Wim Hof and Joe Rogan have recently hyped the burgeoning ice bath trend, but this is no new fad. Cold-water therapy has been around for millennia, with written records of therapeutic hypothermia discovered in ancient Egyptian texts.
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Fast forward a few thousands years, more and more athletes are jumping into frigid waters. The theory is that cold exposure helps to reduce inflammation, joint pain, muscle soreness and risk of injury. But there must be some depth beyond a post-workout recovery that is inspiring far more people to dive into daily dips.
The Benefits of Cold-Water Therapy
According to Huberman Lab, pushing your body out of its comfort zone and overcoming avoidance builds a higher tolerance to pain — not just to handle cold temperatures but everyday stressors, as well.
Beyond the grit factor, you may also notice an invigorating sense of serotonin through your brain as your body adjusts its temperature back to normal levels after a shivery soak. And the more uncomfortably cold water you deliberately expose yourself to, the more wellness benefits you may experience — from boosting your immune system and metabolism to alleviating anxiety and reducing stress. Devotees also preach about better sleep, elevated moods and an overall feeling of alertness throughout the day.
