Ice Bath

In recent years, cold body therapy has gained serious popularity, because it is linked to numerous health benefits. This kind of Therapy is characterized by sitting inside a bucket of ice for a short amount of time, while extremely cold air is circulated around the body.

WHY ARE ICE BATHS SO POPULAR?

Cold relieves pains. Many people with musculoskeletal disorders feel that they benefit from cold treatments. Cold Plunge treatment is one of the most common physical treatments and self-treatment methods. It’s used to reduce pain, inflammatory reactions and swelling caused by injuries or diseases. Inflammation of the muscles and joints is relieved when local blood circulation increases under the influence of cold.

Cold causes a Stress reaction in the body that results in the secretion of noradrenaline, the contraction of the skin’s surface blood vessels, and an increase in blood pressure and heart beats. Repeated cold exposure increases the body’s ability to produce pain relief contraindications and improves perceived health and wellbeing.

According to Finnish studies, plasma’s noradrenaline content increases by 2-3 times after ice bathing, which may promote pain relief.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ICE BATH?

Ice baths bring many people relief from all kinds of aches and pains. It’s also a safe way to relieve the pain caused by infections. Pain meter studies have shown a significant decrease in the pain expressed by subjects during the cold treatment period compared to the control period.

Cold improves resistance. Cold activates immune function and strengthens myocardial and blood circulation. For example, ice swimmers experience an increase in resistance and a decrease in upper respiratory tract infections, and more than half also report a marked reduction in flu symptoms. The results suggest the adaptation of the immune system to cold.

Cold Plunge also activates the stress hormone adrenaline. According to a new study, the human nervous system and natural immunity are interconnected. The cold pool challenges the body beyond its comfort zone, which has a direct effect on immune functions. In addition, the functioning of the nervous system in the cold affects oxygen uptake, which is reflected in increased Energy.

ARE ICE BATHS GOOD FOR YOU?

Cold reduces stress, raises mood and revitalizes. Cold water helps stimulate the chemicals in our brain. These chemicals control our emotions, concentration and alertness. Cold water causes a stress reaction when the body begins to secrete the stress hormones – adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. At the same time, increased levels of the pleasure hormones endorphin, serotonin and dopamine are also released.

Cold improves sleep quality. In Finland, ice swimming has always been seen as a cure for aches, stress and Sleep problems. The effect of cold releases serotonin, which helps alleviate difficulty sleeping. Long, high-quality sleep is important for everyone but it is especially important for competitive athletes who need to be in optimal condition almost every day. Today, more and more attention is being paid to recovery, rest and sleep as part of an athlete’s overall coaching plan and wellbeing.

A more scientific approach and studies among ice swimmers reveal that there are a number of causes behind the positive effects of cold water. Cold water baths have been successfully used, for example, in the treatment of postpartum Depression. Studies have also shown that regular cold exposure has sometimes even been effective in cases where medication has not worked.