Cold Exposure and ice soaking have become very popular again. Though this has been around for a very long time, people such as Wim Hof have repackaged it and started an old “new” trend.
I had never done this but have read a great deal. A couple of times, I have recommended it (with the qualifier of never having done it myself) to others. As such, I decided to give it a try by doing daily ice baths and cold showers.
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The results?
In a word, disastrous.
I experienced the following:
- Lowering of immune system
- Reduced endurance
- Stiffening of muscles, tendons, and ligaments resulting in decreased flexibility
- Insomnia
- Lowering of metabolism
There may have been others but these are the ones that really stood out.
You may be asking HOW this is possible. Quite frankly, I am asking the same thing. Traditional Chinese Medicine (and other principles of Natural Medicine) may give a clue.
Cold traditionally slows things down while its counterpart, heat, speeds things up. Given enough exposure to cold in terms of time, energy (called Qi) is said to stagnate. Stagnation of energy or blood results in pain, injury or some illness. This certainly accounts for the reduced functioning of the thyroid gland and thus, metabolism.
Oddly, I grew up in the highest mountain in one of the most mountainous states – Pennsylvania. I went to graduate school in Massachusetts and lived in Northern Virginia for a while, all cold, snowy places.
This Experiment proves a principle that I have used as a guide for my entire health career — treat people uniquely. There is no one-size-fits-all. At best, you get a one-size-fits a good sized group.
There are many people who have reported tremendous benefits from cold exposure. Some “incurable” diseases were claimed to be eliminated. Others have lost weight, improved their immune system and much more. People like Wim Hof are truly amazing individuals in what they (he) can accomplish.
But it is not for everyone.
Test it for yourself. Start slowly, perhaps with 30 seconds of cold showers daily. Note the reaction. If fine, proceed with caution. If not, end the experiment.
We are all unique, as is our chemistry. The only way to get THE best health care is to work with our uniquenesses. Methods such as Virtual Doc Wellness Visit (click here for more info) is the ideal way to go about reclaiming or maintaining your health and wellness.
