If you have lived in Colorado for a significant amount of time, you are no stranger to the cold. Every winter we find the landscape painted white with frost and snow and we have to bundle up just to make it to our cars. But in the same way that our minds and bodies can be invigorated by clearing the snow off of our cars in subzero temperatures, we can also improve the health of our bodies and minds through intentional cold therapy.
While cold therapy may sound like something that only natives of Colorado who have particularly thick skin might attempt, it is actually something that has been around for many centuries. Many different cultures have had some form of cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, as a way to heal the body and invigorate the mind.
As early as the fourth century BC, Hippocrates was using cold water as a way to bring health, healing and pain relief, and many physicians since then have documented the benefits of cold water. It is also a part of many modern cultures. Take Scandinavian winter bathing as an example, where many people take a dip into icy sea water on a daily basis as part of an overall healthy and active lifestyle.
Today, we understand more about the science behind cold water therapy and how it can boost health. It isn’t simply a fleeting trend on social media, it is backed by many years of research. And not only is it therapeutic, but it can also be very convenient and easy to add to your routine.
What Is Cold Therapy?
Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, is the application of cold temperatures to the body, especially through the use of water, for therapeutic purposes. It’s like taking the frigid waters of a mountain stream and bringing them to your backyard so that you can take advantage of the benefits from your own home. While there are many methods, one of the most convenient is a cold therapy tub that can be cooled to a specific temperature without the hassle of having to freeze enough ice to bring the temperature down.
How Does Cold Therapy Work?
Cold therapy works by leveraging our body’s physiological responses to extreme cold. When you expose your body to a cold environment, it goes into a form of survival mode. Blood vessels constrict, a process known as vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to your extremities to retain heat around your vital organs.
The process of vasoconstriction is followed by vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels when you warm up post-cold exposure) which results in something similar to a natural, cardiovascular workout. This cycle helps flush out toxins and metabolic waste from your muscles, bringing in a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood.
This cooling effect can also trigger a rush of norepinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that can have a positive influence on mood, focus, and inflammation.This can help your body fight stress, recover from exercise, and feel more energetic overall.
Another key aspect is the role of cold therapy in activating brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue. Unlike white fat, which stores calories, brown fat burns energy to generate heat, which can promote calorie burn and potentially aid with weight loss.
What Are the Benefits of Cold Therapy?
Boosting Your Immune System
Cold therapy can stimulate the production of white blood cells and vital proteins like cytokines, strengthening your immune response. This boost can help your body better fight off infections and illnesses.
Enhancing Recovery After Workouts
The post-exercise application of cold reduces inflammation and muscle soreness, speeding up recovery. It’s like putting an ice pack on every inch of your body, giving your muscles a reset and helping you get back to your active lifestyle faster.
Improved Sleep
Cold therapy can regulate your body’s temperature, leading to a deeper, more restful sleep. This results in waking up more refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Promoting Weight Loss
As previously mentioned, by activating brown fat, cold therapy can stimulate your body’s natural fat-burning processes. This could potentially assist with weight loss goals when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Increasing Mental Alertness
Exposure to cold triggers a surge of norepinephrine which not only enhances focus and alertness but can also help with mood and mental health, combating stress and anxiety and helping to improve some symptoms of depression.
Easing Symptoms of Chronic Conditions
Many people with chronic conditions that are associated with pain and inflammation can receive benefits from cold therapy. This strategy can help with managing rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and other types of chronic pain. It is always important to discuss any new treatment, even cold therapy, with your doctor first before incorporating it into your routine.
How to Use Your Cold Therapy Tub
- Set Your Temperature: Start by setting the temperature of your cold therapy tub. We recommend beginning with a relatively mild temperature, around 59°F (15°C), gradually working your way down as you get more used to this type of therapy.
- Prepare Your Body: Before entering the tub, ensure you’re well-hydrated and have warmed up your body with some light exercise. This preparation helps your body handle the sudden temperature drop better.
- Take the Plunge: Once you’re ready, slowly step into the cold therapy tub. Initially, try to stay in for one to two minutes, gradually increasing the duration as your body becomes accustomed to the cold.
- Listen to Your Body: This is crucial. Everyone’s tolerance to cold varies, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. If you feel uncomfortable or experience intense shivering, it’s time to get out.
- Warm Up Afterwards: After you step out of the tub, dry off quickly and warm up your body with some gentle movement or a warm blanket. This helps your body return to its normal temperature safely.
- Consistency is Key: As with any wellness practice, consistency is vital. Aim for regular sessions in your cold therapy tub to maximize its benefits.
Our New Cold Therapy Tubs at Wind River Spas
For many years, Wind River Spas has been a pioneer in the world of hot tubs by providing an indulgent and chemical-free soak for Colorado residents. We are continually pushing the boundaries to meet the unique needs of our community. Now, we are excited to bring you a new type of therapy that’s perfectly in sync with our climate and your lifestyle, our new cold therapy tubs.
Drawing on decades of experience in crafting high-quality tubs that can withstand the harsh climate, we have channeled this expertise into designing our cold therapy tubs. Built with attention to detail and our classic durability, they can open up many more benefits for you to enjoy from your own home.
Set to launch in September, our cold therapy tubs are a new way that we can bring health and wellness to our community in Colorado. Stay tuned for more information about our new product!
Cold Therapy in Denver, Colorado
Cold therapy offers many benefits that are backed by science. This method, which has been used for many years to improve wellness and speed up healing, is now something that you can easily access from home any time you want it. At Wind River Spas, our cold therapy tubs will enable you to take the plunge any time that is convenient for you. Call us today at 303-789-2656 or fill out an online contact form to find out more about our chemical-free hot tubs and cold therapy tubs in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas.