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Cold water immersion

TheCatWoman

I've heard that things like cold showers, cold water swimming etc are really good for ones health, especially if one has something like fybromyalgia or other inflamitory conditions and for mental health too.

Has anyone tried it, does it work or did it just make you so cold you couldn't get warm again?

Parents

  • My gym has a little spa area, and in it is a 'plunge pool' - it is approximately 6 degrees Celsius. I regularly go in it.

    I'm not actually sure about the health benefits, I know online you'll see a lot of claims, but I can't say for certain. However, mentally I absolutely love it. There's the actual mental challenge you overcome by getting in there, and you feel great for doing that.

    Plus, the first thirty seconds or so is difficult, then I find you manage to adapt a little and it gets easier. Then, I can truly relax for a few minutes before the coldness creeps in again and it reverts back to an endurance challenge - this little window of relaxation is so, so blissful, it relaxes me like nothing else does and I really love it.

    When just going in for something like that, I do about 3-5 minutes. On some days it is harder than others in which case I'll leave early, like for example if I feel a little weak or dizzy I'll get out early. My best is 11 minutes - I don't usually time myself but on that occasion I did.

Reply

  • My gym has a little spa area, and in it is a 'plunge pool' - it is approximately 6 degrees Celsius. I regularly go in it.

    I'm not actually sure about the health benefits, I know online you'll see a lot of claims, but I can't say for certain. However, mentally I absolutely love it. There's the actual mental challenge you overcome by getting in there, and you feel great for doing that.

    Plus, the first thirty seconds or so is difficult, then I find you manage to adapt a little and it gets easier. Then, I can truly relax for a few minutes before the coldness creeps in again and it reverts back to an endurance challenge - this little window of relaxation is so, so blissful, it relaxes me like nothing else does and I really love it.

    When just going in for something like that, I do about 3-5 minutes. On some days it is harder than others in which case I'll leave early, like for example if I feel a little weak or dizzy I'll get out early. My best is 11 minutes - I don't usually time myself but on that occasion I did.

Children
  • in reply to orangutan

    6 degrees is COLD! I remember seeing a Dr Michael Mosley programme on TV about the benefits of cold water immersion. I don’t think there were enough people to make it a proper clinical trial with evidence, but one lady at least, had dramatic lift of her severe and enduring depression following several dips in a lake. Although I don’t do cold water immersion, I might be tempted if there was conclusive evidence with recommended temperatures.