Welcome to the first of our Empowering Challenges videos.
Cold immersion therapy can help reduce muscle soreness, cool you down after exercise, help your immune system and metabolism, and even improve your mood. But make sure your immersion in co…
Welcome to the first of our Empowering Challenges videos.
Cold immersion therapy can help reduce muscle soreness, cool you down after exercise, help your immune system and metabolism, and even improve your mood. But make sure your immersion in cold water is brief.What exactly is cold water therapy?
Cold water therapy is the practice of using water that’s around 59°F (15°C) to treat health conditions or stimulate health benefits. It’s also known as cold hydrotherapy.
What are the benefits?
Supporters of this technique believe that cold water therapy can improve your circulation, deepen your sleep, spike your energy levels, and reduce inflammation in your body.
Cold water therapy does, however, have some benefits that are proven by science. Let’s take a closer look at what these benefits are.
Less muscle soreness
Although researchers are debating the details, studies indicate that athletes who soak in cold water for short periods after exercise have less muscle soreness later on.
According to medical experts, the reason cold water helps with pain is that it causes your blood vessels to constrict. This reduces blood flow to the area — for example, an injury you’re applying ice to — which helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
One note: If you’re using cold water to help with muscle recovery, you may want to combine it with strategies like stretching or active recovery.
May ease symptoms of depression
Cold water is not a cure for any mental health condition. But certain case studies suggest that cold open water swimming has helped alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in some people.
May boost your immune system
There’s some evidence that cold water therapy can stimulate your body’s immune system. This would theoretically improve your ability to fight illness.
Can cold water immersion help with weight loss?
According to health influencers, the effects of cold exposure can boost your calorie-burning capacity. But is there any truth to this claim?
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