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