Cold Therapy
Some of you might not be aware, but I’m a HUGE advocate for cold exposure…
It’s gained significant traction within the health and wellness industry in the past few years. So, I wanted to share some valuable insights regarding the benefits of cold therapy, and its ability to impact your nervous system and promote various health benefits.
What is cold therapy?
Cold therapy involves exposing the body to cold temperatures for therapeutic purposes. This can be incorporated through various methods, such as cold showers, ice baths and / or a face plunge.
What's all the hype about?
Firstly, I’m also a huge advocate for doing things outside your comfort zone and ice baths are an excellent tool to push your boundaries. Getting uncomfortable is necessary for growth and evolution of oneself, learning the skills on how to surrender, sit with emotions and sensations whilst also remaining mindful and present - is a superpower to everyday struggles!
Secondly, the key neurological advantage of cold therapy is its ability to regulate the nervous system, in particular both branches of the autonomic nervous system.
How does it do both?
When you take a cold shower or plunge, the initial hit of the cold activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This response triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to increased alertness and enhanced mental focus.
However, as your body starts adjusting to the cold, SNS activity declines, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) responsible for the “rest and digest” response increases. It does this mainly through the activation of the vagus nerve; which promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.
What does research show us:
Cold therapy can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, improve sleep quality, improve metabolism, enhance mental wellbeing AND be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with fatigue and low energy levels.
If you need a little more convincing or would like to dive deeper, here are 2 podcasts I loved listening to by the Huberman Lab.
Dr Susanna Sober: How to Use Cold and Heat Exposure to Improve Your Health.
Episode #66 - Using Deliberate Cold Exposure for Health and Performance.
If this has spiked your interest in exploring the benefits of cold exposure in person, and you live on the Sunshine Coast - GREAT NEWS!
I am doing monthly ‘Breathwork + Ice Bath sessions’ on the last Sunday of every month. Would love to see you there.
Contact me if you’re interested!
Mads x