Exposure to ice cold water may seem extreme, but some experts are promoting practice.
The first polar bears were born in Vancouver in 1920 by a group called the Polar Bear Club, but the tradition is still strong.
Polar Plunge is an event in which a sturdy soul immerses in ice-cold waters. The event is held annually in various countries around the world, but in the United States it is often associated with fundraising for charities such as the Special Olympics.
Although previous research on the mood and cognitive effects of polar stalking stadiums is mixed, some traditional physicians will participate in polar stalking stadiums to recommend practice for mental health. However, dips pose serious health risks for some people, so people should check with their doctors before trying it.
Thickness stabilisers are not for the faint of heart, even among healthy people, but proper techniques make them more acceptable.
Survey results
A meta-analysis published in January was conducted at the University of South Australia and published in PLOS One. Data from 11 studies and 3,177 participants were examined to determine the health effects of cold water immersion in feng shui and showers. The authors defined the body partially or completely soaking at temperatures ranging from 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 seconds.
Although the authors limited the study to this temperature range, it is worth noting that actual experiences of cold water immersion may include cold or warm temperatures. Particularly, polar projection events take place in the winter, so they can contain cold water.
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Cold water soaking also resulted in a short-term increase in inflammation. This seems like a negative effect, but athletes regularly use ice baths to reduce inflammation and muscle pain after training, co-author Benshin added at a press conference.
“The immediate surge in inflammation is the body’s response to cold as a stressor. It helps the body adapt and recover, and is similar to the way exercise causes muscle damage before it causes muscle damage. So, , athletes use it despite the short-term increase.”
Additionally, the team found some associations between cold water immersion and high quality sleep, but it was not possible to determine whether benefits would apply to women as only men are involved in the data. did.
Despite many claims that this practice boosts immunity, the evidence proved to be inconclusive. No significant changes in immunity were observed immediately or 1 h after cold soaking.
Although improvements in quality of life and sleep were observed, no evidence was found that cold soaking improved mood.
Due to the lack of long-term data and the small size of many clinical trials in meta-analysis, the authors stated that stronger evidence is needed to verify benefits.
Possible mental benefits
A 2023 study published in Biology involved 33 healthy participants who took a five-minute body bath at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Self-reported emotions indicated that participants were more careful, active, inspirational, attentive, tense and untouched after the bath. The authors also measure brain connections and find that positive emotional boosting is related to the formation of brain connections involved in emotions, attention and self-regulation rather than reduction in negative emotions. I did.
Doctor’s opinion
Neurologist and co-owner of Neural Connections Thompson Maesaka shared his views on the polar prominence of the Epoch era in an email.
“From the first entry to the 30th, you will feel an immediate improvement in awakening and mood. Many will also report improvements in motivation.”
To support his argument, he cited biology research and pointed out that regular plunges provide evidence that increased energy levels, motivating, and overall mood.
“Shocks derived from cold water improve the overall physique by improving a person’s mood,” Dr. Michael Chichuck, Medvidi’s general practitioner and medical director, told the Epoch Times via email. I did.
“This is due to increased release of endorphins and norepinephrine brought about by cold soaking. It greatly improves physical and mental acuity, helping individuals relax, allowing them to take on all tasks throughout the day. I’ll concentrate.”
risk
The authors of the meta-analysis warned against cold water immersion as the study did not establish a safety profile. It causes short-term increases in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen uptake, cortisol (the stress hormone), and norepinephrine. The long-term effects of these responses are unknown, they wrote.
“Before committing to a cold program, make sure you’re screened for vascular issues and heart concerns,” says Maesaka.
“If you have an undiagnosed heart disease, sudden contractions of the blood vessels can be a problem. If the vascular system cannot handle the effect, the person may be faint on the lightheadedad. Screened By supervising the company, you can reduce these risks.”
Paul Koepnick, founder of the Millioki Wellness Society, holds the world record for extreme cold water plunges. He told the Epoch Times in an email that in addition to heart-related risks such as heart attacks, practice could lead to hypothermia, drowsing and potentially death.
“It’s difficult for people with Raynaud’s disease to struggle with cold pain, but using gloves and boots can help relieve symptoms,” Koepnick added.
Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which small blood vessels that supply blood flow to the skin become narrower in response to the cold, causing pain.
Polar Plunge Method
Polar events take place in natural waters such as lakes and oceans. However, it is safer to start with a controlled environment, such as a bathtub, to minimize the risk of accidental drowsing and dangerous cold water exposure.
He encourages you to find a temperature that works for you and gradually cools the water. It should be cold enough to elicit a little fear and anxiety, but it’s safe enough to step out if it’s too much.
As an avid polar protruding enthusiast, Koepnick recommends practice in sparkling words to anyone who has no medical reason to refrain from doing so. In his view, “Cold immersion in cold water, including cold plunges, is very powerful and beneficial for your health. This is one of the only practices that affect all organ systems of the human body up to the cellular level. ”
