Cold Plunge Pool
The Cold Plunge Pool
The origin of ice bathing is the subject of speculation, with claims from many different eras of history. However, cold water therapy could not have developed without first learning about the medical and physical benefits of cold in general. In particular, early Ancient Egyptian and Greek theories gave a great starting point for the evolution of cold therapy. Thankfully, our understanding of ice baths has increased by leaps and bounds since the time of Hippocrates and Napoleon. On the physical side, we now have an in-depth idea of what cold water can do to our bodies, and we are just starting to scratch the surface of how ice baths benefit our mental health.
"If you tiptoe into cold water, you're missing out on the rush of plunging in headfirst."
Benefits of a Cold Plunge
Cold plunge therapy dates back to various ancient traditions, as do steam baths and saunas. In the late 5th century BC, Roman baths took an example from the Greeks and installed frigidariums (cold rooms) as part of their wellness circuits, to have users go through a cold pool after the steam room and the hot water pools. Nowadays, cold plunges form part of contrast therapy. The idea is to stimulate the cardiovascular system through a series of contrasting experiences, from hot and steamy to cold and revitalising.
