Cold plunge benefits extend beyond the mental and chemical aspects of your body. Sports medicine has utilized cold water therapy for years, to help with the active recovery of the muscles.

 

 

Experts say cold water immersion can:
- Decrease inflammation
- Offer a huge rush of endorphins and spike dopamine
- Improve sleep and mood
- Reduce stress
- Help remedy aches and pains
- Boost injury recovery
- Reduce swelling
- Potentially increase testosterone
- Promote lymphatic drainage
- Regulate hormones
- Accelerate metabolism

Cold exposure is also thought to have positive effects on the skin as cold water can constrict blood vessels and decrease inflammation, which can give the skin a temporarily more radiant appearance.

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Who should avoid cold plunging?
- Those with cardiovascular disease or hypertension

- Those with Reynaud's syndrome
- Those who are pregnant
- Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other circulatory problems
- Those who have low body temperature at baseline
- Those who have pacemakers (unless they have medical clearance and/or direct medical supervision

 

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