What Is a Cold Plunge?

A cold plunge, also called cold-water immersion, is the practice of immersing your body in icy water for a short period. Practitioners usually aim for a temperature of around 50°F (10°C), and the goal is to stay immersed for 30 seconds to a few minutes. This can be done in a cold lake, an ocean or simply a tub of cold water. A cold plunge can be done alone or combined with heat therapy (contrast therapy).

The practice of cold plunging has existed since ancient times, with some Roman baths including frigidariums or cold pools. In modern times, the practice has continued, and many of its health benefits have been confirmed through research.

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How Does a Cold Plunge Work?

Exposure to cold water triggers physiological and biochemical changes that benefit health. For example, researchers found it improves heart health by having a similar effect on the cardiovascular system as aerobic exercise. It was also found to increase noradrenaline levels by 530% and dopamine levels by 250%, while decreasing cortisol levels, making you feel invigorated and lowering your stress levels. It may also activate brown fat, helping your body burn calories.

What Are the Benefits of a Cold Plunge?

A cold plunge is a great way to boost health and well-being. Immediately after a cold plunge, you may experience immediate invigoration, but the long-term benefits come with regular practice. Some of the many benefits you can get from this simple practice include:

  • Improved blood flow and cardiovascular fitness
  • Increased metabolic rate and fat-burning
  • Reduced stress levels and improved mental health
  • Faster muscle recovery and reduced inflammation
  • A stronger immune system
  • Enhanced cell regeneration
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Who Is a Candidate for a Cold Plunge?

This spa treatment is noninvasive and relatively safe for most people. The best candidates are those who are generally healthy but in need of a health boost or a treatment to recover, revitalize and decompress.

Those with serious high blood pressure, arrhythmia, pulmonary edema and other serious conditions need to speak to a doctor before considering this treatment. We also do not recommend cold plunges to pregnant women.

The Cold Plunge Treatment

It is a good idea to become familiar with this treatment first, so you understand what to expect and what to do to ensure good outcomes.

Preparation

Before your appointment, you may want to start taking cold showers or baths at home to help your body acclimate to cold temperatures. You may also want to practice deep breathing since you will be out of breath for a short time. Bring a long-sleeved shirt and a well-fitting swimsuit with you.

Treatment

At our medspa, cold plunges are done in a special plunge pool and often in combination with other therapies. Our cold plunge pool is kept at temperatures between 32ºF and 53ºF (7ºC and 12 ºC). We usually recommend starting with short immersions of 30 seconds and up to a minute, then building up from there with each session.

Aftercare

Immediately after your plunge, it is important to gradually warm up by wrapping your body in something warm — such as a long jacket, towel or bathrobe. It will take a couple of minutes for your body to regulate its temperature. Just like after exposure to extreme heat, it is important to hydrate well after a cold plunge since you will lose a fair amount of fluids from the increase in metabolic and breathing rates.

How Many Treatment Sessions Are Needed?

Only one session is needed to notice the immediate benefits of a cold plunge. If you want to see the more substantial differences this treatment can make in your health, well-being and performance, having weekly sessions is best.

What Results Can I Expect After a Cold Plunge?

The results of a cold plunge can be felt immediately. However, you will gain the most from repeat treatment. Results you may experience from regular cold plunges include:

  • Quicker post-workout recovery since cold plunges aid in muscle recovery
  • Improved mood and better mental health thanks to the surge in feel-good hormones and cortisol reduction
  • Weight loss from accelerated fat burning
  • Better metabolic health as cold plunges activates brown fat

Can I Combine a Cold Plunge With Any Other Treatments?

Yes! At Aesthetic Polyclinic, we perform cold plunges as part of contrast therapy with an infrared sauna. The infrared sauna treatment offers deep heating that not only triggers sweating and detoxification but also boosts blood flow to muscles, joints and other tissues in need of healing. When paired with a cold plunge, this treatment can offer full-body relaxation and healing.

Why Choose Aesthetic Polyclinic for My Cold Plunge?

At Aesthetic Polyclinic, we understand the importance of holistic therapies in optimizing health and well-being. To support you in achieving optimal health, we offer cold plunge therapy alongside our medspa treatments. Our wellness center is equipped with a specialized plunge pool in a relaxing and private environment.

Schedule Your Cold Plunge Consultation at Aesthetic Polyclinic

A cold plunge is an ancient practice with science-backed health benefits. For best results, you want to enjoy this treatment in a controlled and comfortable environment surrounded by professionals who will guide you through every step. If you want to try our cold plunge alone or together with our infrared sauna, schedule a free consultation at one of our clinics in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Al Ain.

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