Benefits of Cold Therapy
photo credit - Merlin Blackmore
Description: Excerpts from the Wim Hof Method website short summary of the benefits
Benefits of Cold Therapy
“Frequent exposure to cold is linked to a number of different health benefits. For example, scientists have found evidence that exposure to cold speeds up metabolism. Another benefit of exposing your body to cold is that it reduces inflammation, swelling, and sore muscles. Therefore, many athletes use ice baths and other types of exposure to cold as a means to speed up recovery after physical exercise. Furthermore, cold body therapy is also linked to improved quality of sleep, more focus, and even an improved immune response.
Cold is an important component of the Wim Hof Method, which is applied in the form of cold showers and ice baths. Participants of the WHM report health benefits that range from higher energy levels to relief of symptoms caused by autoimmune diseases.”
Scientific Proof of Cold Therapy
“As a result of his method, Wim Hof is capable of extraordinary things, such as standing in a container filled with ice cubes and running a half marathon in the snow on his bare feet. In recent years, several scientists have performed controlled experiments to proof the powers of the Wim Hof Method and to unravel the mechanisms behind it. In a study carried out by the Radboud University, followers of the Wim Hof Method and non-followers were both exposed to a pathogen, while being closely monitored. The participants that practiced the Wim Hof Method showed an increased immune response and fewer symptoms of diseases. In another experiment, Wim himself was closely monitored in a cold environment and in a neutral environment. The results of this particular study showed that Wim’s levels of brown adipose are very high for a man of his age, but only when measured in a cold environment. Many more studies are currently conducted to expose the effects of the Wim Hof Method in areas such as stress, metabolism, and inflammation.”
