Cold Immersion Therapy For Mental Health

You may have seen viral videos on social media of people jumping into ice baths or cold bodies of water, espousing the benefits of immersing oneself in cold water. Cold water therapy is not just a social media trend; it has been practiced for hundreds of years, dating back to ancient Greeks. Cold therapy may bring many benefits, such as improving recovery after workouts and reducing pain. In this article, we’ll explore potential benefits and what current research says about it.  

What is cold immersion therapy?

Cold therapy, also called cryotherapy, refers to exposing oneself to cold temperatures in some way, and the treatment can impact humans' physiologically in several ways. It reduces body temperature, changes blood flow, and may improve health. In the same way that putting an ice pack on sore muscles can help to relieve muscle soreness, it can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. It's important to note that research suggests there may be potential benefits of cold therapy, and while research is underway, there are some risks to consider, too.

How does cold therapy work? When exposed to cold temperatures, blood vessels constrict, increasing circulation to internal organs, such as the heart and lungs. By slowing down blood flow and other fluids into affected tissues, it may also help reduce inflammation. 

Potential benefits of cold water immersion therapy

1. Recover from workouts faster

Cold water immersion therapy can be popular among fitness enthusiasts because it may speed up recovery after workouts. Increased circulation from exposure to cold water temperatures can help to flush out lactic buildup from tissues, preventing soreness and boosting workout results. Cold exposure can also numb pain. Quick recovery can make it easier to train.  

Results of one research study suggested that cold water immersion could negatively impact strength training and muscle mass if used long-term. Depending on your fitness goals, saving the ice baths until after a particularly intense workout may be better than making it a regular practice. 

2. Reduce chronic pain

People who are living with chronic pain may be able to benefit from cryotherapy. There could be both long-term and short-term benefits for treating chronic pain with cold exposure. Cold temperatures can help calm the central nervous system and relieve inflammation. 

Inflammation is a common cause of chronic pain; since cryotherapy reduces inflammation, it may be an effective way to relieve chronic symptoms of inflammation. Immersion in cold water temporarily numbs the nerves that send pain signals to your brain, so ice baths may effectively reduce pain temporarily.

3. Weight loss

4. Boost immune system

5. Mood improvement

6. Willpower

You can cultivate resilience, determination, and willpower by challenging yourself to do challenging tasks such as submerging yourself in ice water. Most people prefer to avoid this experience of being submerged in cold water, so the mental fortitude it takes to go through a plunge may help train you to be resilient and self-determined when faced with stressful situations.  

Other treatment options for better mental health

For some individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, traveling to an in-person appointment may feel challenging. In these cases, online therapy may feel like a more convenient option. Online therapy like BetterHelp allows you to meet with a licensed therapist without leaving the comfort of your home.

Research has shown that online therapy can be an effective treatment option for various mental health concerns, including depression. A study found that digital therapy can be effective at treating depression and improving symptoms.