Ice baths have become the latest hot trend thanks to celebrities attributing an array of physical and mental health benefits to them.
What do Chris Hemsworth, Lady Gaga, and Courtney Cox have in common? They all purportedly incorporate cold water plunging into their daily routines. Each touts the uncomfortable practice for boosting their moods, maximizing muscle recovery after workouts, and curbing fatigue.
Reacting to the trend, the public has been clamoring for cold plunge pools, with Google searches increasing by 177% over the past 12 months worldwide, according to Fitness Brand, a health and wellness website.
“Ice bath benefits can include improved circulation, reduced inflammation, boosted immune system, mental resilience, improved sleep patterns, and enhanced muscle recovery,” William Taft, the CEO of Fitness Brand, remarked.
However, cold plunges may not be for everyone, so he added that one should consult their doctor before incorporating it into their routine.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that cold therapy — whether by cold water immersion, exposure to cold air, or the application of ice — is nothing new. For instance, Hippocrates, who is considered the ancient Greek father of medicine, even suggested that cold therapy could combat fatigue.
In the 1800s, ice was used to numb the senses prior to amputations on the battlefield or other surgeries, but also as a means of controlling those with mental health issues in asylums. Patients would be wrapped in several blankets so they could not move while being sprayed with hoses or dunked in bathtubs full of ice and water.
“[This practice] only fell out of favor when more effective — and humane — means, like pharmaceutical interventions, were developed,” said Dr. Phil Jaekl, a neuroscientist, according to Medical News Today.
In the 1960s, cold water was recognized as having a therapeutic benefit for musculoskeletal issues. By the 1970s, the analgesic effect of cold water became cemented into the management of sports injuries with the acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) coined by American physician Gabe Mirkin.
Cox has some advice for anyone looking to try out the cold plunge. In an interview with Marie Claire, she shared how she focuses on the lyrics of a 5-minute song — such as Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” — in order to distract her from how much she hates sitting in the icy water.
