stimulate your system, increasing alertness, clarity, and energy levels while also generating mood-enhancing endorphins. You'll experience a surge of endorphins as soon as you step into the water, so remember to breathe, be conscious, and notice what feelings arise while you sit in the tub.
Improves mental fortitude
I'll be honest with you: frigid plunges don't get any easier. However, your brain grows stronger.
Nothing like stepping out of the shower knowing you have completed a kickass treatment and exercise for your health. This may sound strange, but I've observed that when I perform cold plunges in the morning, I have a lot more confidence and a better attitude to handling jobs throughout the day.
🎧 Podcast: https://pod.co/podcastlive/6-health-benefits-of-cold-water-immersion-mp3
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