Cold Water Therapy
Scientifically, it has been proven that Cold Water Immersion helps to reduce muscle inflammation. The temperature of the water lowers the damage of the affected tissue, and reduces further swelling.
I do cold therapy whenever i can. It resets my domamine levels and I feel great for the rest of the day.. I particularly like natural environments. I like the 43-52 degree range. It's definitely a mood booster. Past research says that cold water plunges increase dopamine by 250 percent.
Cultures around the world have used cold water therapy for thousands of years. For example, cold water immersion was used for therapeutic and relaxation purposes in ancient Greece and promoted by Roman physician Claudius Galen as a treatment for fever
Cold
My first Wim Hoff Experience
Exposing your body to cold water causes the blood vessels in submerged areas to narrow (known as vasoconstriction), which directs blood to your organs.
Plus, water exerts pressure (known as hydrostatic pressure) on the body, which promotes blood flow to major organs like the heart, brain, and lungs, according to research. When more blood moves toward your major organs, it’s able to gather more oxygen and nutrients.
As soon as you emerge from the cold water, those same blood vessels expand (known as vasodilation),. When that happens, the oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood gets pumped back to your tissues, helping remove waste products, such as lactic acid, and lower inflammation, per research.
“You can’t have pain or disease without inflammation". As such, methods that lower inflammation, like cold water therapy, may be helpful for many health complaints.
Using cold water therapy on a regular basis may also have long-term benefits for your heart and blood vessels. Around every blood vessel is a muscle, so just like doing a bicep curl strengthens your biceps, cold water therapy strengthens your blood vessels. Over time, this may boost circulation by improving your blood vessels’ ability to circulate blood through your body.
Cold water therapy can be done at home, in a natural body of water, or at a fitness club, physical therapy clinic, or specialty wellness studio. However, it’s best to do cold water therapy under the guidance of a physical therapist if you’re using it to recover from an injury, for sports performance, or to help with chronic pain.
Hot
When properly practiced – that is, without excess temperatures (extremely hot water is to be avoided) or prolonged immersion, hot water therapy offers many health benefits and is a highly effective way to relax.
Hot water creates a sense of well-being and tranquillity as well as a feeling of lightness. Once submerged in water, the body weighs only a third of its weight. Dipping into a spa eases the pressure that’s normally exerted on the muscles and joints, thereby creating an immediate sense of comfort. Our movements also become slower and more ample.
The combined effect of the soothing hot water and massaging water jets also improves blood circulation, eliminates excess lactic acid following physical exertion and helps the body to produce dopamines and endorphins – otherwise known as the “happy hormones”. Hot water therapy is therefore ideal for relaxing, relieving sore muscles and reducing stress, along with a host of other benefits that leave us feeling rejuvenated. What’s not to love?
