Even though it’s the middle of winter, it seems like
everyone is plunging themselves into cold water on TikTok. Is it just for the attention
or is there something to be said for an ice bath?
TikTok did not invent ice baths. Though they are trendy now,
Scandinavians have perfected the art of the post-sauna cold dip. It’s been
around even longer, as there are references to it in writings from ancient Greece.
Though this practice is celebrated for feeling invigorating, people are now
singing the praises of ice baths for their scientifically-backed health benefits, too.
One TikTok creator, Kya Jeub, has been charting her progress
as an ice bath newbie to a pro as she’s been doing it for 88 days and
counting. Jeub, who wears an ileostomy bag due to the removal of her large colon resulting
from ulcerative colitis, has been singing the praises of ice baths as she does
her daily few minutes in ice (usually in a chest freezer in her yard). She
began doing them last year to prove she was mentally capable of the challenge,
but now does them as part of her daily routine and swears by how much better
she feels physically and mentally.
Lots of athletes love a post-workout ice bath, too. This is
because cold water reduces inflammation and improves circulation. When
taking a plunge, the cold water constricts blood flow at the skin and forces
blood to the organs in order to maintain a proper core temperature. When you
warm back up, blood goes back to the skin, stimulating the circulatory system.
Pain is also reduced through this DIY cryotherapy. This is why ice baths are
suitable for conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatism and asthma.
As for the invigoration, ice water activates your flight or fight response, which not only gets your heart pumping but also has positive
effects on many bodily systems, including the immune system and metabolism.
Beyond the physical benefits, there are said to be mental
advantages to ice baths as well. Because it releases endorphins in the body, ice baths
are thought to improve mood and fight depression. There’s even a case study of a woman who took up cold water swimming and was then able to get
off the anti-depressant medication she was on for so many years.
As far as disadvantages go, ice baths might not be a good
idea for people with certain medical conditions, like heart conditions. There’s
also a risk of hypothermia If done incorrectly. You should also take your cold
plunge in a safe place – jumping into a frozen lake by yourself is never a good
idea.
If done properly, you will be able to reap the rewards of an
ice bath. Start slowly, with maybe just a cold shower for a few seconds at a time, and then build up. Eleven minutes a week is all that's needed for maximum benefits,
so a few minutes a day will help you reach your goals.
The hardest part is said to be powering through the initial shock, where your breathing is rapid and your body goes into panic mode. If you watch Jeub's progress, you'll see how it has gotten easier and easier for her over time and she is able to move past the shock period more quickly, so practice definitely makes progress.
If you can get past the discomfort of being cold, there's so much to gain on the other side of an ice bath. Are you ready to take the plunge?