Cold Plunge

Benefits of Cold Plunge

  • The boost in norepiniphrine you'll get from consistant ice baths has been shown to be up to 5x. This neurotransmitter can dramatically reduce inflmamation and help with chronic pain.

  • Being immersed in cold water stimulates leukocytes, the white blood cells that help fight off sicknesses. It also causes the lymphatic system to contract, forcing fluid through the lymph nodes. This process aids in detoxing the body and strengthening your immune system. A study has shown to substantially lower upper respiratory tract infections.

  • When you dip into the Plunge, your body triggers the autonomic nervous system. This system is a network of vessels and nerves, split into two parts that control your response to stress. When you begin to control your response to stress, you’ll likely find that you begin to control your relaxation and sleep.

  • Cold water therapy has been shown to be an effective supplemental treatment for stress relief by decreasing the stress hormone cortisol. A study found that regular cold showers and ice baths helped reduce anxiety and improve the mood of participants.

  • Researchers have known for a while that it connects to our daily energy. In particular, there is lots of evidence that hormone inbalance can contribute to depression, meaning that a cold plunge might help to reduce depression and improve overall mood! Don't take our word for it though, just ask anyone who has ever plunged!

  • Cold plunging has shown the ability increase your baseline dopamine. Dopamine is the molecule in our brain and body that is linked to motivation. According to Dr. Andrew Huberman dopamine can enhance our depth of focus and lower our threshold for taking action towards our specific goals. 

 FAQs

  • Cold therapy is a form of cold stress that will activate the body’s internal healing mechanisms. There are many forms of cold therapy tubs and chambers that will give you all of the benefits of cold therapy. These methods may include using a chiller combined with cold plunge, or adding ice to a cold tub or ice barrel. Most commonly cold therapy is used for athletic recovery or mental clarity.

  • Some of the benefits of using a cold plunge may include pain relief, recovery, mental focus, body health, lowering inflammation in the body, and better sleep.

  • The difference between an ice bath and a cold plunge is that you typically don’t have to add ice to a cold plunge with a chiller unit. With an ice bath you will simply add the ice, and drain the tub when finished. With a cold plunge the chiller will circulate and filter the water so there will be less frequent draining and filling the tub.

  • The optimum temperature really depends on the individual and the goals they may have. The standard temperature is 45-59 degrees F for at least 2-8 minutes. Although, high performance athletes may use colder temperatures between 38-45 degrees F with a duration of 2-4 minutes.

  • Yes, as a general statement cold plunges are healthy for you if they are used correctly.

  • Although there is value to taking a cold shower every now and then. Ice baths and cold plunges will have an immediate effect on your entire body. The only way to truly reach consistent application of the cold is to fully submerge the body for a set duration of time.

  • The standard temperature is 50-59 degrees F for at least 5-10 minutes. Although, high performance athletes may use colder temperatures between 42-50 degrees F with a duration of 3-6 minutes.

  • For beginners the best way is to submerge your body into the water while keeping your hands and head above the water. Focus on your breathing and remain calm as the first 30 seconds are always the hardest. Typically the bath would last about 2-3 minutes.

    More experienced methods may include a quick head dunk into the water and keeping hands in the water for full recovery benefits. We also recommend using a colder temperature for a shorter amount of time.