Hi fellow Hivers!
Whether you love the cold or simply can't stand it, one unarguable fact is that regular cold exposure greatly improves our immune systems, which is especially important during the fall/winter season. In one of my latest posts, I've written about about a breathing technique that works as a similar health aid. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, I highly encourage to do so, as it might have a life-changing effect on you :) As already mentioned, both the breathing and the cold exposure affect our bodies in a similar way. In the matter of fact, both are integral parts of the Wim Hof Method (WHM for short). Preferably, the breathing method is the one you start with, as it teaches you the correct breathing pattern, which comes in handy while dealing with the cold.
How does the cold therapy affect our bodies?
Cold exposure is a hormetic (or eustress) stressor, which is scientifically proven to be beneficial. Simply put, causing just the right amount of damage to our body makes it stronger. For example, when working out, we irritate our muscles, and when they recover, they become more powerful. In the same way, the cold therapy serves as a training for the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Fun fact: The human circulatory system stretches over 106 000 kilometers (~ 66 000 miles) - that's more than two and a half times the circumference of the Earth!
Fun fact 2: Our immune system remembers every microbe it has ever fought and defeated.
Head down to one of my other publications to find out more about hormetic stress.
Benefits of the cold exposure
The list of benefits is long (here I'll only list a few), and as there are ongoing scientific studies concerning the topic, it will surely be extended in the near future.
We have become alienated from nature, but the cold is capable of brining us back to what we once had lost.
source: #wimhofmethod
Cold exposure
- improves immune response (no more flu and common cold!);
- reduces inflammation, swelling and sore muscles;
- improves mood and cognition, decreases depression, and protects against neurodegenerative disease;
- speeds up metabolism;
- enhances the sleep quality;
You can find out more information (including ongoing and past scientific research) at wimhofmethod.com.
Also make sure you subscribe to the cold therapy community for tips on how to start with the cold exposure, how to turn a chest freezer into an ice bath and more.
Stay strong, happy and healthy!